A group of Cubans managed to raise over 1.7 million pesos to buy a home for Benito, a single father with a 10-month-old baby who suffers from frequent health problems and was living in extreme poverty.
The case was brought to light through a Facebook post by writer and activist Guillermo Rodríguez Sánchez. It moved thousands of people on social media and is likely the most beautiful story of solidarity in Cuba that you will read today.
Benito never asked for anything. Everything came to him through the help of Rodríguez and two other Cubans, Verona Bonce and Yunior Tamayo Barrios, who, upon learning of his situation and seeing how he was solely caring for his baby in a hospital, decided to change his fortune for the better.
The initiative for the fundraiser to buy them a house arose thanks to the collaboration of numerous people in Ciego de Ávila. Some made small donations while others contributed large sums of money, but it was with everyone's help that they managed to transform the life of this small family.
The new home will be legally registered in the child's name (Benito Alejandro) and will ensure he grows up in a safer and healthier environment.
Details of the purchase and delivery of the property
The amount raised allowed not only for the purchase of the house but also for the delivery of appliances, clothing, toys, food, and other essential items. The distribution of the funds was as follows:
- Cost of housing: 1,190,000 CUP
- Cash given to the father upon the delivery of the house: 300,000 CUP
- Washing machine: 85,000 CUP
- Olla Reina: 21,000 CUP
- Backpack: 7,000 CUP
- Boots: 3,000 CUP
- Bank tax on the purchase and sale: 68,000 CUP
- Money given to the father for daily expenses during the process: 26,000 CUP
- Transportation expenses: 31,000 CUP
- Expenses on snacks for the guests at the event: 9,000 CUP
- Donations of appliances, food, clothing, toys, shoes, and medicine: 280,000 CUP
During the delivery of the house, there were moments of great emotion. Dozens of people gathered to share with the family and celebrate the collective achievement.
Rodríguez Sánchez emphasized the importance of this act of solidarity and how so many Cubans came together. "Today, we were a little piece of beautiful country in that new little house," he remarked in his post.
Benito, visibly moved, expressed his gratitude for the support he received and shared his hope that this new stage will bring better conditions for his little one.
The story of this father and his baby reflects the impact that citizen collaboration and empathy can have in a country where many families face significant economic hardships and the state does not provide solutions for the most vulnerable.
Frequently asked questions about community solidarity and the housing situation in Cuba
How was it possible to raise 1.7 million pesos for Benito and his baby in Ciego de Ávila?
The fundraising was achieved thanks to the collaboration of numerous supportive Cubans who, upon learning about the story of single father Benito and his baby with health issues, decided to contribute with donations. The initiative was spread by writer and activist Guillermo Rodríguez Sánchez through Facebook, moving thousands of people.
What was purchased with the money raised for Benito and his family?
With the 1.7 million pesos raised, a home was purchased for Benito and his son, in addition to various essential items, such as appliances, clothing, toys, food, and other necessary elements to improve their quality of life.
Why was the house registered in the baby's name?
The home was placed in the baby's name to secure their future and ensure they grow up in a safer and healthier environment. This measure aims to protect their rights and provide long-term stability.
What role does community solidarity play in improving living conditions in Cuba?
Community solidarity is essential in Cuba to assist families in vulnerable situations, especially in the absence of government response. Citizen initiatives have been crucial in providing decent housing and other necessary support to improve the quality of life for those in greatest need.
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