From My Mother’s Voice, A Movement Was Born

When disasters happen, people care deeply, but unfortunately, it is only for a moment. It’s called compassion fatigue. After the headlines fade, the need doesn’t. That is why we created “Shirt Off My Back” to remind people that rebuilding is a marathon of compassion.

The “Shirt Off My Back” Campaign, a collaboration between Chef and Artist Roger Mooking, Olympian Donovan Bailey, and community organizations including: Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, Toronto Pearson International Airport, HMS Host, Steer2Home, Brothers Who Care, Hear 2 Help, Twist by Roger Mooking, and Rocklands Market is stepping forward with a simple mission: to help the people of Jamaica rebuild with care, dignity, and purpose.

This campaign acts as the steady heartbeat behind Jamaica’s recovery. Through donating: quality clothing, non-perishable food, bottled water, hygiene products (especially feminine hygiene products), and linens, the initiative will bring comfort and continuity to those beginning to rebuild their lives.

It started with a phone call from my mom. I could hear the sadness in her voice; that deep ache you only recognize when someone’s lost a sense of stability. In that moment of sadness, I realized that for many Jamaicans, life will never be the same, and that sat like a rock in the pit of my stomach. Many of us can’t imagine what it would feel like to lose every comfort overnight; the bed you sleep in, the clothes you wear, the sense of safety that grounds you.

That’s what drives this initiative, because dignity should not be a luxury. When you look at Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, clothing sits right near the foundation alongside food, water, and shelter. Before anyone can heal, rebuild, or dream again, those basic needs must be met. Our focus is clothing, because when people look good, they feel seen, valued, and human again, and that sense of dignity fuels recovery.

After that call, I reached out to Roger Mooking, and without hesitation, he said, “Let’s move.” Within days, corporate and community partners were mobilizing. That is the power of purpose. When you act from empathy, people join you. I want to thank Mr. Guy Steer and Tyrone Steer from Steer2Home for opening their space to house this project; Donovan Bailey for saying yes without question; Toronto Caribbean Newspaper for amplifying our voice; and every corporate sponsor who made mobilization possible. My mother, Joylyn Smith; she sparked this fire.

This campaign is built on love in motion. The scent of fresh cotton shirts, the texture of warm blankets, the sight of neatly organized care packages, these sensory details matter. They symbolize hope, respect, and the recognition of shared humanity. The initiative’s credibility extends beyond intention. This is a community effort with motivated partners and passionate volunteers. Every contribution is tracked, sorted, and transported directly to trusted community networks on the ground in Jamaica.

First shipments are scheduled for departure by the beginning of December, with a six-month roadmap focused on sustained recovery and local rebuilding. The sound of sorting volunteers, the sight of containers being loaded, the feeling of purpose in the air, these are the moments that define our community response.

We invite community partners, businesses, and everyday people to join us in creating sustainable help for Jamaica, because in the quiet moments after disaster, when the world has moved on to the next headline, that’s when true compassion reveals itself. We know attention fades. That’s human nature, but our message is simple: Jamaica, we’ve got your back. Not just today. Not just while it’s in the news, but for as long as it takes to rebuild.

Where and When to Contribute | Drop-Off Locations

Drop Off Location 1: 1860 Jane St (Toronto) – Down the ramp, through the Purple and
Yellow door, left side of rampDates: November 9th, 16th, and 30th | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Drop Off Location 2: Rocklands Market (580364 Sideroad 60, Berkeley, ON)
Date: November 16th | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

For General Inquires:

Email: simone@carib101.com
Phone: 416-312-9277

One shirt. One meal. One hug at a time.