As we know a Category 5 Hurricane (Melissa) recently ripped through Jamaica, doing extensive damage across the island, more so on the western side of the island where the eye of the storm passed directly over. My home town, Seaford Town was one of the many towns directly in the eye's path, leaving behind pain and devastation.

Due to key infrastructure (cellular service, electricity and roads) being damaged, communication and news from Seaford Town has been slow. We have been relying on those with generators and satellite internet to relay any information as it unfolds. But so far the outlook has been grim. Pictures show the once lush and green Seaford Town now in a bare and desolate state, with many destroyed and damaged homes.

My family home, where my elderly parents currently live unfortunately was not spared, and was one of those damaged homes, losing it's roof and water reservoirs (black rhino drums). From what I've been told my grandmother's home was also destroyed, though I have not seen any photography of it or heard much more news on that yet.

Who am I?

My name is Shane Gardner, a Seaford Town native who migrated to Ontario, Canada about 10 years ago. I am currently in-between work, relying solely on unemployment to get by. I unfortunately was a part of a mass lay-off from the company I worked at 2 months ago, and have been trying my best to find work in a tough job market. Though I am in a difficult position, I am trying my best to help my family in any way I can.

What is this for?

Closing thoughts

Any and all assistance is greatly appreciated with helping my family recover from this disaster. Words will not be able to express my gratitude to you.

I will also try to provide updates here or otherwise as progress is made on the recover process ♥.

Accountability Details:

1. Who is overseeing the withdrawal of funds?

The funds are being withdrawn to directly to chequing account accessible by only me, Shane Gardner, and specifically created for the sole purpose of accumulating hurricane relief funds.

2. Who is responsible for the management of the funds (purchasing, distributing items, etc)?

I, Shane Gardner, am responsible for the entire management of the funds and distribution of supplies. I will be purchasing food supplies and toiletries directly in Canada and bring with me in luggage when flying down to Jamaica. I will be withdrawing the funds and converting from Canadian dollars to (physical) Jamaican dollars, at the time the funds will be used to purchase supplies building materials.

3. How will the donations be used?

Approximately 25% or less of donations will be used to purchase Supplies (food stuff, toiletries, etc), for when I depart to Jamaica to bring aid. The remainder 75% will be used to purchase building supplies (sand, stone, cement, steel rebar). If there is still remainder it will go towards assisting the most at need members of the community in whatever their specific relief need is (food, supplies or home repair)

4. How will the donations be distributed?

Supplies (food stuff, toiletries, etc) will be distributed 50% between my parents and grandmother. Similarly building supplies will be shared with my grandmother, however my parents home will take first priority for rebuild.

5. What accountability for funds usage will there be?

I will be posting continuous updates, by showing pictures of receipts, pictures of supplies, with detailed descriptions of how the funds were used, as well as of the finished results (rebuild, supply distribution) all along the journey.

6. What is the timeline for the aid to be offered?

I will be basically a second wave of assistance. So as not to get in the way of, and detract from the aid those first responders who are there already clearing roads, assisting with immediate infrastructure repair and providing relief supplies. So optimistically the timeline for me to get the funds to Jamaica will be closer to/ after New Years 2026. As for rebuild efforts, that can optimistically take a month to 2 months thereafter.