More than £20,000 has been raised by Jamaicans and supporters in the UK for children’s homes, early-childhood institutions, elderly care facilities, disability-support organisations, community groups, and first responders affected by Hurricane Melissa.
The funds were raised during the JN-Money-supported benefit concert For the Love of Jamaica, held at Boxpark Wembley, which drew over 1,800 patrons and an audience of more than 1,800 donors.
The event, held recently, attracted a crowd of 1,800 and was organised by music executive Portia Clarke-Mellanaise, in partnership with organisations including Rampage Sound, Fiona Ramsay, JN Money Services, and the JN Group charity arm, the JN Foundation.
The concert also featured heavyweight performers from across reggae, pop, grime, dancehall, and R&B, including reggae star Maxi Priest, dancehall artist Stylo G, and grime legend Chip, alongside UK stars like Alesha Dixon, DJ AG, Mahalia, Donae’O, and Don’a’E’O, who united their platforms to raise both funds and awareness for the hurricane recovery effort.
‘Not without challenges’
Clarke-Mellanaise admitted that her love for Jamaica was the driving force behind organising the concert at this scale.
“Personally, I owe my career to Jamaican music and [felt that] if I could share my skill and use it to create awareness, raise money, and provide an event where patrons can feel a sense of hope and enjoyment, [then I should],” she said.
DJ AG also shared the emotional toll the disaster had on Jamaicans living abroad, explaining why being part of the event felt like a duty.
“As the child of Jamaican parents, the devastation back home hit me deeply, so being able to support the artistes, promote the cause, and feel the community come together meant everything. Jamaica has given me so much — contributing in this small way was the least I could do,” he said.
‘Honoured to channel’ the support
Sanya Wallace-Innerarity, assistant general manager of strategy, marketing and sales at JN Money Services, praised the overwhelming unity shown by Jamaicans abroad.
“We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from the Jamaican community in the UK,” Wallace-Innerarity said. “Their willingness to stand in solidarity with families back home speaks volumes about the strength of our diaspora. The unity demonstrated at this event reassures us that, no matter the challenge, Jamaicans at home and abroad will always rally together to lift each other up.”
“At JN Money, we are honoured to help channel the much-needed resources to families and communities working to rebuild after Hurricane Melissa,” she added. “We remain committed to providing platforms that connect our people in times of need.”
At the event, JN Money also facilitated on-the-spot donations for the ISupportJamaica Fund, a hurricane-relief initiative operated by the JN Foundation. Donations to the fund can still be made until December 31, 2025, via branches across London, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, and select digital platforms.
Second year of diaspora-led hurricane relief
‘For the Love of Jamaica’ also marked the second straight year JN Money has supported hurricane relief efforts in the UK, following its partnership in the 2023 Unite To Rebuild Comedy Fundraiser, held at Wembley.
“Last year, we supported the ‘Unite to Rebuild’ comedy show, spearheaded by Harry ‘White Yardie’ Gregory, a social media influencer from Jamaica. The show raised more than £26,000 toward restoration efforts following Hurricane Beryl,” Wallace-Innerarity said.
Those funds were distributed among Jamaica, St. Vincent, and Union Island for rebuilding efforts. In Jamaica, that contribution supported the restoration of the New Forest Primary and Infant School, Mannings Boys’ Home, and three schools in St. Elizabeth, including Mannings Boys’ Home.
Donation locations across the UK
Wallace-Innerarity also outlined physical donation points for supporters:
London
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Brixton (389–391 Brixton Road, SW9 7DE)
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Elephant Park (135 Walworth Road, SE17 1RW)
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Tottenham (550–552 High Road, N17 9SY)
Manchester
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Manchester (112 Hulme High Street, M15 5JP)
Birmingham
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Handsworth (311A Soho Road, B21 9SD)
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Perry Barr (Unit 1, InShops, One Stop Centre, B42 1AA)
Bristol
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Jamlinks (248 Stapleton Road, BS5 0NT)
Global generosity powering Jamaica’s recovery
A supporting marketing statement from Kimona Wilson, marketing officer for JN Foundation UK, continued to spotlight the compassion behind the drive.
“Our Jamaican community has always shown remarkable generosity, and this moment is no different. Every contribution will help rebuild lives and livelihoods. Your support ensures that families, schools, and vulnerable groups can recover more quickly and begin to rebuild what was lost. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference for those most affected,” Wilson said.
JN Money Services has also urged supporters to continue donating at JN branches in the United Kingdom, Northern American banks via Faster Payments, JN Money Online, or by credit-card donation.
