Some Hurricane Melissa Relief Efforts in the Greater Toronto Area and Beyond

By Neil Armstrong

Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Canada, Marsha Coore Lobban, recently held a meeting with Jamaican diaspora community stakeholders across Canada to plan a coordinated relief effort strategy that responds to the needs identified by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Jamaica.

It included honorary consuls, members of the clergy, representatives of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council and Youth Council, and presidents and heads of Jamaican organisations and associations.

 

Correspondence regarding donations can be directed to donationcoordination@odpem.org.jm,” said the Jamaican High Commission in a notice to the Jamaica diaspora community. The website for Hurricane Melissa Disaster Relief is https://supportjamaica.gov.jm.

 

Yesterday, my friend, Sarah Onyango, a dynamic media personality, community builder, and co-host of the weekly radio show, Black on Black, on CHUO 89.1FM in Ottawa, Ontario, interviewed me about the aftermath of the hurricane and relief efforts in the Greater Toronto Area. I compiled this list of events and efforts from various emails and texts sent to me and posts I have read on my social media platforms. I am familiar with most of the organizers who have been working in the community for a long time. I could only share a few with Sarah so here is the long list.

 

“Hope for Jamaica,” a community Hurricane Melissa relief concert, under the distinguished patronage of the high commissioner, and in collaboration with the Jamaican Canadian Association and Global Jamaica Diaspora Council will be held on Thursday, November 6, at the Jamaican Canadian Centre, 995 Arrow Road in Toronto. The doors will open at 5:00 p.m., show starts at 6:00 p.m. Admission: $25. There are over 30 artists involved.

All funds will be donated to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management.

Meanwhile, the Jamaican Canadian Association has set up a “Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund” campaign on canadahelps.org.

“In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, our brothers and sisters in Jamaica need us more than ever. Homes, livelihoods, and communities have been severely impacted — but together, we can help rebuild hope. 

“We are inviting you to contribute to the Hurricane Melissa Disaster Relief Fund. Every dollar donated will go directly towards relief efforts, recovery programs, and rebuilding projects across affected areas in Jamaica.

“Your generosity can make a real difference. Please give what you can and stand with Jamaica in this time of need,” reads the message on the CanadaHelps website.

Jamaican Canadian Association — Non-perishables can be dropped off Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 

Drop-off points: JCA, Toronto; Montreal, Jamaica Association of Montreal; London, Ontario – Jamaicans in London Ontario Association; Mississauga, Atlas Cargo Emergency Relief; Durham Region; and other locations (see the flyers below).

Food For The Poor Canada said Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful Atlantic hurricane of 2025, has left a trail of widespread devastation across Jamaica and Haiti. 

“Families are displaced, homes destroyed, and communities are flooded. The need for emergency relief and long-term recovery is urgent.

“Your support makes a difference in helping families overcome this crisis and rebuild their lives. Recovery from Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact will take time and will require a great amount of resources for repair and reconstruction.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who has already responded to the urgent need. As the countries move from emergency response to rebuilding in the weeks and months ahead, please continue to support our humanitarian efforts in Jamaica and Haiti. Together, we can deliver relief, restore hope, and help communities rebuild,” said Geraldine Isaac, executive director of Food For The Poor Canada about its Hurricane Melissa campaign.

 

Jamaica Foundation of Hamilton launched the Melissa Relief Fund — finance@jamaicafoundation.org,www.supportjamaica.gov.jm

Jamaica Foundation Hamilton “Benefit Concert for Jamaica Disaster Relief” — Saturday, November 8, 2025. Admission: $30

When Dancehall Did Sweet, a night of unity, rhythm and hope for Jamaica’s queer community, will take place on Saturday, November 8, 10:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. at The 519, 519 Church Street in the Church and Wellesley Village in Toronto. Admission: $10. Funds raised will go directly to the Larry Chang Foundation which is delivering emergency relief to LGBTQ+ Jamaicans. Email JamaicaQueerSupport@TaslanProtective.ca for more information. Organized by several Black queer DJs, promoters, collectives and organizations in Toronto such as Blackness Yes, Craig Dominic, DJ Blackcatt, The 519 Black Collective, Bubbles Entertainment, Polly Perry Events, and Taslan Protective.

 

London Afrocentric Arts Association is organizing the Jamaica Relief Fund 25 concert in an effort to raise $50,000 for the Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth. Performances are slated to include Juno Award-winner Errol Blackwood, Juno-nominated King Cruff, a London native and grandson of reggae icon Bob Marley, as well as London reggae artist V. Merchant.  The concert is happening on December 6, at the Maple Sports and Rec Banquet Hall on Adelaide Street.

The Jamaicans in London Ontario Association is running the Hurricane Relief drive in partnership with Food for the Poor, an international nonprofit which will handle the shipping and distribution.

There are plans to hold hurricane relief events in Montreal and Ottawa.

Check the websites of the Jamaican High Commission in Ottawa and Consulate General of Jamaica in Toronto for accurate information regarding hurricane relief efforts and updates:

Jamaican High Commission in Ottawa — missions.mfaft.gov.jm

Consulate General of Jamaica, Toronto — jcgtoronto.ca