KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant humanitarian response, Canadian business leader and philanthropist Reetu Gupta has mobilized substantial resources totaling over CA$105,000 to support Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact. The comprehensive aid package addresses both immediate emergency needs and long-term reconstruction efforts through strategic partnerships with established relief organizations.
The Gupta Group CEO and Gupta Family Foundation head has allocated funds across three primary channels: CA$50,000 to GlobalMedic for emergency response operations, CA$30,000 to Food For The Poor Canada for essential supplies and shelter, and CA$25,000 to Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation for education-focused rebuilding initiatives. This multi-faceted approach ensures both rapid disaster response and sustainable community development.
Beyond financial contributions, Gupta personally deployed her team to volunteer with GlobalMedic, assisting in assembling emergency kits destined for severely affected communities in western Jamaica. The humanitarian effort extends to supporting ‘Harmonies of Hope,’ a benefit concert initiative organized by the Jamaica Tourist Board in collaboration with Jamaican diplomatic missions in Canada.
Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, a key advocate mobilizing diaspora support, praised Gupta’s leadership: ‘Her generosity is both timely and transformative. True leadership is measured by action during crises, and Reetu’s support exemplifies what it means to stand with Jamaica when it needs us most.’
Jamaican officials expressed profound gratitude for the intervention. Angella Bennett, Regional Director of Tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board, stated: ‘These contributions are helping us rebuild stronger communities and restore vital infrastructure, allowing us to welcome visitors back to our beautiful island with the warmth and resilience Jamaica is known for.’
The catastrophic hurricane has created one of Jamaica’s most severe humanitarian challenges in recent years, damaging homes, schools, community spaces, and critical infrastructure across the island nation.