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UPDATE: GoFundMe launched for severely burnt 3-year-old

The fund, created by aunt Virginia Karene Auguste, now has a goal of US $50,000 and up to publication time had raised in excess of $2,500 of its target on the platform. Photo: GoFundMe
A Virgin Gorda family is pleading with the public for financial assistance to help airlift their son, 3-year-old Micheal A. Charles, for treatment in Trinidad & Tobago after he received severe second-degree burns in a kitchen accident at the family's VG home. Photo: Provided
A Virgin Gorda family is pleading with the public for financial assistance to help airlift their son, 3-year-old Micheal A. Charles, for treatment in Trinidad & Tobago after he received severe second-degree burns in a kitchen accident at the family's VG home. Photo: Provided
Vernessa Charles with her son in happier times. Photo: Provided
Vernessa Charles with her son in happier times. Photo: Provided
Mrs Vernessa Charles told VINO this photo was taken moments before the tragedy struck the family. Photo: Provided
Mrs Vernessa Charles told VINO this photo was taken moments before the tragedy struck the family. Photo: Provided
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Less than 24 hours after Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reported on the plight of the Charles family, a GoFundMe account has been created in aid of 3-year-old Micheal A. Charles, who suffered second-degree burns in a kitchen accident at the family's Virgin Gorda home on Sunday, October 6, 2019, and must be air-lifted to Trinidad and Tobago for treatment.

The fund, created by aunt Virginia Karene Auguste, now has a goal of US $50,000 and up to publication time had raised in excess of $2,500 of its target on the platform.

The GoFundMe explained, “A little more than 50% of his body was burned and the family is in urgent need of financial assistance to travel to Trinidad for the operation. The family recently lost a lot in the hurricanes that hit the Caribbean recently, and live on the small island of Virgin Gorda.”

So far, the post on VINO’s social media pages has since accumulated hundreds of shares with thousands of engagement from users wanting to pitch in.

The child’s mother, Vernessa Charles, told our newsroom the family is still awaiting final word from the hospital in Trinidad and Tobago on the total cost. 

"The medical expenses are a large hindrance in the commencement of his treatment and admittance by the hospital. The hospital alone requires a down payment before any surgeries can take place, plus the costs of travel. Medical insurance is not an option as it is not something that is used in the British Caribbean islands," the online fundraising campaign said.

The GoFundMe link for persons looking to donate is available here.

See previous article published October 9, 2019

Family pleads for donations for 3-year old severely burnt @ VG home

A Virgin Gorda family is pleading with the public for financial assistance to help airlift their son, 3-year-old Micheal A. Charles, for treatment in Trinidad and Tobago after he received second-degree burns in a kitchen accident at the family's home on Sunday, October 6, 2019.

The issue was first brought to the media's attention through several posts by the child's family, specifically the child's uncle, Benjamin Mathurin, who pleaded with the public and members on social media to help donate toward the high medical bill.

Child to receive treatment in T&T medical 

In the Facebook post, he said, "I don’t usually do this but my nephew was burnt with hot water which resulted in 2nd-degree burns and is in critical condition. He has to be taken to Trinidad for care immediately I ask the public for help I know a lot may say it’s not their concern but he is only a kid anything you can donate will be greatly appreciated." 

Further, Mathurin noted he can be contacted on +1 (758)-284-9589 or his parents ‭+1 (284) 343-3166‬ and said the child is currently in the VI awaiting a flight to leave with the required amount of US $6700.

However, when Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reached out to the family, the figure required appeared to be much larger than originally anticipated. The uncle told this news website, "They won't allow him to go without the advance payment, so to help I'm trying my best to get monies together to aid but my help isn't enough."

He said the situation is one that requires immediate attention, however, due to lack of funds the child is still at Peebles Hospital.  

Deposit needed before the airlift 

VINO reached out to the toddler's mother, Vernessa Charles, who has since revealed they have managed to raise about $4000 and the total fee for just the transportation is $23,737; however, a deposit is required before the child can leave the territory which represents 20% airlift cost.

According to the uncle, "He was running, missed a fall and hit the stove which had water boiling to prepare a warm bath." He said the airlift fee is a partial $6700 deposit, however, the figure for the full treatment will be much greater.

They are seeking urgent donations which can be made at Scotiabank account number, 108001038 or contact the mother, Ms Charles at +1 (284) 343-3166, for more information.

The family is looking to airlift the child as soon as all the necessary funds are available.

