asembl.group has launched a fundraising campaign for The British Red Cross, to support the communities devastated by Hurricane Mellissa, one of the worst disasters in Jamaica’s history.
David Beswick, client services director and co-founder of X3 Solutions (an asembl.group member), has been personally affected by this tragedy.
Beswick’s mother lives in the port town of Black River: ‘ground zero’ of Hurricane Melissa, which 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.
With over 1.1 million Caribbean people living and working in the UK and a thriving events industry in Jamaica, it’s unlikely that Beswick is the only person in the UK events sector to be affected by Hurricane Melissa.
asembl.group is today 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.
David Beswick, client services director and co-founder, X3 Solutions said: “My mum’s home, Black River, is the bread-basket 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. This tragic event has sadly affected some of our people directly, that’s why I’m delighted that we’re bringing the power of our collective networks together to do what we can to make a difference.”
He added: “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.”
The goal is to raise £25,000 as quickly as possible, for The British Red Cross Hurricane Melissa Disaster Fund, which is working with colleagues on the ground to help with search and rescue and to help people get access to healthcare, safe shelter and clean water.
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