Christian comedian and activist Limay Blanco has publicly committed to assisting Yamislay López, a mother from Alacranes, Matanzas, who tearfully reported the theft of her EcoFlow power station and solar panel on September 1, coinciding with the start of the school year.
In a Facebook post, Blanco revealed that he was moved by Yamislay's case, particularly disturbed not just by the theft itself but by the cruel comments the mother received on social media.
"I went through her profile and started reading the comments... horrible. A mom asking for help because her EcoFlow was stolen, horrible," stated Blanco. He emphasized that these criticisms hurt him more than any personal attack he has faced.
Offering a Long-Term Solution
Instead of simply replacing the stolen EcoFlow—which costs between $369 and over $2,600 in Cuba—Limay proposes a more sustainable solution. He plans to purchase a system for Yamislay consisting of a battery worth about 15,000 to 16,000 Cuban pesos, a 6,000-watt inverter priced at approximately 6,000 pesos, and several solar panels. This setup would provide consistent electricity to her home, allowing her children to sleep with fans on.
The activist is scheduled to perform a comedy show in Varadero next month and intends to use this opportunity to visit Alacranes. There, he will install the equipment with assistance and ensure the family is safeguarded against power outages.
For those wishing to contribute, Blanco advises reaching out to him via video call at +5352732624 to prevent scams conducted in his name.
Yamislay's Struggle and Community Support
Yamislay lives alone with her three young children. The EcoFlow was a gift from a supporter to help mitigate power outages in Matanzas, which have lasted over 70 consecutive hours. Thieves broke into her home by smashing a window while she briefly left to purchase school supplies for her kids.
"I live alone with my three little ones. How can someone break into my home and steal something so precious meant for my children who can't even sleep at night?" Yamislay lamented in a video that went viral.
Following an outpouring of community support after her plea, she posted a second video expressing gratitude for the donations, which garnered over 653,000 views.
Limay's Ongoing Community Efforts
Limay Blanco has been leading the Christian Ministry "Cristo Cambia Vidas" for years, through which he has provided over 46 homes to vulnerable families in Cuba. Every Friday, he hosts meals for over 100 people in need at his home, funded by donations from supporters inside and outside the island.
This incident is part of a growing trend of energy equipment thefts across Cuba. The ongoing energy crisis has made portable power stations highly coveted assets for families enduring power outages that can last hours or even days.
The costs of these devices, ranging from $369 to over $2,600 depending on the model, are generally unaffordable for most Cuban households without financial help from relatives or friends abroad.
The Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory recorded 1,536 confirmed thefts in 2025, marking a 479% increase from 2023, while the Ministry of the Interior acknowledged a 25% rise in property-related crimes that year.
Understanding the Rise in Theft of Energy Equipment in Cuba
What motivated Limay Blanco to help Yamislay López?
Limay Blanco was moved to help Yamislay López after learning about the theft of her EcoFlow and the subsequent cruel comments she received on social media. His commitment stems from a desire to provide a long-term solution to her energy needs.
What is Limay Blanco's plan for supporting Yamislay?
Limay Blanco plans to buy Yamislay a comprehensive energy system, including a battery, inverter, and solar panels, to ensure she has a reliable electricity source for her home.
Why are portable power stations valuable in Cuba?
Due to the ongoing energy crisis in Cuba, portable power stations have become crucial for families to cope with frequent and prolonged power outages, making them highly sought after.