We love Jamaica! Our Jamaican friends and co-workers need our help! A growing group of Cape Cod businesses including Mac's Seafood, The Pearl, Blackfish, Flying Fish, Truro Vineyards, Salty Market, Bagel Hound, The Wicked Oyster, Wellfleet Shellfish, The Lobster Pot, Chatham Fish & Lobster, The Lobster Trap, Hog Island Beer Co., Swaby Construction, Top Mast Resorts, Brundage Site Work, Victor's Restaurant and the Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet Chambers of Commerce, WOA (Wellfleet Oyster Alliance) are assisting to raise relief funds to help support the rebuilding efforts of homes, schools, and buildings in Black River and surrounding areas in Jamaica, due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa. In addition, funds raised will assist those with basic humanitarian needs, including food and temporary shelter.

For many, many years, we have worked side by side with those who have been severely affected by the storm and the relationship with Jamaicans and Cape Cod goes back over 100 years. It will be a considerable effort to rebuild, and you can help support their efforts by your donations. Those affected are the hardworking employees that have been serving you in our restaurants, stores and markets for decades and now need your support in a BIG way. We thank them for their hard work, and now it's time to stand beside them and show them they are not alone. We are here for them, #BlackRiverStrong! and #JamiacaStrong! Your support makes a difference in so many ways beyond the financial aspect. Jamaicans have a saying, "You feel me?" Now it's time for them to feel our love.

All monies raised will be funneled through vetted relief organizations in Jamaica, including but not limited to the following:

Jamaica Red Cross – St. Elizabeth branch: St. Elizabeth area; humanitarian/disaster relief.

Holy Spirit Foundation – Jamaica: Based around Maggotty in St. Elizabeth; social services, poverty alleviation.

JAHJAH Foundation: UK/US diaspora focused; did house-builds in St. Elizabeth after a hurricane.

They have a precedent of housing rebuilds in St. Elizabeth (including Black River area) after disaster. Strong candidate for rebuilding partnership.

DESSO Foundation: Treasure Beach / St. Elizabeth area; education & youth scholarship.

Paths and Gateways: Operating in St. Elizabeth; children’s education & wellness.

Poor Relief Department – St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation: Government/municipal body in St. Elizabeth; provides assistance including housing/bedding, etc.

St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation

Potential additional local CBO – a community-based organization in Black River district specifically: Because many community rebuilds benefit from very local groups (churches, parish committees, local CBOs) that have “boots on the ground.”

There most likely will be additional organizations that will be worthy of funding, and we will evaluate them as they become available and trustworthy. When possible donations may be earmarked and directed to individual families or specific communities.