Courts Jamaica Limited on Tuesday joined forces with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to help victims of Hurricane Dean.

The furniture and appliance company donated 250 double mattresses valued at $3 million to ODPEM for distribution to those residents who were worst affected by the category four storm.

“As we did in 2004 when Hurricane Ivan struck, we have again decided to partner with the ODPEM to assist our fellow citizens who are in desperate need,” Courts’ managing director, Hayden Singh, said.

“There are hundreds of persons who are finding it very difficult to get their lives back on track. Some have lost their homes and personal belongings and now are living in shelters because they have nowhere to call home. As a friend in our communities, we feel obliged to contribute in a meaningful way to aid in the recovery process. These 250 mattresses will provide some well-needed relief,” he added.

In accepting the donation, director of information and training at the ODPEM, Krechet Douglas-Greaves, said the mattresses would undoubtedly boost their relief efforts.

“The donation of mattresses by Courts will go a far way, not just in our initial response to the affected but will also show how much we care and demonstrate to Jamaicans the drive, passion and commitment that make us true champions and overcomers,” she said.

“The ODPEM is proud to partner with Courts and all other organisations to restore the lives of all Jamaicans to normalcy in the shortest time possible,” Douglas-Greaves added.

According to her, special attention would be paid to the communities most severely affected.

“As it relates to post-Hurricane Dean and subsequent damage assessment that was carried out, five communities were identified as severely affected – Portland Cottage and Rocky Point in Clarendon, Old Harbour Bay in St Catherine, and Caribbean Terrace and Bull Bay in Kingston & St Andrew. I am confident that these residents will be extremely grateful for this act of munificence,” she explained.