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On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica, causing massive damage and leaving many Jamaicans homeless. Families, friends, communities, and organisations came together to raise funds and send essential supplies to help those on the island who desperately needed assistance. Crawford Adventist Academy (CAA) – Main Campus - is one of those organisations that is pitching in to lend a hand.

Mrs. Jamieson and Mr. Ambrose, CAA teachers, approached Pastor Sherry Augustus with the idea of their school doing something to help those who are suffering in Jamaica. Knowing that this will be a huge task to accomplish, they put the project in the Lord’s hands.

“If God wants us to send 10 barrels, then we will send 10 barrels. If God wants us to do a container, then He will provide the items to go into that container and the funds to do it as well. And that has literally been the faith we have been going on to do the project,” shared Pastor Sherry Augustus, CAA’s Chaplain.

The school began spreading the word about their project to send items to Jamaica, and the response was an absolute blessing. Thanks to donations from Crawford’s staff, students and parents, they were able to fill eight barrels with non-perishable food and clothing. Thanks to a friend of Mr. Derrick Hall, CAA’s Director of Guidance, they were able to obtain a tractor-trailer container to begin filling with much-needed supplies.

Crawford received hospital beds, mattresses, supplies, equipment, and scrubs, along with linen items such as bed sheets, top covers, pillowcases, and towels. Hospital gowns were also donated. Skids of water were provided, thanks to Mr. Willeslie Turner from Hamilton Mountain Seventh-day Adventist Church, who reached out to his workplace for assistance with this project.

A multitude of donations came pouring in due to the support of many individuals from our local Seventh-day Adventist churches, who lent a hand in making this project a success. For example, Sharel Smith, her two sons and Sherral Burrell, members of Downsview church, delivered a U-Haul trailer full of donations.

The blessing of this project is two-fold. Not only will the supplies in the container be a major benefit to the people affected by Hurricane Melissa, but the container itself will also be used to help the children.

“This container was purchased so that it will remain in the West Jamaican Conference of Seventh-day Adventists as a classroom. Addressing the children’s mental health is of utmost importance. As a school pastor, one of the things I would love to do, if I get the opportunity to go, is to have these types of conversations with the children to help them process the devastating trauma they have experienced,” said Pastor Augustus.

Special thanks to those who have contributed much-needed items to this project. Willeslie Turner, Pastor Kelvin Kublall, Errol Reid, Kevin Rowe, Donna Noad-Mccarty, and Deloris Stewart (community members), with hospital beds and equipment. Megzie Campbell-Daley (Woodbridge). Allan Ricketts, Simion Phillip, and Earl Douglas (Mt. Olive). Arthur Andersen, Winston Simpson, Olive Simpson, Eric Troupe, and Glenford Granville (Toronto Perth). Lydon Wheatle (Agape) and The Richview Foundation (Veich Jarrett and family).

Let us continue to pray for the people of Jamaica. To God be the Glory, as He continues to open doors and inspire us to lend a hand when our fellow man needs us in times of despair.