PILAR Ellington, a resident of St Andrew, has already participated in three relief missions across south-western Jamaica, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28.

Driven by a deep sense of compassion and duty to those in need, Ellington has committed to returning to the devastated areas as often as she can to provide further assistance to affected people to rebuild their lives.

A dedicated volunteer and employee of the JN Group, Ellington was among the first to respond to the call for staff members to support the activities of the JN Foundation, which partnered with the Jamaica Automobile Association and St John Ambulance Jamaica, to take much-needed supplies and services to more than 1,000 residents in Trelawny and St Elizabeth.

“Our role included conducting medical and social surveys to assess the needs of residents, particularly their medical conditions, so that the medical team could provide immediate assistance where necessary. We also helped to distribute some 300 care packages,” said Ellington as she pointed out that her team also provided telecommunication access through Starlink services, along with a generator that allowed residents to charge their devices.

Ellington, a member relations officer at the JN Group, said she was deeply moved by the extent of the damage observed in the various communities.

“Pictures and videos really don’t capture the full reality of what we saw. Houses made of board and concrete, alike, were destroyed, roads became riverbeds. It was heartbreaking to witness,” added Ellington as she noted that power lines were down, water and electricity were unavailable, and cellphone service was extremely poor.

“The situation was challenging. It felt like stepping back in time,” she said.

A moment that will always be etched in her memory was the assistance St John Ambulance Jamaica provided to a diabetic woman who had become critically ill.

“She was taken to the temporary field hospital in Black River due to the severity of her situation. It was gratifying to be able to be a part of an initiative which helps in this way. I could only imagine what might have happened if we hadn’t been there as volunteers to check in on the residents,” reflected Ellington.

She pointed out that during the team’s outreach efforts in Lacovia, St Elizabeth, residents led them to an elderly man whose house had collapsed during the hurricane while he was inside and how neighbours rushed to rescue him.

“When they got inside, they found him soaked and trembling in a small closet. One of the neighbours took him in, and they have been trying to reach his family,” she shared.

Ellington noted that the residents welcomed the relief support.

“They were very grateful for the help and care packages. Many elderly and vulnerable residents had lost their medication and were living with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. Some were even bedridden. They were extremely appreciative of the medical support and the assistance provided by the St John Ambulance Service,” she said.

“What stood out most to me was the community’s strength and positive spirit. Everyone remained hopeful and worked together to help one another,” Ellington pointed out.

Speaking to the alignment of her work and innate nature of volunteerism, Ellington argued that her effort is reflective of the mandate of the JN Circle, the activities for which she coordinates.

“JN Circle members are advocates for change and building stronger communities, and I truly believe in that mission,” she emphasised.

“I live by the principle, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ One day, any of us could be the one in need of a Good Samaritan. So help because it’s the right thing to do, and because it feels good to make a difference,” declared Ellington.

She stressed that restoring Jamaica requires collaboration at every level and the willingness of every citizen to play his/her part in the national recovery process.

“Helping others, whether in a big or small way, is a privilege. It’s deeply rewarding to know you’ve made a difference in someone’s life. Don’t think that what you have to offer isn’t enough, because nothing is too small. Your voice, your time, your strength, and your prayers all matter just as much as physical donations.

“We have a long road to recovery and rebuilding stronger and better will take everyone’s effort,” declared Ellington.

Pilar Ellington (right) getting details of the needs of one of the people hard hit by Hurricane Melissa during a visit to St Elizabeth.

Oral Fraser (left), a resident of Bluefields, Westmoreland shares his ordeal during Hurricane Melissa with Carlene Edwards, head, promotions and sponsorship at the Jamaica National Group during a mission by St John’s Ambulance in the community recently to survey the medical needs of the residents and recommend first aid care.