My name is Jordyn Hrenyk, I’m organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my dear friend Emily Salmon, a resident of Vineyard, Jamaica, a small community (just outside of Black River, Jamaica) that was devastated by Hurricane Melissa — the most powerful storm ever recorded in Jamaica’s history.

On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, with sustained winds reaching 295 km/h. The storm tore through communities across the island, including Vineyard and the surrounding Black River area. Across Jamaica, more than 25,000 people have been displaced and forced into shelters.

In the Vineyard–Black River region, the hurricane caused extensive damage to the local hospital, to schools, homes, businesses, and to vital community infrastructure. Roads, bridges, grocery stores, and communications systems have all been severely impacted, leaving residents with less access to food, clean water, medical care, and reliable communication.

Communities like Vineyard now face a long and challenging path to recovery.

High Street in Black River (road towards local hospital has been destroyed by Hurricane Melissa)

The funds raised through this campaign will go to Emily, who will use them to support her community’s recovery efforts. Through this fundraiser, we can help to provide emergency supplies, assist with home, farm, and garden repairs, and replace belongings lost to the storm. Emily and her family are deeply rooted in Vineyard, and are well-positioned to help their neighbours rebuild with care and integrity.

Main town area of Black River (community infrastructure including supermarkets and bakery destroyed by the storm)

Many people have been asking Emily where they can contribute, and this fundraiser offers a way to directly support recovery in Vineyard, Jamaica. Please consider donating and sharing this campaign widely. Your support will help this resilient community begin to rebuild.

The Salmons (Emily, Jaden, Thea, and Marshal near their home in Jamaica)