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In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, the Guardsman Group Foundation provided approximately $27 million in relief assistance funds to support officers who were most severely affected by the hurricane. 

The funds were directed toward helping officers and their families recover from the damage and disruption caused by the storm.

Building on this financial support, the Foundation has continued to implement initiatives from last year into this year, aimed at providing additional relief and helping restore a sense of normalcy for officers and their families in the months following the hurricane.

In the first quarter of this year, the Foundation organised a Toy Drive for the children of Guardsman officers across Montego Bay, Negril, and Kingston, distributing a variety of gifts, including stuffed animals, dolls, Barbies, toy cars, and other children’s favourites. The initiative was aimed at ensuring that even amid difficult circumstances, the children of the Guardsman family were not forgotten.

“During times of hardship, children often feel the effects in ways that are not always visible,” said Sheila Benjamin McNeill, Managing Director of the Guardsman Group Foundation. “We wanted to make sure that, despite the devastation many families were facing, there was still a moment of happiness and excitement for the children of our officers. Supporting the well-being of persons in need is at the heart of what the Foundation stands for.”

In addition to the toy distribution, the Foundation also hosted a Relief Flea Market, where officers and their families were invited to select from a wide assortment of donated items at no cost. The event featured clothing, household items, shoes, children’s clothing and footwear, books, toiletries, and other essential goods.

The initiative provided practical support while creating a welcoming environment where officers could access essential resources and connect with fellow members of the Guardsman community.

Both the Toy Drive and the Relief Flea Market were made possible through the generous support of overseas donors, including Acinette Nelson, Executive Director of Good Neighbours Community Outreach, and Rev. Gladstone Johnson, Executive Pastor of New Testament Temple Church of God and Executive Director of Bronx Neighbourhood Housing Services.

Notably, Ms. Nelson played a deeply personal and instrumental role in the Toy Drive initiative. She actively campaigned and lobbied on behalf of the Guardsman Group Foundation, mobilising support and securing the toys that brought joy to many of our youngest and most vulnerable children. Her hands-on commitment and advocacy were central to the success of this effort, ensuring that our littlest victims were not forgotten during this challenging time.

Equally, Rev. Johnson and his wife Cheryl—a long-standing and valued friend of the Foundation—provided integral partnership and support throughout the initiative. Their generosity, commitment, and willingness to stand with us in service of our Guardsman families were deeply appreciated. We are truly grateful for their support and look forward to building on this meaningful partnership through future initiatives.

These efforts were carried out in partnership with a network of pastors, faith-based organisations, and individuals whose contributions helped make the initiatives possible and extend their reach to more Guardsman families in need.

Hon. Kenneth Benjamin, Executive Chairman of the Guardsman Group, emphasized the importance of standing by employees and their families during challenging periods.

“Our officers dedicate themselves every day to protecting people, property, and communities across Jamaica,” Benjamin said. “When Hurricane Melissa affected many members of our team, it was important for us to act quickly to support them. Through the Foundation, we were able to provide much needed financial support, along with initiatives that helped bring comfort and support to our officers and their families during a very difficult time.”

Through these efforts, the Guardsman Group Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the well-being of officers and their families while strengthening the sense of community within the organisation.

The Foundation continues to explore opportunities to provide assistance, strengthen community bonds, and ensure that families feel supported when they need it most.

Founded in 1977 by the Hon. Kenneth Benjamin, Guardsman Group has grown from its roots in physical security into a diversified leader in protection and business support services. Today, the Group stands at the forefront of the industry, offering expertise in manned guarding, cash-in-transit operations, and advanced technology-driven solutions. With nearly five decades of experience, Guardsman remains committed to safeguarding people, businesses, and communities across the region.

The Guardsman Group Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Guardsman Group, dedicated to supporting the welfare of employees, their families, and the wider community through charitable initiatives, outreach programs, and partnerships.