THE MONTHLY GLEANER | NOVEMBER 13 - DECEMBER 13, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 8 TORONTO: THE JAMAICAN Canadian Centre in Toronto was abuzz with activity last Thursday as many volunteers sorted and packed barrels of non-perishable food and essential items to be shipped to Jamaica as part of the enormous Hurricane Melissa relief effort being undertaken in Canada’s largest city. The centre is a drop-off location Monday to Saturday from 10a.m. to 5p.m., and on November 6, while some volunteers were in two rooms packing boxes and barrels, others were helping with preparations for “Hope for Jamaica,” a community Hurricane Melissa relief concert, in the largest of three halls. Approximately 1,000 Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica attended the event. Happening close on the heels of a press conference held at the Consulate General of Jamaica in Toronto in the afternoon, representatives of the Jamaican government in Canada who attended made their way to the Jamaican Canadian Association afterwards. Held under the patronage of Marsha Coore Lobban, high commissioner of Jamaica to Canada, and organised by the Jamaican Canadian Association and Global Jamaica Diaspora Council Canada, the concert featured more than 30 artistes. In attendance were the high commissioner; Dale Jones, counsellor at the high commission; Kurt Davis, consul general at Toronto; Mayor Olivia Chow; Charmaine Williams, associate minister of women’s social and economic opportunity, and others. “The tremendous support at the Hurricane Benefit Concert meant a great deal to Jamaicans in the diaspora. It was more than just an evening of music and togetherness – it was a powerful expression of unity, love, and responsibility toward their homeland. “For many, the outpouring of support reaffirmed the deep emotional and cultural ties that connect Jamaicans abroad to Jamaica, regardless of distance. It showed that even in times of crisis, the diaspora remains a strong and reliable extension of the Jamaican family – ready to rally, give, and lend a hand when their people are in need,”said Sylvanus Thompson, chair of the planning committee. Meanwhile, in Hamilton, Ontario, the Jamaica Foundation Hamilton held a benefit concert in collaboration with the Afro-Canadian Caribbean Association of Hamilton and District (ACCA), and Hamilton Caribbean Women’s Group (HamCar); the three local organisations joined forces to rally the community in love and action. “The Hurricane Melissa Benefit Concert was a true testament to the power of unity and collaboration,” said Winsome Plummer, president of the Jamaica Foundation Hamilton. “The JFH, ACCA, and HamCar came together with one shared purpose – to stand with Jamaica in this time of need. Our local organizations, businesses, and residents joined hands in an incredible outpouring of support and compassion. We extend heartfelt thanks to our amazing artistes and performers who freely gave of their time and talent, to venue host, food vendor, and volunteers who made the evening possible, and to everyone who contributed in cash or kind. This event wasn’t just about music – it was about community, hope, and love in action. When we give, when we care, and when we build together, we create something powerful that no storm can destroy.” To learn more or to support the ongoing relief efforts, persons may visit www.hamiltonlovesjamaica.com. Colin Caleb, executive director of the London Afrocentric Arts Association, shared: “We’re doing a concert on December 6 and it features former Juno Award winner, Errol Blackwood, when he was with the band, Messenjah, for years. There’s V. Merchant who started the city’s first Reggae Fest this year, and the third performer is King Cruff, a Juno nominee and also a grandson of Bob Marley.” Caleb said the association, which started in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, is rallying all its contacts. It holds the annual Essence and Culture Awards at which 18 awards are presented to individuals from the black community and is well represented in London. As a result, there is a strong support network from which to tap into for their relief effort. The Jamaica Relief Fund 25 concert aims to raise $50,000 CAD for the Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth and will be held at the Maple Sports and Rec Banquet Hall on Adelaide Street in London. The association contacted Wayne Chen, chairman of the Southern Regional Health Authority, who shared essential information with them to help them execute their plans. Hurricane Melissa relief concert attracts hundreds Colin Caleb, executive director of the London Afrocentric Arts Association CONTRIBUTED High Commissioner Marsha Coore Lobban, in black, helps Barbara and Simone to pack a barrel. CONTRIBUTED A section of the crowd of the “Hope for Jamaica” benefit concert held at the Jamaican Canadian Centre on November 6. CONTRIBUTED
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