Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, several member farms within the Georgian Bay Fruit Growers Association (GBFG) have expressed the desire to provide meaningful assistance to the Jamaican season agricultural workers who are integral to the successful growing and harvesting of fruits and vegetables. The GBFG is made up of 37 farms growing fruits and vegetables in the Southern Georgian Bay area.

The Country of Jamaica has participated in the Seasonal Agriculture Worker Program (SAWP) since its inception in 1965, with some of the first workers arriving to work on farms in the Beaver Valley. Many of these workers have spent over 40 years in our community.

The funds collected in this gofundme will be distributed equally to each of the over 600 workers from Jamaica who came to the Southern Georgian Bay area in 2025. The funds will be transferred to the Jamaican Liason Service who are primarily responsible for the welfare and support of the Seasonal Agricultural workers in Canada. They will disperse the funds equally among the 2025 SAWP farm employees from the Georgian Bay Region.

All funds raised will be sent to the workers to help with their daily expenses, and reconstruction of their homes, farms, and communities.

On behalf of all Georgian Bay Fruit Growers, thank you for showing your support to the members of our community who are being deeply effected by Hurricane Melissa.

Sincerely,

Georgian Bay Fruit Growers