How You Can Support Communities Affected by Hurricane Melissa
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Photo Credit: VA-TF1 / USA-01 - Urban Search and Rescue via X
Our hearts are with all those affected by Hurricane Melissa, which has caused tragic loss of life and widespread destruction in Jamaica and neighboring regions. The storm, the strongest ever recorded on the island, leveled homes, devastated farms, and disrupted essential services.
Here in Vermont, many of our local businesses and farms are feeling this loss deeply. Jamaican seasonal workers are an essential part of Vermont agriculture and ski industries, and many of their families and communities have been severely affected. Vermonters are rallying to support their teams, raising funds and sending resources to help their friends and colleagues rebuild.
How to Help
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The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is providing support through its Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund, focused on meeting both urgent needs and helping communities rebuild over time.
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Closer to home, Vermont orchards have launched the Vermont Apple Growers’ Support Fund for Jamaican Seasonal Workers Affected by Hurricane Melissa—a unified effort by Champlain Orchards, Sunrise Orchards, Southern Vermont Orchards, Green Mountain Orchards, Dutton Berry Farm, Wellwood Orchard, and others to provide direct financial support to the Jamaican team members who help bring Vermont’s apple harvest to life each year. Every dollar raised will go directly to affected workers across participating farms. (Please note that donations to this fund are not eligible for gifts from donor advised funds).
- Killington Resort & Pico Mountain have also launched a fundraising campaign to support their 100 Jamaican Killington team members whose homes and communities were devastated by Hurricane Melissa. This effort complements Killington’s own commitment of $100,000 ($1,000 per worker). Donations go directly to team members, helping them provide immediate support to their families and cover urgent needs as they recover. (Please note that donations to this fund are not eligible for gifts from donor advised funds).