On Tuesday, Jamaica was being hammered by Hurricane Melissa, a force being called the worst to hit the Atlantic in history, with wind gusts up to 225mph.
While island residents hunker down and their families and friends in the US and across the world hope for the best, the Miami Heat and Carnival Corporation are partnering up, according to WPLG Local 10, to help lead the way in hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica by donating $1 million to Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid organization that “provides medical assistance to communities affected by poverty or emergencies.”
“Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica,” said Eric Woolworth, president of the Heat Group’s business operations. “In Florida, we know the destruction a Category 5 storm can bring. Direct Relief provides the kind of long-term support that’s crucial for recovery.”
Medical assistance will be just one of the many services that will be required by the island to recover after Melissa, a hurricane that many are deeming of “Biblical proportions.”
But Direct Relief isn’t waiting for the storm to be over.
The organization has stated that it has readied 100 field medic packs that contain first-aid and triage supplies. In addition, it had already spoken with Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and will be ready to send additional medical supplies, including medicine, as needed.
“We need to support its communities now more than ever,” said Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein. “Donating to Direct Relief will help deliver vital assistance to families whose lives have been upended.”
While other organizations, groups and individuals are mobilizing to prepare to send aid to the battered island, the Miami Heat are the first sports team to donate directly to hurricane relief efforts for the island.
Hopefully, others will join the effort quickly.
