I am setting up this GoFundMe to raise money for the people in Jamaica after the devastating hurricane.

My name is Deon, and I was born in Jamaica but grew up in Canada. I was in Jamaica when this happened, and although I was lucky enough to come back home to my comfortable life, my heart and mind are still back there.

I saw everything with my own eyes. This was not from the news or social media. This was real life. It was one of the most terrifying experiences I have ever gone through. For more than 24 hours, the wind and rain did not stop. Even though I felt safe where I was staying, it is something that still gives me nightmares.

When the hurricane was finally over, that was when the real nightmare began. People lost their homes, some completely destroyed. Many still cannot reach their family members. Roads are washed out and blocked. I spoke with the staff where I was staying and most of them still have not heard from their families. Yet they worked 16 to 18 hour days to take care of everyone at the resort. They smiled, they fed us, they tried to make us feel comfortable even though they were suffering inside.

I talked to them and asked how their families were, how their homes were, how their coworkers were doing. Every answer was the same. They did not know because there was no way to contact anyone.

Since coming back home, I have not been able to stop thinking about how I can help. That is why I am asking for your support. As someone who still has deep ties to Jamaica and its people, this cause is deeply personal to me. Many of the people I met have become friends, and their stories and struggles have stayed with me.

My goal is to raise money so that I can go back to Jamaica with a small group of volunteers who are ready to work. We plan to travel directly to the hardest-hit rural communities—places that have been overlooked by larger organizations—to help rebuild or repair homes for families who have lost everything.

Funds raised will be used specifically to:

•Purchase building materials such as lumber, roofing, and cement

•Provide food, clean water, and basic necessities to displaced families

•Support local tradespeople and volunteers helping with the rebuilding efforts

•Cover minimal transportation and logistics costs for delivering supplies and volunteer work

I promise everyone who donates that I will share updates and show exactly what your donations are being used for. Every single dollar will go toward helping people get back on their feet.

This was the most frightening experience of my life and something I will never forget. During the storm my family and friends were worried for me, sending messages and praying that I would be safe. When Hurricane Melissa hit and I lost all communication for days, it was the most helpless feeling I have ever had. Now imagine what that feels like for the people who lost their homes, their loved ones, and their entire sense of security.

Most of us can only imagine that, but for them it is their reality.

Please donate and share this fundraiser. Every little bit will make a difference. Let’s come together to help the people of Jamaica rebuild their lives after this disaster.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

–Deon Vella