Hello,

My name is Dezeray from Toronto, Ontario. I write to you in honour of the people of Jamaica.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, many communities in beautiful Jamaica have been devastated. Out of the 2.8 million people living there, 1.5 million people have been affected. Every year since I was born, I have travelled from my home in Canada to Jamaica to visit our family and friends. My mother, a Jamaican woman, has made it her life's duty to ensure that my brother and I know where our family came from and the community that surrounds it. The sadness I feel when I see my beloved second home in complete crisis has been exhausting. Like many Jamaicans and Jamaican descendants living abroad, it’s hard not to feel helpless watching our community fight for life.

Many families in our community have lost family members, their homes, schools, jobs, and overall livelihood. Since the power is out and will continue to be out for several weeks, some still have not had contact with loved ones, and many are lacking the bare necessities, like food and clothing.

In honour of the people of St. Ann, Jamaica, we are asking for any monetary donations you can give to help support those in need right now. Yes, many people have been sending barrels, but they usually take a month or two to reach the island. And the government has expressed that funds will eventually be given to those who lost, to help them rebuild, but we have yet to hear when that will be released. These funds will go directly into the physical needs of those who no longer have the means to afford them. My mother, in recent years, has moved back to Jamaica, and thankfully, she had only minor damage caused to her home and car. She and my immediate family will use whatever funds are received to source resources and materials for those in need, especially families with young children and seniors.

Anything is better than nothing! Items to be purchased are, but not limited to: Food, drinking water, clothing, blankets, towels, materials needed for patchwork, and roof recovery. If you are not able to donate financially, please look in your area for any groups or organizations collecting physical donations for the people of Jamaica.

Thank you in advance.

xo