After Hurricane Melissa hit the Caribbean in October, the FBU Black and Ethnic Minority Members (B&EMM) Committee launched a donation drive. BE&MM sectional chair Karen Bell reports
When Hurricane Melissa hit the island of Jamaica no one could have imagined the storm’s ferocity, or the trail of destruction it would leave behind. The category 5 hurricane was one of the worst the islanders have ever faced. Lives were lost and hundreds left without food, water and shelter.
Nearly 40% of the population live in the hills and countryside of the island. People in those areas are feeling the impact of the hurricane most acutely, with homes left destroyed, limited access to building materials and resources, and any aid slow to reach them.
Families are now living in makeshift shelters as they begin to rebuild their lives, surrounded by contaminated mud. Clean water supplies are scarce and there is little or no electricity supply.
With many members of the B&EMM section connected to the Caribbean, the B&EMM committee knew it was important to take action in solidarity.
When we started a donation drive the response was overwhelming, with support and donations coming in from FBU branches, regions, and sections, as well as from members, friends and families.
In under a week, we were able to raise funds to enable us to send essential items to Jamaica, including:
- 70 care packs containing toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, deodorant and flannel as well as food packs with rice, noodles, cuppa soap, sardines, tuna, tea and biscuits
- 80 school bags filled with pens, pencils, rulers, sharpeners, erasers and exercise books.
We were also able to purchase solar lights, batteries, torches, work gloves, medical supplies, hundreds of sanitary products, razors, new clothing and footwear for all ages, baby products, and much more.
Our original aim was to fill one large barrel - but in the end we were able to fill three and one box.
The barrels have now set sail for Jamaica and will take approximately 21 days to arrive. Once they clear customs, they will be collected and distributed to communities in rural areas of Wakefield and Deeside.
FBU members’ unwavering commitment to supporting those in need of humanitarian aid has a long and proud history. We stand with the people of Jamaica and Cuba who are rebuilding in the aftermath of this climate disaster.
