In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Red Stripe has been at the forefront of relief efforts in western Jamaica, providing critical support to families whose lives and livelihoods have been severely disrupted. Last week, the company extended its community outreach to Haughton Grove in Hanover, one of the areas most affected by the storm. Three trucks laden with food, water, cleaning supplies, and care packages arrived in the district, marking the first organized relief effort since the hurricane struck. Volunteers distributed essential items, including 200 cases of water, 60 cases of Malta beverages, clothing, cleaning materials, and meal boxes, to help families meet their immediate needs. The initiative was made possible through a partnership with Paramount Trading Jamaica Ltd. Member of Parliament for Hanover Eastern, Andrea Purkiss, who assisted in the distribution, expressed her gratitude, emphasizing the urgent need for support. Among the beneficiaries was 72-year-old Lola Dehaney, who has endured multiple hurricanes in her lifetime. She shared her emotional experience, stating, ‘Me feel so grateful for them. God couldn’t send a better gift.’ Nearby, 58-year-old Violet White highlighted the challenges of contacting her daughter in London due to damaged communications and rising living costs. Red Stripe’s relief efforts also extended to communities in Westmoreland, including Aldair, Retirement, Belmont, and Whitehouse, where the company distributed 500 care packages and 22 water drums. Residents in these areas recounted losing roofs, livestock, and small businesses. Red Stripe’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Dianne Ashton-Smith, emphasized the company’s commitment to recovery, stating, ‘Our goal is to help communities get back on their feet as quickly as possible.’ The company’s broader contributions include distributing approximately 1,000 cases of Malta and bottled water, supporting the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), and enlisting the help of brand ambassadors like Usain Bolt and Masicka. Additionally, Red Stripe donated $15 million to the I Love Jamaica Telethon, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport. Ashton-Smith concluded, ‘As families across Hanover and Westmoreland continue the long process of rebuilding, they do so strengthened by partnerships that reflect the true spirit of Jamaica’s neighbours, communities, and companies working side by side toward recovery.’