Andrew Thomas, Business Operations Manager, was asked in 2017 to go to the Caribbean Islands by 2buy2’s CEO Robert Kissick, who had previously worked with emergency response teams.
Andrew accepted and was deployed in September 2017 to the Dominican Republic to help with the disaster left behind by Hurricane Irma, one of the worst hurricanes the island’s history.
“When Rob called me, I was very surprised with the request. Of course, I wanted to help, but I didn’t think I would have to get all the logistics of the trip ready so quickly. But there I was, in the Dominican Republic two days after his call, ready to offer my support to the local authorities.”
Andrew worked in partnership with the UK Emergency Response Team to source and supply emergency equipment and goods to the island. Funds and logistics were limited, so he had to make sure that all purchases met the best value for money possible in this situation.
“Resources are limited, so you have to make the best of what you got. I had to pay close attention to everything that was coming onto the island, making sure that it respected our specifications.”