Former Reggae Boyz rally to raise hurricane relief funds

A group of former Jamaican national football players, known as the Reggae Boyz, has initiated a significant fundraising campaign to assist communities ravaged by Hurricane Melissa. Spearheaded by Jobi McAnuff, a veteran of over 30 international matches for Jamaica, the effort is driven by both personal loss and a sense of national duty. McAnuff, who maintains close ties with family in Jamaica, described the hurricane’s impact as catastrophic, prompting him and his former teammates to take action. The initiative includes a GoFundMe page, leveraging their public profiles to encourage donations and provide essential aid to those affected. McAnuff emphasized the personal toll of the disaster, with family members in various parts of the island suffering significant losses. The campaign has garnered widespread support from former players, including Adrian Mariappa, Wes Morgan, Joel Grant, and Garath McCleary, reflecting the strong camaraderie within the Reggae Boyz community. McAnuff, now a football pundit in the UK, noted that the response has exceeded expectations, with substantial funds raised to address urgent needs. He also highlighted the importance of Jamaica’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against Curacao, viewing it as an opportunity to uplift the nation amidst ongoing challenges. For McAnuff and his peers, this initiative transcends fundraising; it is a testament to their enduring connection to Jamaica and their commitment to its recovery.