As news of Hurricane Melissa’s destruction reaches Canadian shores, many of us watch from a distance, wondering how we can help. The storm has ravaged western parishes of Jamaica, leaving behind a landscape of broken homes, flooded streets, and communities struggling to find their footing. In response, JN Money has taken decisive action, waiving fees on money transfers to Jamaica until November 6—a move that creates a vital lifeline for those trying to support loved ones.
The scale of this disaster demands our attention. Images emerging from Jamaica show families sifting through wreckage, the sound of rain still echoing in their ears, the smell of damp earth filling their lungs. For the Jamaican diaspora in Canada (numbering over 300,000) these scenes strike a deeply personal chord. Many have spent anxious days waiting for news from relatives, their phones clutched tightly in their hands.
JN Money’s initiative goes beyond fee waivers. They hve established the ISupportJamaica Fund, channeling donations to children’s homes, elderly care facilities, healthcare centers, and community groups in the hardest-hit areas. The response has been overwhelming, demonstrating how crisis can unite us across borders.
Canadians can contribute directly to JN Bank account number 2094768349, with all fees waived. For those preferring tangible donations, JN Money has partnered with Food for the Poor, collecting: non-perishable food items, tarpaulins, solar lanterns, hygiene products, and other essentials at select locations.
What does this mean for Canada? Beyond our moral obligation to help, we must recognize that Jamaica is home to neighbours, colleagues, and friends who contribute to our Canadian mosaic. When we support Jamaica’s recovery, we strengthen the bonds that connect our communities.
The path forward requires more than immediate relief. It demands sustained commitment to rebuilding infrastructure, restoring livelihoods, and addressing the systemic vulnerabilities that disasters expose. As Canadians, we can begin by donating today, but we must also remain engaged tomorrow.
This moment calls us to recognize our shared humanity and collective responsibility. In supporting Jamaica’s recovery, we affirm the values that define us as Canadians: compassion, generosity, and global citizenship. The question isn’t whether we can help, but how we will choose to respond when our neighbours need us most.