Hi everyone,

I’m starting this crowdfunding campaign for my friend Corn Tree in Jamaica. I met him back in 2012 during a five-week trip to Jamaica. For most of that time, I stayed in a small village called Belmont, right next to the Peter Tosh Memorial. That’s where I met Corn Tree, a local guy who welcomed me into his home and showed me around the area. He introduced me to Jamaican culture, took me on small adventures, and made me feel truly at home. During those weeks, we spent a lot of time together and became good friends.

Over the years, we’ve stayed in touch every now and then — we still message each other once in a while. Corn Tree still lives with his little daughter, as a simple fisherman, in that same village.

Today, he called me with heartbreaking news: the hurricane that recently hit Jamaica has completely destroyed his village. He and everyone there have lost everything.

He asked me for help. Of course, I’m donating myself, but I simply don’t have the means right now to make a big difference on my own. That’s why I’m reaching out to you — to ask for a small contribution so we can send some money to help him rebuild his home and life.

We often see stories like this in the news — they always feel distant, like something happening far away. But this time, it’s personal. Corn Tree is my friend, and I want to do what I can to help him.

Please, if you can spare a little, any amount is welcome — big or small. Every bit helps. And if you can’t donate, that’s perfectly fine too. Just sharing this story already helps.

Let’s help Corn Tree get back on his feet.

Thank you so much for your kindness and support.

With love,

Arjan (Ari)

Eindhoven, The Netherlands

⸻

How the funds will be used

All donations will go directly to Corn Tree in Belmont, Jamaica. I will send the funds to him safely through Western Union or Ria Money Transfer (or a similar trusted service), so he can buy the things he needs to rebuild his life.

The money will help him to:

• Rebuild or repair his home that was destroyed by the hurricane.

• Replace essential belongings like clothes, furniture, and kitchen supplies.

• Repair or replace his fishing equipment, so he can work again and support himself.

• Cover basic needs like food, clean water, and materials during the recovery period.

Every donation — big or small — will make a real difference for Corn Tree and his community.