MONTHS after Hurricane Melissa impacted sections of southern and western Jamaica, recovery efforts continue, this time with a deeply personal focus on restoring confidence, dignity, and opportunity for women who lost not just possessions, but a sense of normality.

The Barita Foundation, in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Montego Bay, hosted a first-of-its-kind trunk show in Montego Bay, specifically designed for women affected by the hurricane, a release from the foundation said.

The trunk show, held at the Grand A View Hotel two Saturdays ago, was curated as a boutique-style experience, allowing women to browse, select, and rebuild their wardrobes in a dignified and empowering setting. Participants were not simply recipients of donations, the release said, they were given the opportunity to choose pieces that reflected their personal style, fit their needs, and supported their return to work and daily life.

Barita Foundation Executive Director Tanketa Chance-Wilson highlighted the initiative’s intent.

“We wanted to move beyond traditional relief efforts and create an experience that restores confidence and choice. Clothing plays a powerful role in how we show up in the world, and this trunk show was designed to help women feel like themselves again,” she said.

She added that the initiative reflects a broader, more human-centred approach to recovery.

“Months later, many women are still rebuilding. This experience is about meeting them where they are, supporting not just their immediate needs, but their ability to move forward with confidence,” she said.

The event also featured elements of grooming, personal presentation, and career guidance, reinforcing the idea that recovery extends beyond physical rebuilding to include emotional and professional readiness.

Chance-Wilson highlighted the strong support behind the initiative.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Barita team and friends of Barita whose generous donations made this possible. Their contributions allowed us to create a high-quality, thoughtful experience for the women we are serving,” she said.

President of the Kiwanis Club of Montego Bay, Yolanda Kameka-Morris, emphasised the importance of collaboration in delivering meaningful impact.

“This initiative represents a new approach to community support, one that is rooted in dignity and empowerment. By working together, we are able to provide not just clothing, but a renewed sense of hope and possibility for the women who were affected,” she shared.

For many participants, the experience was transformative. One woman from Catherine Hall, who lost nearly everything during the hurricane, described the opportunity as a meaningful step forward as she works to rebuild her life.

The Barita Foundation noted that the trunk show forms part of its ongoing Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts, supported by partners, including the Kiwanis Club of Montego Bay, the Social Development Commission (SDC), churches across the western region, and members of the business community.

Jodi-Ann Currie and her daughter participate in the trunk show, which is heavily supported by the women in western Jamaica.