Hertfordshire Responds to the Hurricane Melissa Appeal for Jamaica
- HatCulCon
- Nov 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 22
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in the South West Coast of Jamaica, as a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 185 mph and a minimum central pressure of 892 millibars. It struck at approximately 1:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on October 28. (britannica.com) With this, came devastation to areas - Westmoreland, St.Elizabeth, St.James, Hanover, Trelawny, St Anns, Manchester received the full impact and families are now facing significant loss and displacement. Homes, roads, schools and community spaces have been wipe out or severely damaged, leaving residents in urgent need of support.
As images and videos of the destruction continue to be shared by media outlets and family members back home, our volunteers are deeply moved; the scenes are heartbreaking.
In response to the ongoing crisis, driven by compassion and a shared sense of responsibility, our volunteers of Jamaican heritage, along with those from neighbouring Caribbean islands that reside in Welwyn Hatfield, Hertfordshire and Shepherd's Bush, West London, came together to coordinate a donation drive through Hatfield Cultural Connection CIC.
A selection of essential items were gathered, Including:
Children’s crocs
T-shirts
Trousers
Leggings
Non-perishable food items
Hygiene products,
Baby items
DIY supplies
On Saturday, 8th November, the collected items were delivered to The Angel Foundation JA, an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children through education and health initiatives. They have members on the ground in Jamaica, actively assessing needs and ensuring that all donated items reach the children and families affected by Hurricane Melissa.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed and supported so far. As Jamaica begins the long journey toward recovery, every act of kindness, brings hope and strength to families who desperately need it.
The foundation’s shipment is scheduled to depart on 20th November.
If you’d like to learn more about the amazing work the foundation does, visit their website and social medial
Angel Foundation Facebook Community Page
AngelUKJA CIC No. 12227596
