Hummingbird appeals for toys and shoes for Hurricane-affected children

Hummingbird Charities Inc. has launched an appeal on behalf of children affected by Hurricane Melissa, requesting donations of toys for Christmas and shoes for back-to-school in January through their ongoing Sole2Sole programme.

The initiative has already provided hundreds of children in schools across Jamaica with footwear they could not otherwise afford.

"We are mindful of the emotional trauma that this major hurricane would have had on our children and the damage and loss of their personal possessions, including toys and footwear," said coordinator of Hummingbird Charities, Shavel Turton.

"In keeping with our mandate to support good health and human development, we are making this appeal as we recognise that our children need all the support they can get from all of us who have not been so unfortunate," she added.

Hummingbird Charities is a registered organisation whose mission since its inception has been to promote projects in health, education, and community development. Its signature programmes include Sole2Sole, the shoe donation initiative; Hummingbird Feeds, an indigent feeding programme; and Bossman, a men's health screening initiative supported by a mobile clinic.

Patron of Hummingbird Charities and Minister of Health and Wellness, Chris Tufton, is appealing to Jamaicans to support children affected by the hurricane during what he describes as a particularly difficult time.

"We are yet to recognise the emotional trauma they have experienced and the potential long-term impact," he said.

"Any act of kindness will be more than a gift but an indication of psychological support, and they need that right now," Tufton added.

Hummingbird Charities has partnered with Toyota Jamaica Limited, which is providing transportation for shoe deliveries, and Payless Shoe Store, where shoes are purchased at discounted prices. Yassuh Jamaica Ltd. will provide the software platform to manage requests and distribution logistics, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient operations.

Those interested in supporting this cause can contact the organisation at info@hummingbirdcharities.com

or call 1-876-787-5343.