As Jamaicans work to rebuild after Hurricane Melissa’s devastating sweep through the island’s western parishes, several local and international celebrities are stepping forward to help ease the burden.
The late-October Category 5 storm affected roughly 1.5 million of Jamaica’s nearly 3 million residents. The death toll has risen to 45 as of this week, and early damage assessments estimate losses exceeding $10 billion JMD ($87.4 million CAD).
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As the island’s hardship gains global attention, here are some of the celebrities contributing to the recovery effort.
Drake
In collaboration with Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, Toronto rapper Drake’s brand October’s Very Own released a limited edition Jamaica OG Hoodie earlier this month, which saw $100 of every sweater sold donated to the Rockhouse Foundation Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund.
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The Weeknd
Scarborough’s very own The Weeknd donated $350,000 from his XO Humanitarian Fund, which will benefit the World Food Programme (WFP), an organization where he’s assumed the role of ambassador. The WFP says the singer’s generous donation will assist in helping a target of 200,000 Jamaicans who were impacted by the Category 5 storm.
Winnie Harlow
Alongside DJ and music producer Diplo, the Jamaican-Canadian model took a boots on the ground approach, riding boats through communities in Saint Elizabeth to deliver food, water and supplies to families hit hard by Hurricane Melissa.
Skip and Soul-Rebel Marley
Jamaican reggae legend Bob Marley’s grandsons Skip and Soul-Rebel are performing in Toronto on Friday at Adelaide Hall, with proceeds from the show supporting the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation Relief Fund for those impacted by the hurricane.
Vybz Kartel
Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel’s Adidja Palmer Foundation has delivered a 40-foot container loaded with over 12,000 bottles of water, 1,500 loaves of bread, and essential items to Western Jamaica. The foundation is also working with World Central Kitchen to distribute hot meals, as well has helped to clear debris and distribute aid.
Sean Paul
Jamaican dancehall singer and rapper Sean Paul has been very vocal about how the hurricane is affecting his native island and announced that he’ll match up to $50,000 in donations to help those impacted.
Buju Banton
Dancehall musician Buju Banton is using his platform to gather donations to help deliver 50,000 lbs of supplies to Jamaica by plane.
Shaggy
Just days after the devastation in Jamaica, reggae star Shaggy offloaded a plane filled with emergency supplies for residents in Saint Elizabeth.
Spice
Jamaican dancehall queen Spice has been highlighting her on-the-ground relief efforts on social media, using her Grace Hamilton Foundation to deliver multiple truckloads of construction supplies, clothing, and care packages.
Rihanna
Barbadian singer and businesswoman Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation launched the Rebuild & Reimagine Fund to help Jamaica, Haiti, and impacted islands across the Caribbean rebuild after the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa. The foundation will prioritize efforts in areas such as health needs, clean water resources, and school reconstruction.
Kes the Band
Trinidadian singer Kes is a part of a benefit concert in New York, where proceeds will support Jamaican families and help rebuild. Featuring him on the bill are major Caribbean superstars like Shaggy, Sean Paul, Chronic Law, Tessanne Chin, Teejay, Aidonia, T.O.K, and more for one unforgettable night of unity, culture and music for a cause.
