GRACEKENNEDY Limited yesterday announced the launch of the “GraceKennedy/Western Union Hurricane Dean Relief Fund”, with an initial commitment of approximately J$13.5 million.

Western Union, a long-standing business partner of GraceKennedy throughout the region, has pledged US$50,000 (app J$3.5 million) of the total amount to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

This joint initiative to assist Jamaicans in need after Hurricane Dean will largely be earmarked for the provision of food and rebuilding supplies in the most affected areas, GraceKennedy said in a statement.

The fund will be administered in Jamaica by GraceKennedy Limited and will be disbursed through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Jamaica branch), The United Way, and other non-governmental relief agencies.

GraceKennedy’s subsidiary, First Global Bank (FGB), has also opened an account to accept donations towards the local rebuilding effort. Persons may visit any of the FGB locations in New Kingston, Manor Park, Montego Bay or Mandeville, to make their donations to Account # 2404994.

Donations to the hurricane recovery effort can also be made through any Western Union location in Jamaica or internationally.