The warehouse of Belaberry, a blueberry production and sales company located in Serpins, Lousã, was destroyed in the recent fires devastating the region. The company shared the extent of the damage on social media, on Saturday, August 16th, seeking assistance to recover.
“We don’t know how to restart on our own,” stated Belaberry, clarifying that this is not due to “a lack of strength – that will come once the smoke clears – but because of a lack of resources.”
“Our warehouse burned down. The structure, all the machinery, tools, the cold storage chamber, both refrigerators, the freezers,” listed the blueberry producer, emphasizing further, “The 22 solar panels we just installed were destroyed. All the harvesting equipment, paperwork, and products were lost. Everything is gone.”
A portion of the blueberries were lost as well, mainly those near the borders, which are now unusable, but a significant area may still be salvageable.
Belaberry recognizes “there is life to protect and work to continue” but admitted in the same note their inability to tackle the task “alone,” writing: “We need your help.”
Every bit of support, “no matter how small,” will help the company acquire the “equipment needed to restore irrigation, electricity, clean the land, purchase buckets, and other supplies to try to harvest this year.” “Essentially, to get back on our feet,” they noted on Facebook and Instagram.
The publication includes details such as the account number and IBAN for those who wish (and can) contribute.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to anyone who lends us a hand at this moment,” it concludes.
In another social media update published on Sunday, August 17th, Belaberry shared more good news: “Your support has been a gigantic hug showing us we are not alone. We don’t know how, nor do we have words, to thank you for so much kindness,” they wrote.
A fundraising page has been created so that “soon, you can join us at the next table.”
See images of the destruction in the gallery above.
