This is a personal initiative by Jens and Claudia Oltrogge, owners of Phoenix Health Complex and Vision Center in Jamaica. We operate a number of optical stores spread across the island of Jamaica.

Melissa was a category 5 hurricane with wind speeds of up to 185 mph and the strongest hurricane to ever make landfall in Jamaica. It has left parts of the island looking like a war zone, leaving a path of utter destruction. Many lives have been lost - the death toll is not yet fully understood. Many people have lost their entire homes and businesses to the hurricane. Five of our staff are now homeless because their houses are gone. Fortunately, Claudia and I are okay, and our home and our businesses have suffered no damage. But there is a lot we need to do to help those around us. Most of the population is without power and phone service, and lack basic necessities.

We have so far installed generators and Starlink connections at our business locations, giving folks the possibility to charge their phones and communicate with their families. In good old Phoenix tradition, we are restarting our care package initiative that we had rolled out during the COVID pandemic. We are doing what we can with the means that are available to us. If you feel moved to support us in our efforts, we would welcome any support you are willing to offer. No amount is too small that it could not make a difference and - believe me - no amount is too large that it could not be put to good use.

Our aim is to provide food and essential items to people in the communities that are hardest hit by the hurricane, facilitate shelter and housing to families that have become homeless, and make available electricity and internet service at our business locations for people in those communities to access. The country of Jamaica and its people are looking at a long journey of rebuilding the infrastructure and livelihoods of its population. But I can tell you also that Jamaicans are a tremendously resilient and resourceful people and will eventually recover from this disaster.

Thank you in advance for your valuable contribution to empower us to help those in dire need. Every cent and dime will go towards aid and recovery for Jamaicans in need.