Hurricane-affected women entrepreneurs to benefit from Race for Hope proceeds

Five women entrepreneurs in western Jamaica who were impacted by Hurricane Melissa are set to benefit from proceeds from the 2026 JN Group Race for Hope 5K and Kids Fun Run, which will support their rebuilding and recovery efforts.

Organisers made the announcement at the event’s media launch recently. A portion of the funds raised will also be directed towards repairing internal roads at Hope Royal Botanic Gardens, which also sustained damage to parts of the property.

Lady Allen, the wife of the governor general and event patron, welcomed the wider focus, noting that the dual-benefit approach aligns with “national solidarity” in the aftermath of the recent disaster. She emphasised that women entrepreneurs play a critical role in economic stability.

“Research consistently shows that when women entrepreneurs thrive, entire communities benefit economically and socially. This investment is therefore developmental, restorative and empowering,” Lady Allen said while reflecting on the significance of the annual road race.

“Each year this initiative reminds us that community wellness, national development and environmental preservation are not separate goals; they are interconnected pillars that shape the Jamaica we want to build,” she shared.

“Take part in whatever way you can, because when we come together, we send a clear message that national wellness, environmental care and community upliftment matter.”

Claudine Allen, general manager of the JN Foundation and executive, member relations, JN Group, also underscored that the expanded mission reflects the realities of Jamaica’s shifting post-disaster landscape. She hopes the event will be “a tipping point for spurring inspiration and igniting the charm of the Jamaican people for which we are well-known, even when we are in our darkest moments”.

“The Jamaica National Group is honoured to partner once again with the Nature Preservation Foundation to kick-start the nation’s wellness calendar which, this time, will not only benefit one of Jamaica’s most treasured spaces, but also assist with post-Hurricane Melissa rebuilding efforts. We are deeply committed to helping our country ‘build back better’,” she said.

BUSINESS TRAINING SESSION

In addition to providing grants from the race proceeds to the five women, who will be identified with the support of race partners, Carla Myrie, executive director of the Nature Preservation Foundation (NPF), revealed that discussions are under way to also offer them a business training session, in collaboration with the JN Financial Academy, on financial management, marketing and planning as part of the recovery support.

“We also want to explore other ways to assist them, whether it’s with tools, equipment, seedlings, or other resources needed to get their businesses back on track,” she said. “Additionally, we are thinking about marketing support, telling their stories across social media and other event materials. If it’s a vendor who sells products, we are also looking to offer them a free booth at the race to showcase their goods.”

Regarding the portion of proceeds dedicated to internal repairs at Hope Royal Botanic Gardens, Sheldon Seymour, board director of the NPF, noted that, “This is a green space we want to preserve. It needs to be kept as it is, if not improved, for many years to come so our children and our children’s children can enjoy the space.”

The fundraising road race is scheduled for January 18. Registration is now open via Running Events Jamaica’s website at runningeventsja.com.

Acknowledging the significance of the 2026 race in addressing critical needs, Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis, director of Running Events Jamaica, also emphasised that healthcare is important, urging individuals to take personal responsibility for their well-being.

“One of the ways we can help our society is by taking care of ourselves,” he said.