KINGSTON, Jamaica — What began as a simple weekly game of dominoes has turned into a major relief effort. The Shats Domino Group, an informal WhatsApp group of friends who have gathered for years every Monday in Cherry Gardens, St Andrew to play dominoes, debate and discuss local and global issues, has pooled resources to support Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa recovery.

“It just dawned on us that maybe we can do something, maybe we can be more than a group of guys who sit down and play dominoes and debate non-stop and out of this we started a fundraiser and it has been wonderful,” explained Carlton Hume, the club’s president.

So far, the group of business owners and long-time friends has raised over $2.75 million to be donated to American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ).

“We like the work that they do and they work across Jamaica,” he said.

According to club member Dwight Moore, giving back has always been a topic of discussion among the diverse group.

He said AFJ has committed to matching the donation. Executive Director of the AFJ, Caron Chung, who was present at Monday’s meeting to receive the cheque of $2.75 million, shared, “When I think about the fact that this group and these gentlemen have taken it up on themselves to pool together and make donations towards Hurricane Melissa relief it is really incredible and I’m really truly grateful for their generosity.”