On the cusp of the roll-out of its Partial Incentives Breakfast Programme, Jam Rock Events has pivoted to join in on relief efforts for persons most affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The Colorado-based events-planning agency, through its charity arm, Colorado Caribbean Social Club, says its committed to aiding Jamaica’s rebuilding efforts with a specific focus on sourcing medical supplies.

“The Colorado Caribbean Social Club, in partnership with Project C.U.R.E., has decided to focus on the request from Jamaica for 600 hospital beds and several other medical needs from the Ministry of Health,” the manifesto on their website read. “The cost of one medical container is US$30,000, and our goal is to have one container with beds and another container with all other medical supplies.”

According to Catherine Jackson, a member of the Colorado Caribbean Social Club’s board of directors, the damage left behind by Hurricane Melissa has been heartbreaking to witness. She expressed that, as an organisation centred on philanthropy, relief efforts started almost immediately post-hurricane.

“Jamaica has never seen anything like this. I knew it wasn’t going to be good, but I don’t think anyone could have envisioned this,” she expressed. “We started getting the team together before the hurricane hit. We knew we would need to step up, but once we realised the devastation, we had to shift gears and expand our cry for help. Our first event was on November 9, but immediate donations were solicited for Project C.U.R.E., which focused on well-needed medical supplies.”

Outlining that the health sector in western parishes was hard-hit by the Category 5 storm, Jackson said it felt like a no-brainer to start there, especially since the majority of the focus would be on sourcing immediate food supplies for those affected. With a strong support system in the diaspora across the United States, Jackson said offering assistance gave Jamaicans living outside of the island a sense of purpose.

“There are many Jamaicans who live outside of Jamaica, but we all still have a heart for Jamaica and the people of Jamaica. Many of us have families who are in affected areas too, and so giving is always a good feeling. Our team is coming to Jamaica… to determine exactly which communities we will focus on, as well as clear the shipments being sent from Colorado for distribution,” she said. “But our ultimate goal is to adopt and rebuild communities through focus. We acknowledge that we can’t be all things to everyone, as there’s so much need and so we just have to focus on one and then move to the next.”

To offset some of the cost involved in sourcing items for donation, the Colorado Caribbean Social Club says it will be hosting fund-raising events in Colorado. All proceeds from said events, as well as funds generated through their official GoFundMe account, will go towards purchasing medical supplies and essential goods for families in western Jamaica.

— Shereita Grizzle