Tameside Rotary backs aid effort after Hurricane Melissa

Tameside Rotary has donated £1,200 to support urgent humanitarian relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which has caused catastrophic damage across Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba.

The contribution forms part of Rotary International’s wider appeal for emergency aid.

Jamaica has suffered some of the worst destruction, with estimates suggesting that the cost of rebuilding could reach £5 billion. Homes have been flattened, power lines destroyed and communities isolated by severe flooding and fallen trees. Many families have been left without clean water, lighting, or reliable communication.

To help address these urgent needs, Tameside Rotary’s donation will support two long-established emergency relief organisations: ShelterBox and Disaster Aid UK & Ireland.

ShelterBox, a trusted Rotary partner in the Caribbean, is already supplying essential emergency items including shelter kits, tarpaulins, tools, thermal blankets, water carriers, mosquito nets and solar lights.

Disaster Aid UK & Ireland, part of the global Disaster Aid International network, is also delivering critical on-the-ground assistance.

Craig Roberts, Deputy Chairman of Disaster Aid UK & Ireland, expressed gratitude for Tameside Rotary’s support, saying: “Disaster Aid UK & Ireland is grateful to Tameside Rotary for their contributions in deploying vital assistance to Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. Our country partners are on the ground now, working alongside Rotary teams to assess needs and deliver life-saving aid. They are deploying heavy equipment operators, chainsaw teams and volunteer coordinators, supported by Starlink communications to reach even the most isolated areas. They will distribute water filters, solar lights, and battery packs - bringing safety, hope, and connection when it’s needed most.”

Tameside Rotary’s Past President and International Chair emphasised the club’s commitment to rapid humanitarian action: “When disasters are brought to our attention, as Rotarians, we always wonder how we can best help. We are fortunate that these two charities are already in existence and have such skill and experience, that to help, for us, is easy and we know with confidence that the money we send will be put to good use.”

He also extended well-wishes to Midwife Wendy Warrington, well-known locally for her involvement in the MoM Incubator project. Wendy has been deployed to Kingston, Jamaica, with the British Emergency Response Team and is already providing vital support on the ground.

Residents wishing to contribute to ongoing relief efforts can find more information or donate via: Disaster Aid International – https://www.disasteraidinternational.com ShelterBox – https://shelterbox.org