Toronto’s Little Jamaica community is banding together to send supplies and relief to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa tore through the Caribbean island.
The category five hurricane made its way through Jamaica early Tuesday bringing flash flooding and wind speeds of nearly 295 km/h.
As a result, members of Toronto’s Little Jamaica community are coming together to organize a donation drive to the island that will take place on Saturday Nov. 1 from 1–6 p.m. at Studio M at 1609 Eglinton Ave. W.
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The drive is being organized by the Little Jamaica Community Land Trust (LJCLT) and advocacy group Reclaim Rebuild Eg West (RREW).
LJCLT Coordinator, Anyika Mark, tells Now Toronto that the community organized a drive for Grenada when a hurricane hit last year, and knew they immediately had to jump into action once again to help Jamaica.
Mark says the drive is looking for items such as hygiene kits, first-aid kits, blankets, infant and baby supplies, flashlights and non-perishable goods, and is currently trying to find a reputable organization to give the items to.
“We’re looking to see if we can work with reputable organizations like the Consulate General of Jamaica and the Jamaican Canadian Association, and trying to figure out if we can pair some of these efforts with the incredible work that they’ve done and do in our communities,” she said.
While efforts are being made to help family and friends on the island, she says it’s important for the community to come together and show support for Jamaicans here in Toronto as well.
“We’re talking about immigrant folks whose families are still there, who have friends and relatives that are evacuating, have been seeing their homes be demolished, trying to get in touch with people, to make sure that people are doing okay, there’s a lot of fear,” she said.
Founder of RREW, Marcus, says support and donating is rooted in Caribbean culture, and now is the time to embrace it.
“Sending barrels is a part of our culture. I’m not Jamaican, I’m Grenadian, but just as the Jamaicans came through for us last year, it’s a diaspora-wide effort to help those in need, right?,” he told Now Toronto.
Marcus says it’s especially important for a city and community like Toronto to step up in relief efforts.
“Jamaica has given so much to this city, through culture, through food, through music. So, right now is our turn to pay it back to Jamaica and help them out in this time of need. Toronto has one of the largest Jamaican communities in the world,” he said.
Mark says the donation drive will also be taking place in and around the Little Jamaica night market that’s being hosted by Studio M and the Canadian Reggae Music Association from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Nov. 1.
On Wednesday, Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, issued an “all clear” notice following the passing of Hurricane Melissa, and says utility companies should now commence restoration and recovery operations across the island. Work to restore power, water, and communication networks are also underway according to the notice.
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