SCOTIA Group Jamaica has donated approximately $18 million to Food for the Poor Jamaica to support that organisation’s ongoing relief and recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

The money will help provide essential food, care packages, and other support to families across the island whose livelihoods and homes were severely affected by the storm.

The contribution forms part of Scotia Group’s initial $165-million national hurricane relief, recovery, and resilience allocation, announced last week.

President and CEO of Scotia Group Jamaica Audrey Tugwell Henry emphasised the bank’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to the national recovery.

“As Jamaicans, we all carry the responsibility to uplift our beloved nation, especially in times of adversity. Hurricane Melissa tested our resilience, but it also revealed the strength of our spirit. Scotia Group’s contribution to Food for the Poor is more than a donation. It reflects our deep belief in partnership, community action and in the power of unity.

“Through our combined efforts, we are helping to restore stability, dignity and hope for thousands of families impacted by this disaster. We know that this recovery is not just about rebuilding structures but also about rebuilding lives; therefore, every act of kindness counts,” said Tugwell Henry.

In addition to financial support, more than 60 Scotia volunteers joined Food for the Poor’s relief efforts on Monday lending their hands to pack more than 2,000 food packages.

Each package provides enough items to make nutritious meals to sustain a family of four for a week and a half. Volunteers have also pledged continued assistance in the weeks ahead as recovery efforts expand.

Marsha Burrell, marketing, public relations and missions manager at Food for the Poor, expressed gratitude for Scotia Group’s support as she underscored the urgency of the relief work. “We are extremely thankful to Scotia Group for its generous donation and for the incredible volunteer support. The need across the island is great. Many families have lost their homes, livelihoods, and access to food. Partnerships like this help us respond more quickly and effectively so that families can begin to recover and rebuild their lives,” said Burrell.

Roger Miller (left) and Fabian Maxwell were among more than 60 Scotia Foundation volunteers who assisted with packing relief packages at the Food for the Poor Ellerslie Pen, St Catherine location. The team was able to put together some 2,000 packages.