33 Responses to “UPDATE: GoFundMe launched for severely burnt 3-year-old”

  • OMG (09/10/2019, 09:45) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    That’s sad. Contact the man in VG who always giving or raising money, maybe he can get a gofudme going?
    • Hmm (09/10/2019, 11:42) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
      @OMG just for Clarification who man in VG you talking about? Hope it’s not who I have in thoughts cause that will be selfish of you I doubt you even like or support the person you’re talking about smh typical people
    • Kay (09/10/2019, 14:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Boi stop writing about yourself looking attention
  • Local (09/10/2019, 09:52) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    OMG Praying For Him
  • OMG (09/10/2019, 10:02) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
    Why does it cost so much for medical help in this country?
  • Bull Dawg (09/10/2019, 10:16) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    So sad to hear that as well.
    Hope they get that prompt assistance from the public very soon.
    I love children so if I had that money I would have paid that bill for the parents.
    People whenever you are boiling water you need to put it on the back burner for safety, also boil it in a kettle for safety. You also don't have to boil that water for too long. It don't need to be to hot especially in our very warm climate.
  • pat (09/10/2019, 10:22) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    I will as this seems legitimate
  • GG (09/10/2019, 10:48) Like (36) Dislike (2) Reply
    Where's flax, wheatley and NHI ???
  • NIH (09/10/2019, 10:53) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    NHI will cover it That what it for.
  • OZYMANDIAS (09/10/2019, 11:03) Like (29) Dislike (8) Reply
    All these dope boys on island can't sneak in the bank and deposit bout 8 bands to bless this family. the HUSTLE GOD going bless you if not I hope the boat flip on your next run drown yuh MS.
  • Des (09/10/2019, 12:02) Like (10) Dislike (7) Reply
    WHY CAN'T PEEBLES TREAT THIS!? STRUPES
    • @Des (09/10/2019, 12:31) Like (35) Dislike (0) Reply
      You do realise that burn care is a specialty area, right? And you do realise that, in severe cases, skin grafts and multiple surgeries are often needed? Does Peebles have a Burn Unit?
  • Windy (09/10/2019, 12:15) Like (29) Dislike (1) Reply
    This child should go to a burn center in the states. Had it been a family member of an island big wig the government would have paid for and airlifted him a long time ago. NOT RIGHT !
  • Jera (09/10/2019, 12:58) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please create a gofundme page and advise..standing in a bank line can deter people from donating
    • VG cares (09/10/2019, 14:10) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree creat a GoFundMe page, so people can donate. No bank on Virgin Gorda, so no way for Virgin Gorda residents to deposit to the account listed.

      I pray for this little boy.
    • True (09/10/2019, 14:48) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      problem is that they require a US bank account unless they have Banco & Paypal they cannot open one
  • Just Checking (09/10/2019, 13:00) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hope the child is not in pain
  • A Must (09/10/2019, 15:47) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's really a sacrifice for many, but proper medical insurance is CRUCIAL in these times! It is so sad that this baby can't even move because of insufficient funds. I am not sure of his status in the country however, but if his parents are gainfully employed here and reside here, it is imperative in the future to consider proper medical insurance. This goes for all of us, because we never know when any will have a critical emergency sadly.

    My prayers are with the family!
  • Jordana (09/10/2019, 16:17) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is so sad.. there is a children’s hospital in Tampa Florida called “Shriner’s Hospital”..one of it’ specialty is burns (top notch) and they treat kids whether they are able to pay or not.. parents if your reading these blogs please look into this hospital is +18139722250.. my prayers are with u..
  • Jordana (09/10/2019, 16:33) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    In raising monies, Mom reach out to the politicians for assistance as well...ask persons to make a “friend chain”...(friend ask your friends and they in turn ask their friends and so forth)..
  • URGENT/CRITICAL CAre (09/10/2019, 16:34) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The child is only 3 years old and requires URGENT/CRITICAL CARE . The authorities should step in to assist this family if they have not done so already. The donations can be collected and used at a late date to be applied towards the medical bill.

    Please do not let the child wait until the funds are collected. Timing of receipt of the necessay care is very important in this case.
  • CGB resident (09/10/2019, 17:45) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    I just started a GoFund Me Account for a dog in need. I can send someone the info on how to,do,it. I can use my sons account in Fla to transfer funds. But I need someone familiar with the situation to do it
  • Who To Blame? (09/10/2019, 22:03) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    It’s so sad for that poor innocent lil boy. I would like to know, how in the world did this happen? How this kid get this hot water over him?
    Where was his mom or any adult in the house? Someone was careless with this child’s life.
    This can’t be easy for him, I pray he gets through this.
    • a$$ (10/10/2019, 07:09) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
      This is really what you took your time to comment in a time like this? Anyone with children knows this can go south in a blink of an eye ... it was an accident !!!!
  • Dobbs (10/10/2019, 10:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    God, this breaks my heart. If someone wants to donate money from the States, how would I go about doing so?
  • What society (10/10/2019, 11:23) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    A child is severely burnt and he will not get a flight or treatment without money. It should be an honor to help him. What kind of world is this.
  • NICK (10/10/2019, 13:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Take down ghostairs image. Gosh man.
  • lodger (10/10/2019, 14:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Certainly a terrible situation but as usual we probably only get half the story. Are they nor registered forNHI? If not, why not? Surely he staff at The hospital (nearly saidPeebles) are helping?
  • Help (10/10/2019, 16:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Those with funds should really help this child. This is a good time where the "corporate world" within the BVI should lend a helping hand!
  • Dr cool (10/10/2019, 16:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    sad cant comment




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