This video captures the moment that made me realize I had to turn compassion into action.

A few years ago, while talking with my son about going camping, he stopped me and said he didn’t want to hurt the chickens — that chickens have feelings too. That moment stayed with me. It reminded me that empathy is instinctive, and that caring for others — people, animals, and communities — starts early.

That moment helped shape the values behind Red Earth Foundation and why we’re taking action now in Jamaica.

Red Earth Mission to Jamaica: Hurricane Melissa Relief (St. Elizabeth)

Why We’re Doing This

Hurricane Melissa has caused widespread disruption across Jamaica, with St. Elizabeth Parish among the hardest hit. Families are facing immediate challenges, schools have been impacted, farmers and livestock have suffered losses, and animals—both domestic and stray—need urgent care.

This mission is deeply personal.

My name is Michael Lewis (professionally known as Mike Nice). I am the founder of Red Earth Foundation, and my maternal family is from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. This is not a place I’m reading about—it’s home. Many members of my extended family are there and will be supporting this mission on the ground.

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What Makes This Mission Different

This is not remote aid.

In one week, my son and I will be on the ground in Jamaica, working directly with families, schools, farmers, and animal caregivers. This is a Red Earth Mission—founder-led, community-rooted, and focused on dignity, accountability, and real impact.

Being physically present allows us to:

• Listen directly to community needs

• Respond in real time

• Ensure support goes where it is truly needed

• Work alongside family and local community members

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What Your Donation Will Support

Funds raised will go directly toward:

• Emergency assistance for families and children

• Early childhood supplies and essentials

• Support for farmers, agriculture, and livestock

• Care for stray and affected animals

• Transportation, logistics, and on-the-ground mission costs

We are intentionally keeping this mission lean and focused, so contributions translate into real, visible help.

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Transparency & Updates

We believe trust matters.

Throughout the mission, we will provide regular updates, including:

• Written progress reports

• Photos

• Vlog-style video updates directly from the field

You won’t just hear that help is happening—you’ll see it.

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Why GoFundMe

Our nonprofit incorporation and donation processing are currently being finalized. In order to act quickly and responsibly, we are using GoFundMe as a temporary fundraising solution so we can begin helping immediately.

Once Red Earth Foundation’s donation infrastructure is fully live, future contributions will move there.

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How You Can Help

• Donate what you can

• Share this campaign with your network

• Send encouragement—it means more than you know

Every contribution helps us show up with care, respect, and responsibility.

Thank you for standing with us.

With gratitude,

Michael Lewis (Mike Nice)

Founder, Red Earth Foundation