Project Name: Jamaica Strong

Partners: Beyond the Jersey & Corex Creative

Led by: Katelyn & Dwayne

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Background:

As proud descendants of Jamaica, Katelyn and Dwayne have watched recent storms devastate the island, impacting their families, friends, and the communities they love. Our phones have been filled with voices we love, not just headlines. Living abroad hasn’t lessened their connection or concern. Wanting to make sure support reaches people quickly and visibly, they created a transparent effort where every step is documented and shared so donors can see the difference their help makes in real time.

Mission:

Our goal is simple and urgent: to get high-priority supplies into the hands of families and communities affected by the storm. Using secured airline baggage, import exemptions, and humanitarian-rate transport, we will deliver aid directly without the usual delays or bureaucracy while also supporting local businesses.

Aid Focus:

• Food and clean water

• Family supplies: solar flashlights, battery packs, tarps, tents

• Hygiene essentials: baby care, adult care, and sanitation items

Support Needed:

1. Local Supply Costs: Contributions will also support the purchase of necessary supplies locally. We plan to shop at local supermarkets like Pricesmart, Gibbo Trading and Mega Mart. By shopping locally, we can conveniently purchase items in bulk and online before our arrival in Jamaica. This ensures we are fully stocked and allows us to fill any gaps prior to our trip. It also allows us to support the local economy.

2. Donations of Listed Items: Your generosity in providing specific items on our list will directly support our mission. Should you choose this option please use this Amazon link.

3. Contributions Toward Shipping Costs: We are grateful for any contributions to help cover the costs associated with shipping items via airline baggage.

In November, we'll be traveling to Jamaica to personally oversee the distribution of both donations and purchased aid. Though we're managing the distribution ourselves, we're excited to collaborate with Sign XPress, who is generously providing their fleet to help us transport supplies to affected areas. Beyond the Jersey and Corex Creative will be covering the cost of Katelyn and Dwayne's travel. While we don't expect to have any surplus items, any leftovers will be donated to Romeich Entertainment to support his ongoing distribution efforts and ensure the remaining aid effectively reaches those in need.

Target Areas:

• St. James

• Westmoreland

• St. Elizabeth

Local Procurement:

We will source bulk goods locally to speed up distribution and support Jamaica's economy.

On-the-Ground Situation:

Over 30,000 people have been displaced, with many women and children among those most affected. Hospitals and clinics are experiencing service disruptions, and access to food, clean water, and electricity remains a major challenge. Thousands of families are dealing with the repercussions of lost crops, homes, temporary job loss, and challenges to small enterprises. This situation represents not only a humanitarian crisis but one that affects livelihoods, incomes, and local economies. The agricultural sector faces a decline in output as people work to replant and recover their crops. The tourist corridor and related industries have also been badly hit. As people face displacement and loss of housing, many individuals in these industries find themselves out of work. Hotels are expected to reopen in December, though some will remain closed until May, impacting the transportation industry, gift shops, and excursion services, all of which will need to rebuild their attractions. Your donation can help bridge that gap by providing essential resources such as light, sanitation, health supplies, and relief to families rebuilding their lives.

Our Promise:

We will document our journey respectfully protecting the identity of those affected, still showing exactly how your support reaches those in need. Jamaica’s resilience runs deep, but recovery takes more than spirit. Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference.

We may be a team of two, but as the Jamaican saying goes, “Wi likkle, but wi tallawah”—we are small but mighty.

Melanie Fournier-Moncrieff Communications Manager : [email redacted]