City of Toronto supports Hurricane Melissa relief efforts

TORONTO:

Torontonians may now donate essential items at 12 fire stations across the city and can provide financial assistance to the Jamaican Canadian Association’s Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund through the DonateTO portal ( toronto.ca/donate).

Jim Jessop, fire chief, Toronto Fire Services, said Toronto Fire Services is proud to support the city’s relief efforts by designating its fire stations as drop-off locations for donations to assist those impacted by Hurricane Melissa. “We are committed to supporting these efforts and contributing to the coordinated response for those in need abroad.”On November 7, Councillor Michael Thompson and Mayor Olivia Chow announced the city’s partnership with local organisations to support relief efforts for communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa.The partnership was announced at a news conference held at Bedessee, a Scarborough-based company that imports Caribbean foods which itself is sending massive amounts of non-perishable foods and hygiene products to Jamaica.

“Together, we stand with Jamaica, committed to restoring and rising stronger together as one Caribbean family, said Rayman Bedessee, president and CEO.

Thompson, councillor for Scarborough Centre said: “The area of Jamaica where I was born has been decimated, and some of my family members are cut off from communication. I am so personally grateful and privileged to lead the partners here in Toronto as we support international relief efforts.”

He noted that the city has a Jamaican population of about 150,000; the Greater Toronto Area, 200,000; and Canada-wide approximately 400,000.

Mayor Chow acknowledged the devastation in Jamaica, and said: “Toronto is home to one of the largest Jamaican diaspora communities in the world, and we stand with everyone affected. Our city is proud to come together to support all those impacted.”

Jamaica’s consul general to Toronto, Kurt Davis, welcomed the outpouring of support from the diaspora and wider community in Canada. “The needs are urgent as we respond to the immediate humanitarian crisis and look towards the longer-term recovery and rebuilding effort.”

Meanwhile, the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) and participating organisations have announced that the Hope for Jamaica – Hurricane Melissa Relief Concert held on November 6 successfully netted over $50,000 in support of urgent disaster relief efforts in Jamaica. All funds will be donated to Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management.

Extending heartfelt gratitude to all who supported the event, attendees, artistes, sponsors, volunteers, and partners – the JCA said their commitment and solidarity have made a meaningful difference during one of Jamaica’s most challenging moments.

Dr Sylvanus Thompson, concert planning committee chair, said, “The outpouring of generosity from our community has been nothing short of inspiring. The funds raised through the Hope for Jamaica Hurricane Melissa Benefit Relief Concert will make a meaningful difference in helping families recover and rebuild. We are deeply grateful to everyone who stepped forward to support Jamaica in this time of need.”

“The separate online monetary donation campaign remains open, and we encourage everyone to keep giving as Jamaica rebuilds and recovers from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. In addition, the JCA continues to accept essential supplies, including non-perishable food items, hygiene products, baby items, and household necessities,” he said.

The medical supplies needed are first aid kits, bandages, antiseptic creams, gloves and face masks. A list of the fire stations accepting donations is posted on the DonateTO portal.

Torontonians donating items should knock on the front door to ensure there are staff on-site before leaving items behind. All contributions will be coordinated in partnership with the Jamaican Canadian Association to ensure they reach those most in need.