KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), one of Jamaica’s leading human rights organisations, presented a cheque for $250,000 to support residential facilities housing children in state care.

In a release, it was shared that the donation, which includes part proceeds from the 2025 Run for Rights 5K Walk/Run, was symbolically handed over on April 9, 2026 to the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA).

These funds will assist recovery initiatives for Child Care Facilities — mainly private ones — that sustained minimal to major damage during the passage of Hurricane Melissa in October.

“Normally, the proceeds from the Run for Rights are used to fund JFJ’s vital services, such as legal support to women affected by violence and marginalised groups whose rights are violated. However, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, we decided to redirect the funds of the 2025 5K toward hurricane relief that will ultimately benefit children in residential care. We are proud that the generosity of our participants, supporters, and partners made that possible,” shared Mickel Jackson, executive director, Jamaicans for Justice.

Since the early 2000s, JFJ has maintained a strong thematic focus on children in the care of the State. The organisation has conducted extensive research on the conditions in residential facilities, carried out legislative reviews — including proposals to reform adoption laws to support deinstitutionalisation — and developed key policy recommendations aimed at improving outcomes for these children. The cheque handover marks a meaningful milestone in JFJ’s ongoing support for the rights and welfare of some of Jamaica’s most vulnerable citizens.

“JFJ’s work centers on protecting the rights and dignity of the most vulnerable. Supporting children in State care is a key part of that mission, as they depend on systems meant to safeguard their wellbeing. This contribution reflects our continued commitment to ensuring every child has access to care, protection, and opportunity,” shared Venessa Parkinson, programme coordinator, Jamaicans for Justice.

In addition to monetary contributions provided to the CPFSA, the organisation also provided non-perishable food, clothing, and hygiene supplies that were collected from participants and successfully distributed to affected parishes following the hurricane’s devastating passage.

JFJ extended a heartfelt gratitude to all participants, volunteers, donors, and sponsors whose contributions made both the hurricane relief efforts and this donation possible.

The third staging of the Run for Rights 5K Walk/Run will be held on November 29, 2026 at Hope Gardens.