The Honey Bun Foundation has teamed up with international disaster relief Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) God’s Pit Crew, based in Virginia, USA, and Croydon, to bolster its humanitarian response to the devastation left by Hurricane Melissa. With thousands of Jamaicans displaced and critical infrastructure damaged, the partnership is bringing critical supplies and much-needed hope to affected communities.

Their first major relief effort included the delivery of 96 generators and over 1,000 pre-packaged ‘Blessing Buckets’ – thoughtfully prepared kits containing essential items such as water, ready-to-eat meals, toiletries and household supplies. Separate buckets were also customised for children, carefully packed with age-appropriate items, to bring a sense of normalcy in the midst of chaos.

According to General Manager of The Honey Bun Foundation, Nashauna Lalah, the collaboration was an easy decision. 

“God’s Pit Crew responded quickly. They came to the island in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane and jumped straight into action. The Honey Bun Foundation and the wider Honey Bun leadership and team mobilised to get the donations into the hands of people who were in dire need.”

In partnership with Croydon in the Mountains, an eco-tourism estate based in Catadupa, St James, the generators have been deployed across inland communities to support the stabilisation of critical infrastructure, including schools that are currently being used as emergency shelters. They have also been used to support the installation of aqua boxes to provide clean drinking water and other infrastructural projects. According to Founder of The Honey Bun Foundation, Michelle Chong,  the idea is for each generator to impact as many lives as possible.

According to Chris Chiles, immediate disaster response Coordinator of God’s Pit Crew, the organisation is committed to  Jamaica’s recovery with God’s help and direction, to bring hope, healing, and restoration in times of disaster. 

“Our mission is to deliver hope, healing, and restoration to people in crisis. Standing alongside The Honey Bun Foundation allows us to reach families in some of the hardest-hit areas. We are honoured to help restore not just homes, but dignity and hope.”

While The Honey Bun Foundation is known for building the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it has expanded its efforts in the wake of the disaster, recognising that economic recovery starts with human recovery. Chong noted, “Before we rebuild their businesses, we have to rebuild their lives.”

This impactful partnership reflects a shared commitment: restoring dignity, bringing relief and rebuilding hope one family, one community at a time.