For Joseph “Joey” Bogdanovich III, the images of Hurricane Melissa’s destruction weren’t just news clips; they were scenes that replayed constantly in his mind — homes swallowed by water, streets turned into rivers, families stranded and shaken.

Though his father had already mobilised relief efforts through Downsound Entertainment, the weight of what he had seen pushed the teen into action on his own steam.

With a deep sense of urgency and compassion he launched One Love Relief, determined to help as many people as he could.

“After seeing all the flooded homes, streets, and people who were left homeless and hungry, I was honestly shocked. I honestly couldn’t stop thinking about it, and I knew that I had to do something,” he told the Jamaica Observer. “It didn’t feel right for me to go about my day in Kingston and act like nothing happened. I started arranging relief efforts the day after the hurricane.”

Although his initiative stands on its own, Joey is quick to acknowledge that his father’s experience and connections helped guide him.

He also highlighted the meaningful support he received from the deputy mayor of Montego Bay, whose insights ensured the aid reached the areas in most need.

“I don’t really see this as a solo effort because my father helped me so much with getting donations. If I told you I did it all by myself, you’d probably think I’m Superman or something,” he said. “This was a team effort. Family, friends, and my father all played crucial roles. He’s the one who helped me get in touch with the deputy mayor of Montego Bay, Dwight Crawford, who guided us on what people truly needed.”

Even before the worst of the storm was revealed, Joey and his friends had already begun forming a plan.

Philanthropy, he said, is something he has always viewed as a responsibility — a way of giving back and standing in the gap where others cannot.

“Based on all the reports we knew it was going to be bad. So my friends and I were already thinking of ways to help. The four of us — myself, Aviana Younis, Carmelo Onfroy, and Cheng Tao — have been working at this nonstop,” he shared. “It feels good to help, but almost everyone is in need right now. I see this as a duty to help those who have suffered. I feel like God spared us in Kingston so we could help everyone else. After all, Jamaica is ‘Out of many, one people’.”

With a target of US$10,000, One Love Relief is calling on Jamaicans at home and abroad to support by donating at  https://www.gofundme.com/f/oneloverelief. Up to press time it had raised near US$8,000.

Joey shared that the outpouring of love and support over the past two weeks has been nothing short of inspiring.

“I’m not surprised at all that so many have shown up for Jamaica. Jamaica is one of the most influential countries in the world. We’re loved everywhere because of our rich culture,” he said, noting that while the focus is currently on providing immediate relief supplies, he is already planning a Christmas treat for children in the affected communities.

— Shereita Grizzle

Members of the One Love Relief team offload bags of relief items during one of their visits to communities ravaged by Hurricane Melissa.