My name is Sudean Peters, and I am the Executive Director of WE-Change Jamaica. I am from Clarendon, Jamaica, and I am raising funds on behalf of our organisation and the community members we serve. As a leader of the organisation and member of the LBTQ community, I am fundraising to give back to the individuals affected by Hurricane Melissa.

WE-Change Jamaica is a feminist, advocacy-focused organisation committed to advancing the rights and well-being of lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women, and gender-diverse people across Jamaica and. Through advocacy, community building, and movement strengthening, we work to ensure that LBTQ+ people are visible, supported, and safe.

On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, the strongest hurricane in the country’s modern history. With wind speeds reaching 185 miles per hour, it has flooded entire communities, destroyed homes, blocked roads, and caused island-wide power and water outages. Thousands are displaced and cut off from basic supplies.

Many LBTQ+ Jamaicans are among those hardest hit. Discrimination and social exclusion often mean that LBTQ+ people cannot easily access shelters or emergency aid.

All donations will go directly toward emergency care packages and essential supplies for affected LGBTQ+ and other vulnerable community members. Community members will receive a minimum of $15,00 JMD per person to purchase the items needed. Community members can request what they need, through a form we are populating on instagram which is the easiest for them to access. Selection of community members and distribution will happen via a form linked in WE-Change's Instagram account. Funds will cover:

Food (ready-to-eat and non-perishable items)

Clean drinking water and purification tablets

Hygiene products (soap, toothpaste, menstrual supplies, diapers, and baby care items)

Essential medication and first aid materials

Shelter supplies (tarpaulins, blankets, rope, flashlights)

Phone credit and transport assistance for displaced people

Local distribution and coordination costs to reach those most in need

This fundraiser is managed by me, Sudean Peters, on behalf of WE-Change Jamaica. Because WE-Change Jamaica does not have a bank account outside of Jamaica, donations will first be collected by our UK-based Trustee and colleague, Natalie Armitage. Natalie will receive the funds directly into her UK bank account. She will then transfer the full amount to WE-Change Jamaica’s official bank account in Jamaica. Natalie will personally cover any transfer and conversion fees, ensuring the organisation receives 100% of the donations. This arrangement allows WE-Change Jamaica to safely receive the funds despite banking limitations.

Once the transfer is completed, WE-Change will publish a public update outlining how funds were distributed and how many people were supported. Transparency and accountability are our top priorities.

This is an emergency. Communities are flooded, homes have been destroyed, and many people have no access to food, water, or medical care. Your donation will help provide immediate, life-saving relief to those who are often left out of disaster responses.

Please donate and share this campaign. Every contribution helps us reach someone in urgent need.

Fundraiser managed by: Sudean Peters (Executive Director, WE-Change Jamaica)

Funds received by: Natalie Armitage (UK Trustee of WE-Change Jamaica, handling transfers to Jamaica)

Beneficiary: WE-Change Jamaica community members