A Cuban mother, with three small children, arrived desperate at the home of the comedian and philanthropist Limay Blanco in Havana to ask for food. The touching moment was shared by Limay himself on his social media, where he expressed his helplessness at the lack of resources to assist all those in need.
"I am just as bad off as you," Limay said in the video, pointing out that he had neither money nor large amounts of food at home. The woman, carrying one of her children, assured him that she wasn’t looking for money, but for something to eat. "From where? I don't have anything," he initially replied, while showing a sign on his door that said: "Notice: I am not serving anyone at this time. God bless you."
However, despite the limitations, Limay let her through and checked what he could give her. Although he didn't have enough rice to share, he did offer her some leftover sweets from a recent event organized by his ministry, where he had fed over 300 people. The woman said she lived in Guanabacoa.
Hours later, Limay held a live session where he provided more details about the case. He stated that he felt "stressed and exhausted" by the pressure of the assistance and revealed that the woman had already received support previously, including baby supplies, clothing, food, and toys.
According to her, the woman lives in precarious conditions, receiving 3,000 pesos a month (1,000 for each child), and her husband abandoned her after emigrating to Brazil. Limay rejected both the questions about her appearance and why she has three children: “Children are not a curse. They are a blessing.”
He also announced that this Saturday he will organize an event to publicly bless the mother and provide her with food that he can obtain thanks to the donations received after the video was posted. He similarly invited those who wish to contribute to contact him directly via private message to send assistance through available channels.
In his work with the ministry "Cristo Cambia Vidas," Limay has delivered 46 houses and hopes to complete the 48th if he can gather the necessary funds. “I may not be able to give you a water tank, but I can offer you a small cup, with much love,” he assures with the confidence that comes from his conviction in the work he does. However, the work has not been without disappointments: last May, the comedian reacted hurt when he heard about a woman who benefited from a home and, according to reports, expressed disdain for the assistance: “What a lousy house Limay gave me.” Nonetheless, he stated that he will continue to help without expecting gratitude, because “the important thing was the lesson.”
He has repeatedly shown to be visibly moved by the solidarity, as when, in January, a woman living in a makeshift home in the El Tamarindo neighborhood donated food to another mother in need, demonstrating that even in the midst of misery, there are those who share what little they have.
Scenes like that of this mother of three children reflect the structural poverty and state abandonment affecting thousands of Cuban families. While the regime prioritizes forced evictions and campaigns against illegal settlements, citizens like Limay Blanco attempt —with limited resources and the help of donors— to fill the gaps of a system that overlooks the most vulnerable.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Humanitarian Crisis in Cuba and the Work of Limay Blanco
What is the context that led a Cuban mother to seek help from the comedian Limay Blanco?
A Cuban mother, with three young children, arrived at the home of comedian Limay Blanco in Havana to ask for food due to the extreme poverty in which she lives. This situation reflects the structural poverty and state abandonment in Cuba, where many families survive in precarious conditions without the necessary support from the government.
How has Limay Blanco responded to the criticism and pressure regarding his philanthropic work?
Limay Blanco has expressed feeling stressed and exhausted by the pressure of the assistance efforts, but he remains committed to his social work through the ministry "Cristo Cambia Vidas". He has made it clear that he will continue to help without expecting gratitude in return, despite the criticisms and disappointments he has faced.
What actions has Limay Blanco taken to support needy families in Cuba?
Limay Blanco has led the "Christ Changes Lives" project, through which he has delivered more than 40 homes and provided various forms of assistance to people in precarious situations. He organizes activities to distribute food and other resources to families in need, and seeks the cooperation of donors to sustain his social work.
What does the situation of the Cuban mother who approached Limay Blanco for help reflect?
The story of this mother reflects the state abandonment and the lack of real solutions for vulnerable families in Cuba. While the regime prioritizes evictions and campaigns against illegal settlements, citizens like Limay try to fill the gaps left by a system that ignores the most vulnerable.
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