AMIDST the continued rebuilding efforts post-Hurricane Melissa, Pepsi-Cola Jamaica and partners — KFC, Pizza Hut Jamaica, Frankie Music Productions and Vantage One — last Friday visited Trelawny Northern with supplies and a day of festivities, to give a sense of joy to families in Duanvale and Sherwood.

Before heading out, the team collected the meals from the respective KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants, where they had been prepared and packed by the hard-working restaurants’ teams.

The day included two stops, beginning in Duansvale before continuing to Sherwood Content, as residents gathered early and moved steadily through the lines.

The partners distributed 1,000 cases of water; 1,000 meals; and toys, chilled beverages, and other supplies to residents of the two communities. Fifty sheets of ply board were also supplied to the Member of Parliament (MP) Tova Hamilton whose office will manage and distribute them based on needs.

Charging stations were also set up for residents who needed to power their devices.

But perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of the visit for residents was the joyful atmosphere created by a volunteer crew of entertainers including Desha Davis, Munga Honourable, members of the groups RDX and Voicemail, and other familiar content creators who spent the day engaging with residents, performing, and helping distribute relief supplies.

“Although weeks have passed, families in Trelawny are picking up the pieces both physically and emotionally. That’s why we felt it was important not just to show up with essentials but to show up with partners, volunteers, and artistes who could bring a little light into what has been a very difficult time,” said Bianca Fakhourie, Pepsi-Cola Jamaica corporate affairs representative.

“As we enter the festive season, experiences like today help restore hope and help keep us connected. This balance of practical relief and emotional support is what our ‘JamaICAN: We Rise Together’ platform is all about,” added Fakhourie.

In the meantime Kandine West, marketing officer at KFC Jamaica, noted that the entities have been long-standing partners, supporting each other throughout the wider relief response.

“We have been supporting communities across the island since the passing of Hurricane Melissa, and partnering with Pepsi Jamaica allows us to continue strengthening that reach. Every community plays an important role in the nation’s recovery, and our teams remain committed to sharing support wherever it is needed,” said West.

Meanwhile Javon Bent, representing the MP’s office, pointed out that the communities of Duanvale and Sherwood are still recovering from significant setbacks after Hurricane Melissa.

Bent explained that residents faced severe disruption, with some families losing their homes and many being marooned for days as access routes were cut off.

He said the prolonged strain has been difficult not only physically but mentally, as people continue to ask when life will return to normal.

According to Bent, the gesture from the corporate entities offered relief and reassurance.

He said while the supplies are critical, the emotional upliftment was just as meaningful for families still trying to regain a sense of stability.

“A day like today means a great deal,” said Bent as he added that the support brings practical help but also, “a moment of cheer that our people truly needed”.