Hi, I’m Saskia.

I’m raising funds to support my immediate and extended family and their surrounding community in Jamaica as they recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. My family is primarily from St. Elizabeth, with close relatives also living in Mandeville (Manchester) and Discovery Bay (St. Ann). These are my blood relatives — aunts, uncles, and cousins — and supporting them is deeply personal to me.

I live in Australia, and like many in the diaspora, the past month has been heartbreaking. I spent weeks unable to reach my family while watching the destruction unfold. I’m now thankfully back in contact with them and have already begun sending funds directly to support urgent needs. However, the scale of damage is significant, and the support required goes far beyond what I can manage alone.

Many families have lost parts of their homes and belongings and are currently living in temporary shelters or makeshift structures. Rebuilding truly has to start from the ground up.

Funds raised through this GoFundMe are transferred to my personal bank account, and from there:

I send money directly to family members across Jamaica via trusted money transfer services.

Then purchase essential supplies locally through family and community contacts.

I am in regular communication with my family to ensure funds are sent where they are needed most.

How the funds will be used.

Every contribution, big or small, will make a meaningful difference.

If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser — you never know who might see it and be in a position to help.

I am committed to transparency and will provide updates and photos where possible so donors can see the direct impact of their support.

Thank you for standing with my family and community during this time.