Reading Borough Council and The Jamaica Society launch appeal to support victims of Hurricane Melissa

Reading Borough Council, in partnership with The Jamaica Society & Friends of Reading (TJS&FR), has launched a fundraising and aid appeal to support communities in Jamaica devastated by Hurricane Melissa.

The initiative is being supported by the Mayor of Reading, Councillor Alice Mpofu-Coles, alongside local community organisations and the Caribbean Associations Group.  Together, they are calling on residents, businesses, and community groups across Reading to lend their support to this urgent humanitarian effort.

Mayor of Reading, Councillor Alice Mpofu-Coles, said: 

“The people of Jamaica are facing unimaginable hardship following the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. Reading has a proud and longstanding connection with Jamaica, and I know our residents will once again step forward with generosity and compassion to help those in need. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference.”

Annette Levy, the Chairperson from the Jamaica Society and Friends Reading, said;  The Jamaica Society and Friends Reading extend heartfelt thanks for your expressions of concern and solidarity during this difficult time, and we thank for your generosity and continued support.

Jeff Jones, the Chairperson from The Caribbean Associations Group, said;  The Caribbean Associations Group is committed to standing with the Jamaica Society and Friends of Reading, the wider Caribbean community, and the Mayor of Reading, along with Reading Borough Council, in supporting this appeal in aid of the recovery and rebuilding process.  Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with all affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Liz Terry and the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles with Jeff Jones, Chairperson of the Caribbean Associations Group, Kemmel Spence, representative of the St Vincent & The Grenadines & Friends Association, David Vaughen, representative from the Barbados and Friends Association (Reading) and Annette Levy, Chairperson from the Jamaica Society and Friends Reading.

How you can help

Residents wishing to contribute are encouraged to follow the Government of Jamaica’s Preliminary Needs List.

In line with customs and shipping regulations from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Jamaica, donations should be packaged and labelled as follows:

  • Blankets – boxed separately and clearly labelled.
  • Toiletries – boxed separately and clearly labelled.
  • Tinned and packet food – must be in date.

Monetary donations can also be made directly through the official Support Jamaica.

Local drop-off points in Reading

Norcot Mission Church
Brockley Close, Tilehurst, Reading, RG30 4YP

  • Thursday 13th & 20th November: 11:30am–1:30pm
  • Friday 14th & 21st November: 10:30am–12:30pm

Church of God of Prophecy
501–503 Oxford Road, Reading, RG30 1HF

  • Wednesday 12th & 19th November: 2pm–4pm

The Globe
12 Portman Road, Reading, RG30 1EA
Tel: 0118 9508534

  • Tuesday 11th–Friday 14th November: 10am–4pm
  • Tuesday 18th–Friday 21st November: 10am–4pm

Further Information

For further details or to get involved, please contact the Mayor’s Office at Mayor@reading.gov.uk or by contacting any of the following members of the Jamaican Society:

  • Nordia Nelson: 07861764244
  • Annette Levy: 07956106413
  • Joan Robinson: 07500833031
  • Etta Gooden: 07853237966
Last updated on 10/11/2025