THE Hurricane Melissa relief fund launched by Fontana Pharmacy, in partnership with Amber FundMe, has reached almost $4 million — and the partners are not done yet.

When the collaboration was launched last November the objective was clear — mobilise resources quickly while ensuring that support can continue well beyond the immediate emergency phase following the October 28 Category 5 storm.

Now, as recovery efforts move to another level, the partners say the relief is ongoing and the money raised to date is already making a tangible difference in affected communities.

According to the partners, through public donations on the Amber FundMe platform US$12,317 (approximately $1.85 million) has been raised so far. Fontana matched that amount dollar for dollar, bringing the combined impact to US$24,634, or approximately $3.7 million.

In a media release Fontana said phase one of the relief effort has been completed, with the remaining funds earmarked for continued recovery initiatives through the first quarter of this year as community needs continue to evolve.

“Disaster response does not end when fund-raising begins or pauses,” said Anne Chang, CEO of Fontana Pharmacy.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that funds raised are translated into real, meaningful support for families and communities still rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa. Phase one focused on urgent needs, and phase two will continue to support longer-term recovery,” added Chang.

She pointed out that the money raised to date was used to support emergency and early recovery activities across Hanover, St James, Westmoreland, and Trelawny.

Chang said phase one interventions included the distribution of 1,300 care packages; emergency relief supplies such as food, water, personal care items and clothing; hygiene kits and children-focused support, including toys; door-to-door delivery and outreach to vulnerable and shut-in residents; along with logistics and transportation to ensure supplies reach hard-to-access communities.

The Fontana CEO noted that communities supported during the first phase of the relief effort included Rose Hill, Copse, Hog Pond and Cousins Cove in Hanover; Bogue, New Ramble, Cambridge, Johns Hall, Montpelier, Reading and surrounding districts in St James; Bethel Town, Argyle Mountain, Galloway, Landillo and Grange in Westmoreland; as well as Dromilly and surrounding areas in Trelawny.

She pointed out that while phase one addressed urgent needs, phase two will focus on continued recovery support, with remaining funds disbursed as additional needs are identified in affected communities.

According to Chang, the fund-raising effort continues, enabling Jamaicans at home and abroad to contribute to recovery as families and communities work toward stability months after the storm.

“As Hurricane Melissa’s immediate aftermath fades from headlines, Fontana and Amber FundMe focus remains on ensuring that recovery does not lose momentum. By providing regular updates and maintaining a phased approach, the partnership aims to ensure that support reaches communities not just in moments of crisis, but throughout the rebuilding process,” said Chang.

Meanwhile Amber FundMe, the local crowdfunding platform which is facilitating the campaign, said providing updates while recovery is still under way is critical to maintaining public trust and ensuring sustained support.

“Disaster recovery doesn’t happen in one moment; it happens in phases,” said Allan Hall, client support specialist at Amber Pay.

“Regular updates help keep the public informed and confident that their contributions continue to make a difference as communities move from immediate relief to rebuilding and long-term recovery,” added Hall.

He underscored that Amber FundMe’s platform supports transparency throughout the recovery process by providing real-time public updates and working only with verified campaign partners.

“Accountability shouldn’t stop once the emergency phase ends. It needs to continue through rebuilding and long-term community support,” said Hall.