Alkaline Foundation Corporation, an organisation founded by dancehall star Alkaline, has donated relief packages to people affected by Hurricane Melissa in the parishes of Westmoreland and Trelawny.

In early December, a 10-member team from the foundation visited the communities of Stratbougie in Westmoreland, and Bunkers Hill and Deeside in Trelawny. They issued relief packages that included food supplies, essential toiletries, and other items to families.

“We didn’t have any brand sponsorship for this initiative. Everything we were able to provide came from the foundation itself, along with donations from some genuinely good people who stepped forward to help. Their kindness made it possible for us to reach the families who needed support the most,” said Kereena Beckford, a spokesperson for the Alkaline Foundation Corporation.

Westmoreland and Trelawny are two of the parishes that suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that made landfall in Jamaica on October 28. In addition to widespread destruction in other parishes such as St Elizabeth and St James, 45 people were killed by the monster hurricane.

Alkaline, whose hit songs include Things Mi Love and Live Life, started the foundation in 2014. It has assisted facilities like Maxfield Park Children’s Home as well as supported cancer causes.

Beckford described the despair in Westmoreland and Trelawny as heart-rending.

“They [people] were just sharing their struggles. It’s clear they’re really going through it right now. Yet, even in these overwhelming times of despair and uncertainty, they were still able to show gratitude and joy. It was humbling and inspiring to witness,” she said.