Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism, along with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has gathered a list of trusted Canadian and US charities that have committed to supporting relief efforts in Jamaica, targeting the areas most impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
Supporting these organizations is critical in helping to rebuild vital infrastructure, restore local livelihoods, and reignite Jamaica’s world-renowned tourism sector, says the ministry.
“Jamaicans remains positive and resilient through these challenging times,” says Jamaican tourism minister Edmund Bartlett. “With the generous support of global charities and our partners, we will be able to provide the relief support needed for Jamaicans including our workers and to help the sector be ready to welcome visitors from around the world by Dec. 15, 2025.’’
To streamline relief efforts with transparency and accountability, the Ministry says it is working with several reputable charitable organizations that include:
- Food for the Poor Canada: Gives hope and relief to families affected by Hurricane Melissa (https://foodforthepoor.ca/).
- Sandals Foundation: Supporting hurricane relief efforts across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean (https://sandalsfoundation.org/hurricane-relief).
- Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation and Food for the Poor Canada: Facilitating donor-advised funds for rebuilding efforts (https://helpinghandsjamaica.com/donate;
- Breds Treasure Beach Foundation: Located in an area of acute need, affiliated with Friends of Jamaica (https://bredsfoundation.org/).
- Hanover Charities: Providing crucial aid to those affected in the western region of Jamaica (https://hanovercharities.com/).
- Rockhouse Foundation: Supporting affected communities with targeted relief projects (https://www.rockhousefoundation.org/).
- Food for the Poor (https://www.foodforthepoorja.org/hurricane-melissa-relief)
- Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Education Foundation (https://chtaef.com/).
‘’We encourage travellers, partners, and organizations worldwide to support Jamaica through donations and by booking travel and joining us on island,” said Angella Bennett, Regional Director in Canada for the Jamaica Tourist Board. “We want to reassure visitors, those who had trips planned or were planning to come visit us soon, that Jamaica is safe, prepared and eager to accept guests. We look forward to welcoming you!”
Toronto benefit concert Dec. 10
The Jamaica Tourist Board reminds about an upcoming special benefit concert in support of recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa. The Harmonies of Hope evening that will bring together music, community, and passion to assist those affected by the hurricane. The concert will be hosted on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the Meridian Performing Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge St, North York, Ont. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. followed by a reception. Tickets are available at via Ticketmaster.
To ensure contributions specifically support tourism-related recovery, donors are asked to designate “Jamaica Tourism Cares” on their donations. For more information, click here: https://supportjamaica.gov.jm/
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