asembl.group has launched a fundraising campaign for The British Red Cross, to support the communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa, one of the worst disasters in Jamaica’s history.
David Beswick, client services director & co-founder, X3 Solutions (an asembl.group member), has been personally affected by this tragedy. David’s mother lives in Black River: ‘ground zero’ of Hurricane Melissa. The port town 93 miles west of the capital, Kingston, has been devastated with buildings demolished, roofs removed from houses, landslides and fatal injuries. Aid has struggled to get to the area and it’s currently without electricity, food and clean water.
asembl.group is championing a collective fundraising effort from the UK events industry to urgently support relief teams in Jamaica. With three-quarters of the country losing power, 90% of houses on the west coast devastated by wind damage and flooding causing havoc across the country, it’s clear the aftermath will need a community response.
Beswick said: “My mum’s home, Black River, is the breadbasket of Jamaica — a place that has nourished the island for generations. After the hurricane, the people who always give so much now need our help. ‘Out of Many, One People’ means we show up for each other. Any support you can offer will make a real difference.”
Peter Jackson, group managing director, asembl.group, added: “The images we’ve all seen of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa across Jamaica are shocking and our hearts go out to the people who are currently enduring unimaginable hardship.
“At asembl.group, we believe in the power of collective action and compassion and through this fundraising appeal, we are calling on our partners, clients, and the wider community to join us in providing urgent relief and helping affected families rebuild their lives. I believe that together, we can make a meaningful difference where it’s needed most.”
asembl.group is urging donations to The British Red Cross Hurricane Melissa Disaster Fund. The charity is working with colleagues on the ground. The priorities are search and rescue, and helping people get access to healthcare, safe shelter and clean water.
The fundraising goal is to raise £25,000 as quickly as possible. Together, we can make a real difference to the communities in Jamaica. So please donate whatever you can to this urgent cause and be part of the UK events industry effort.