Ways you can support Jamaica
We are deeply moved by the overwhelming support for Jamaica during this devastating time. In this moment of crisis, communities around the world have reached out asking how they can help and we are profoundly grateful.
This site is a safe space we've created for you. Here you'll find verified local drop-off locations (in Canada initially) for supplies and trusted organizations accepting monetary donations, all carefully vetted to ensure they're actively on the ground, delivering urgent humanitarian relief to those who need it most.
Every link represents hope. Every contribution makes a difference.
Make a monetary donation
(easier and frankly better for Jamaica)
Your best options are:
Directly to anyone you know that is struggling, help them first. Contact us if you need support or advice.
International organizations that have an on-the-ground presence, choose them next (see our suggestions below).
Official Government of Jamaica hurricane relief website.
Canadian organizations that are known and effective in Jamaica. Check a good rating on Charity Intelligence.
Sending money through legitimate organizations and official channels enable these organizations to purchase supplies locally, getting aid to those in need MUCH QUICKER.
With devastation affecting two-thirds of Jamaica, recovery will be a LONG-TERM effort. Financial support is critical, both now and in the months ahead, for infrastructure repair, rebuilding of homes, schools, and hospitals, restoring power/water, and helping persons who are displaced.
Every dollar makes a lasting difference.
OR
Donate physical
items
(everything helps)
Physical donations are incredibly helpful too! Local drop-off sites are being organized in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. Contact your nearest Jamaican Consulate or Embassy for locations near you.
Drop-off Locations in Canada
The Commissioner's Office in Toronto and Ottawa has partnered with airfreight companies to ship relief directly to Jamaica. See current drop-off locations in Canada below.
What can you donate?
Detailed Needs List - Basic needs, clothing & bedding, children’s needs, medical supplies, recovery supplies
Official Needs List provided by the official Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Jamaica.
In Canada
Building Back Jamaica Strong: USA & Canada Diaspora discussion on Nov 4th. Watch on YouTube HERE
Monetary Donations
Remember to give to people or organizations you personally know first. If you don’t know anyone personally, these are our vetted recommendations.
All donations to the following Canadian organizations receive a tax receipt. Refer to the organization for more information.
Food For The Poor - Canada
FTTP Canada is launching fundraising efforts to ensure both short-term and long-term relief in Jamaica. Humanitarian aid will include resources such as emergency relief packages, food, hygiene kits, and clean water.
Steps to Donate
Go to foodforthepoor.ca
Click on the banner at the top “Give Hope and Relief to Families Affected by Hurricane Melissa.”
Under “Donate To” click on “Support For Jamaica”
In the comments section, add “Jamaica”
“Employer Gift Matching” - Some companies will match your donation. Complete the matching gift section to activate your match if available.
Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation
A 20-year-old foundation focused on building / restoring schools in Jamaica and supporting relief. To date, they have built 27 schools and funded numerous programs to fight food insecurity & create scholarships for deserving students.
They are currently focused on fundraising and investigating the damage to the schools. Support will follow in the next couple of weeks one the assessment has been completed.
Steps to Donate
Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund - The Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA)
The JCA is coordinating efforts in collaboration with the Consulate of Jamaica to fundraise for the Hurricane Melissa Disaster Relief Fund. Every dollar donated will go directly to Jamaica’s ODPEM to support the relief efforts, recovery programs, and rebuilding projects across affected areas in Jamaica.
Every donation will be eligible for a tax receipt.
The JCA is registered through CanadaHelps.
Donate HERE.
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The Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) and Consulate General Office in Toronto, and the Jamaican High Commission in Ottawa have all partnered to establish locations throughout Canada to collect physical donations. All donations will be packaged and sent to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Jamaica.
Physical Donations
International & USA
Monetary Donations
Remember to give to people or organizations you personally know first. If you don’t know anyone personally, these are our vetted international recommendations.
Government of Jamaica - Hurricane Melissa Disaster Relief
This is the official Hurricane Melissa Relief fund from Jamaica's Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. The fund mobilizes support for emergency response and recovery efforts while providing the latest information on Hurricane Melissa relief.
Preparation, rapid response, and sustained recovery save lives and restore communities. Many areas—particularly along Jamaica's southern coast, which was devastated by a major hurricane in 2024—are especially vulnerable and in urgent need of support.
You can donate directly through their website or contact your local Jamaican Consulate or High Commission for donation options in your country.
Donate at supportjamaica.gov.jm
Please ensure the portal ends with “ .gov.jm ” as this is the only official web address for the Government of Jamaica. Beware of those who are using this national crisis for criminal activity.
Hartofgold supports The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ)
HartofGold Fundraiser page through AFJ. Please donate HERE
The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) holds a special place in the hearts of many Jamaicans in the Diaspora. With an extensive network of donors, partners, and grantee organizations, AFJ is uniquely positioned to mobilize and distribute resources effectively. One of our Hart cousins serves as President of the Board—this is an organization we personally trust and vouch for.
AFJ's Board of Directors has established a $2 Million Matching Fund for Hurricane Melissa relief and recovery efforts (thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Chris Hohn, the Wegman Family Foundation (Danny & Paula Wegman), and the Al Dwoskin Family Foundation). Every donation made through their official channels will be matched dollar-for-dollar, including contributions through corporate matching gift programs.
All donations are tax-deductible in the USA.
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Global Empowerment Mission (GEM)
This organization is literally a “gem” and they are an official partner with Jamaica’s ODPEM. Many of our friends and family have volunteered their time and efforts at the warehouse in Florida to package relief aid for Jamaica. They were there to support Jamaica after Hurricane Beryl last year and they have stepped up once again, committing USD$20,000,000 in aid for Jamaica.
Visit their social pages or website to see how they are currently on the ground providing aid to those in need.
GEM Needs List
Donate HERE
All donations are tax-deductible in the USA.
Food For The Poor - Sean Paul Foundation
The Sean Paul Foundation has partnered with Food For the Poor in Jamaica, pledging to personally match every donation up to USD$50,000. They raised USD$20,000 within 24hrs and have surpassed $69,000 within a week of the hurricane.
Jamaica National Foundation
The JN Group has an established fund, managed by the JN Foundation, to facilitate donations to help Jamaicans most affected by disasters such as Hurricane Melissa. They have physical donation locations set up throughout the UK, USA, and Cayman. You can additionally contribute monetarily in USD, GBP, and CAD.
Your contribution will assist the most vulnerable in children’s homes, early childhood institutions, homes for the elderly or persons with disabilities, and healthcare facilities, as well as registered community groups operating in the worst-affected areas.
This is how your funds will be allocated:
40% to support early childhood institutions
30% to support homes for the most vulnerable and at-risk groups
30% for First Responders and community groups.
Learn more by visiting isupportjamaica.com
World Central Kitchen Jamaica (WCK)
Chef Brian Lumley amongst other renowned chefs in Jamaica have partnered with World Central Kitchen (WCK) to provide disaster relief in Jamaica, most recently after Hurricane Melissa. His role involves acting as a culinary scout and coordinator for WCK's relief efforts, including setting up kitchens in effected areas and helping to distribute meals. He is also working with WCK on long-term projects to build food system resilience in the Caribbean.
DONATE HERE
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Cover photo credit: Black River, Jamaica | Matias Delacroix/AP