Credit Unions of Jamaica (CUJ) led the organisation and distribution of care packages last weekend to residents of Clarendon and St Elizabeth left impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

Representing 25 credit unions and about 100 branches across Jamaica, CUJ also partnered with the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU) and Cuna Caribbean Insurance Jamaica Limited in the distribution of care packages containing food items, water, tarpaulins, and other essential items.

Communities of Rocky Point in Clarendon, sections of Top Hill, Lovers’ Leap, Flagaman, Great Bay, and other areas of St Elizabeth benefited from the activity.

“When we saw the impact of the hurricane on our fellow Jamaicans, we couldn’t sit by. The level of devastation that our citizens have faced and the resulting need for things such as tarpaulin, water, flashlights, and basic food items is overwhelming, and we wanted to do our part in extending help at this time,” Robin Levy, JCCUL Group chief executive officer, said.

Supported by over 170 volunteers from the NeXGen youth group of the credit unions, staff of the credit union league, Cuna and the Jamaica Co-operatives Insurance Agency (JICA), CUJ also enlisted the support of the Lions and Rotary clubs in Clarendon and St Elizabeth.

It additionally pulled on the network of some community groups that assisted in spreading the word of the relief efforts to the citizens, considering the loss of telephone and Internet services in these badly hit areas.

The team distributed some 700 care packages and 300 tarpaulins over the two days. With the support of its partners, CUJ spent over J$7 million to provide the assistance.

“The Credit Unions of Jamaica, as [a] corporate citizen, believes it is our duty to assist those who are now struggling to get back on their feet. That’s the nature of your credit unions. The effort also aligns with our seventh co-operative principle which is concern for community,” Katrina Grant-D’Aguilar, group marketing and communications manager, said.

For citizens of the communities, the hurricane relief project was quite timely and impactful.

“We are really grateful because we can’t get to buy anything at the supermarket right now. Thanks a lot to the credit unions. We really appreciate it,” Mitzie Rowe of Flagaman in St Elizabeth shared.

Cynthia Ricketts, a mother of five from Rocky Point, was similarly appreciative.

“I feel good about it. I wish they could come back and give us some more food stuff because mi really didn’t have anything at home. I am really glad for the help. Mi no look inna di bag yet but mi appreciate anything weh inna it,” she said.

The hurricane relief project also left volunteers feeling immense joy at being able to help in this way. Tania Oglesby of First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union echoed the sentiment expressed by Grant-D’Aguilar that the initiative “represented the fabric of which the credit union was woven into existence — people helping people.”

“To witness the gravity of the hurricane’s impact was tear-jerking. While we could not meet all the needs or reach all the families and households, we made a significant contribution which will outlast the supplies themselves. Being able to give back and assist in this manner was a wonderful reminder that ‘a little goes a long way’, ‘the smallest of deeds is better than the grandest of intentions,’ and ‘together we can make adifference,’” Oglesby said.

She also urged other corporate entities to join in responding to the needs of those impacted.

“The needs are great. The credit union has sparked a light of hope for many to follow in helping our fellow brothers and sisters,” she said.