Sending Relief to Jamaica

In response to Hurricane Melissa that severely impacted western Jamaica, the Toronto Police Service Black Internal Support Network launched a drive to collect essential items for survivors of the storm.

Service members collected everything from medical supplies to food, collecting the donations in bins at stations.

“We have members whose families were directly affected by the hurricane,” said Detective Sergeant Leslie Dunkley. “At this time of year, we know many families in Jamaica are hurting, and we want to help bring smiles to their faces during the festive season.”

The drive extended to the public as the B-ISN also teamed up with the the Toronto Paramedic Service and the Toronto Fire Service Black Staff Networks.

On December 17, a police cruiser and an ambulance were filled with donated items destined for the Caribbean island with the help and donations from students at Danforth Collegiate & Technical Institute, Don Mills Middle School and Neil McNeil High School.

Dunkley expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the initiative, including the Service’s Community Partnerships & Engagement Unit and the Jamaican Canadian Association which, through its trusted partners, is shipping the donations to Jamaica.