With the focus on helping their team members navigate the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Couples Resorts has also sought to help the communities in which they operate.

A relief fund that has been set up has so far raised more than US$350,000.

Although the resorts were spared major damage and are preparing to reopen next month, many of the company’s team members and their families have suffered tremendous personal losses.

To provide immediate help, the Issa Trust Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Couples Resorts, has established the Couples Resorts Community Disaster Relief Fund. Through generous support from friends, guest, and partners, the fund raised thus far, includes US$100,000 cash donation from Couples Resort.

“For more than 45 years, this has been a proudly Jamaican, family-run brand. When our community is hurting, we feel it deeply,” said Abe Issa, deputy chairman of Couples Resorts. “While we’re grateful our resorts were spared major damage, many of the incredible people who make them special have experienced real hardship. Through the Issa Trust Foundation, we’re committed to helping them recover and rebuild their lives.”

Every dollar donated will go directly toward helping affected team members and surrounding communities rebuild homes, replace essential items and regain stability.

The relief efforts include the distribution of care packages with essentials such as food and water and providing temporary housing for more than 100 of its employees who lost their homes following the passage of the hurricane.

“We’ve been deeply moved by the compassion shown by so many,” said Diane Pollard, president and chief executive officer of the Issa Trust Foundation. “It’s a reminder of how much Couples Resorts means to people who want to give back. This is the just the beginning with a long way still to go, so continued contribution, no matter the size, helps a family get back on their feet.”

In a video message sent to Observer Online, Paul Issa, chairman of Issa Trust Foundation thanked those who have so far contributed to the disaster relief fund.

“On behalf of the Issas Trust Foundation and of all of our staff members at Couples Resorts, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our disaster relief fund at IssaTrustFoundation.com To date, we have raised over US$350,000 and we are very grateful to everyone who has contributed but as you know, the need is great,” said Issa.

He continued, “We are currently housing over 100 staff members who have lost their homes, and we are assessing the damage so that we can best help them to rebuild their homes. I also want to thank the construction crews who have offered to come down and give their services. Please keep the momentum going. We’re very grateful to you.”