Jamaicans impacted by Hurricane Beryl, especially in southwest and central areas of the country, will receive additional aid from Food For The Poor (FFTP) – Jamaica as the charity organisation strengthened its relief efforts with a $20 million donation from Sagicor Group Jamaica (SGJ).
Since the devastating impact of the category four hurricane on July 3, 2024, FFTP Jamaica, with support from public and corporate entities, has been leading relief efforts for the thousands of residents who have seen damage and destruction done to their homes, businesses, crops, and livestock.
Welcoming the support from Sagicor, Andrew Mahfood, FFTP Jamaica chairman said, “We have been through many hurricanes including Ivan, Gustav, Dean, Sandy and now Beryl and we have always been on the ground providing relief.
Companies like Sagicor providing support confirms the trust in the work that Food For The Poor has being doing. We are grateful that communities like Portland Cottage, Alligator Pond, Rocky Point, Treasure Beach and other areas along the South Coast will be receiving additional help,” he shared. Sagicor Group’s donation will be going directly towards roofing, water, sanitisation, food and agricultural supplies.
Sagicor CEO Christopher Zacca
Christopher Zacca, President & CEO, Sagicor Group Jamaica, highlighted the importance of participating in the relief efforts. “Right after the hurricane hit, we realised the tremendous need for assistance to the citizens of Jamaica. The first organisation that came to mind was Food For The Poor because they have such a strong history of bringing aid to those who need it the most,” he shared.
“We are pleased to know that those most affected will continue to receive aid. It is also heartwarming to see our team members out here today volunteering their time. When we sent out the call for volunteers to help pack the trucks, the slots were filled in minutes and that shows the strong culture of giving back that we have honed here at Sagicor,” he continued.
FFTP Jamaica is among the first responders to the national crisis, spearheading the distribution of relief packages to communities island wide. The humanitarian organisation has also, through its online platforms and various communication channels, connected countless people to health emergency hotlines and shelter locations for those displaced.
Mahfood shared that based on assessment, the mentioned areas were particularly vulnerable and suffered greater damage due to how close the center of Beryl passed these areas.
Annmarie Ferguson, Sagicor team member who was also affected by Hurricane Beryl, expressed why it was important for her to be a part of the volunteer efforts. “Hurricane Beryl took a part of my roof, so coming out here today to help pack supplies for those in need and being a part of a company that is helping in a big way is a great feeling. It is also good to know that Food For The Poor is leading the effort in mobilising support for so many Jamaicans,” she highlighted.
