Nicola Noel’s post read “FREE NO SELLING – Christmas for anyone. FREE!!!!! What is one thing that you cannot afford but need right now? Let’s see what others say , maybe you have it and you don’t need it. You can pass it on to them or have a connection to get it. Perhaps we can help each other again, together we can get through this. PLEASE NO SELLING this is a giving post!!!! Happy Holidays.”

Nicola’s post yielded over 837 comments with lots of needs met just in time for the season.

Speaking to our newsroom Nicola said “I became inspired after I came across this post in another platform outside of the BVI and the feedback the post received was truly amazing. I believe myself to be a very giving person ever since I was a child. My heart always longed to give to those in need as much as I can. So when I saw the post, it dawned on me to share it on The Real BVI Community Board page.

Though inspired, Nicola admits that she didn’t feel courageous enough to do it, however wth the encouragement of friends, she went for it.

“The response has been amazing. I never imagined so many persons would have supported the initiative and the outpouring of love has been incredible. I am filled with so much joy to see the people of the BVI open their hearts to give to others without hesitation. I can honestly say I felt the true BVI Love,” Nicola added as she shared on the feedback so far.

Scores of BVI residents have since benefited from the initiative.

“It was a blessing for so many persons as a variety of items were given to those in need. Persons received groceries, stoves, dining tables, clothes, shoes, etc. We have some remarkable people here in the BVI and I just want to say a special thank you to all those persons that gave. I truly appreciate the love and support.”

The outpouring of love and support has further inspired Nicola to create a Facebook support group called “BVI Fireflies”.

Nicola added “Masa was one of the persons who encouraged me to share the post and Gevonie Percival, who came up with the idea of forming the group and are also admins with me. It is a platform where we want all our members to feel comfortable asking when in need without discrimination and for persons to post items they may no longer need so someone else can benefit.”