The Jamaica Association of Montreal and its volunteers are unloading boxes filled with food, clothing, and essential supplies — all for communities in Jamaica devastated by Hurricane Melissa.
“A lot of non-perishable items are there, a lot of sanitary products, a lot of different medical kind of products. Clothing was big. As of now, we have so many clothing that we have to stop taking clothing. So we had a whole team at the center separating stuff,” said Mark Henry, president of the Jamaica Association of Montreal.
The storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, struck the island’s southwest coast on October 28, destroying homes and crops. The death toll in Jamaica climbed to 45, with 15 people still missing.
The Jamaica Association in Ottawa is partnering to make this mission possible, helping coordinate the next steps in getting supplies to Jamaica. On Wednesday, the group collected almost 40 barrels of supplies, and they’re aiming for more.
“In fact, we’re trying to get to about 150 barrels to fill a container. We no longer have to go to Toronto. If we get the 150 barrels, they will provide a container here for us. But if not, if it’s less than 100, we’re going to have to pack them in a truck and drive down something that we will gladly do. Whatever we need to do to help,” said Henry.
Rodrick Rodney, a member of the Jamaica Association of Montreal, said, “I’m really overwhelmed. We have been working from Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and we’re at Wednesday now and for sure tomorrow we’re still at it way into the weekend.”
Adding, “We’re not going to stop until we get our container and it’s loaded and it’s out of here. So we’re not going to stop.”
The Jamaica Association of Montreal is inviting the community to drop off non-perishable items and supplies at locations in Côte-des-Neiges, downtown Montreal, NDG, and the West Island.
They are also looking for volunteers to help out.
“For now, we’re still needing volunteers. So if there is anybody in the diaspora of Montreal who can lend their hand, they could reach out to the Jamaica Association. We’re still looking for help,” said Rodney.
The Jamaica Association is partnering with the Côte-des-Neiges Black Community Association (CDNBCA) to raise funds in support of those affected.
Fundraising events will be this weekend for the Hurricane Melissa Relief Effort.
One Love Fight Night, Saturday, November 15
$30 at Hard Knox Gym, 3645 R. Notre Dame O, Montréal, QC H4C 1P6
Visit their page for more.
One Love Brunch, Sunday, November 16
$40 at the Jamaica Association, 4065 Jean Talon W., Montreal, H4P 1W6
More details on this page.
