Help Families in Black River Recover from Hurricane Melissa

Hi, my name is Valerie, and I live in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.

I am fundraising on behalf of my close friend, Melonie, and members of her community in Black River, Jamaica, one of the areas devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa.

My Connection and Melonie’s Dedication

My connection with Melonie began when we were both attending UWI (University of the West Indies). I was later delighted to recommend her for the administrator post, where she served as my assistant. We have since built a close, enduring friendship rooted in deep mutual respect and trust. She is my direct contact on the ground, ensuring relief reaches the most vulnerable families.

The news confirms the horrific impact across the region: homes are destroyed, roads are impassable, and families are facing critical shortages of basics like clean water, food, and essential medical supplies.

Despite her own family being affected, Melonie’s focus is entirely on her neighbours. Her surviving SUV is now a lifeline, which she is personally using to drive and deliver urgently needed supplies to families across Black River and the surrounding impacted communities.

How Your Donation Will Be Used

100% of the funds raised will be transferred directly to Melonie in Black River, Jamaica, to facilitate the purchasing and distribution of essential relief items.

The funds will be specifically allocated to purchase the following critical supplies:

• Clean Water: Purchasing large bottles of purified drinking water and water purification tablets/filters.

• Non-Perishable Food: Buying bulk supplies of canned goods, rice, flour, cooking oil, and baby formula to create emergency food packages.

• Hygiene & Sanitation Kits: Purchasing soap, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, diapers, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.

• Medical & First Aid Supplies: Buying basic over-the-counter medications, pain relievers, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and wound care items.

• ️ Emergency Materials: Purchasing tarps, rope, nails, and basic tools to help with temporary home repairs and securing shelters.

Melonie will be responsible for purchasing these items locally (to support the Jamaican economy where possible) and coordinating their delivery. We are committed to full transparency and will post regular updates on this GoFundMe page, including photos of supplies purchased and distributed, and summaries of receipts to show the exact, accountable use of all donations.

Please stand with me and support the resilient people of Black River as they begin the difficult work of recovery. Every contribution brings tangible relief and hope where it’s needed most.