When Hurricane Melissa swept across Jamaica, it left behind not just fallen trees and broken homes — it shattered dreams. For my aunt, who lives in the small farming community of Ahston, Westmoreland, the hurricane took everything she owned and cherished.

Before the storm, my aunt and her daughter worked tirelessly to build a modest but meaningful life. They operated a small greenhouse farm in their backyard and cultivated vegetables and ground provisions on a leased plot of land nearby. This was their livelihood — the fruit of years of dedication and hard work. In front of her home, my aunt also ran a tiny shop, selling produce and basic goods to neighbours who depended on her.

When Hurricane Melissa hit, the winds ripped the zinc roof from her home, leaving only bare walls standing. The greenhouse was destroyed, crops were uprooted, and the shop was flattened by debris. In just a few hours, her source of income, her shelter, and her sense of stability were gone. Their dreams, once budding, are now buried under the rubble.

Who I Am

My name is Tameka Calder, and I am her niece. I am organizing this fundraiser to help her rebuild her life and regain some stability after this devastating loss.

Our Aim

We are raising funds to help my aunt rebuild her roof and restart her small farming operation, so she can once again support herself and her community.

Phase 1: Replace the zinc roofing and repair her home so she can have a safe, dry place to live.

Phase 2: Rebuild the greenhouse farm and restart planting on the leased land by providing seeds, farming tools, and other essential materials.

Why It Matters

This appeal is about more than rebuilding a home — it’s about restoring hope, independence, and community spirit.

My aunt’s farm and shop were lifelines in Ahston. She provided fresh produce and essentials to those around her, often helping others even when she had little herself. By helping her rebuild, you are not just giving her back her roof — you are helping a family regain their livelihood and dignity, and restoring a vital part of a small rural community’s food supply.

How You Can Help

Every contribution counts. Donations will go directly toward roofing materials, greenhouse reconstruction, seeds, tools, and supplies to help her restart her life.

Your kindness can help turn despair into hope and give a hardworking woman the strength to rise again after losing everything to Hurricane Melissa.

Please donate, share, or spread the word. Together, we can help her rebuild and start anew.