Mount Pleasant FA, with one foot already into the final of the CNCACAF Caribbean Cup, will be using the second leg to raise funds to assist victims suffering from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

Mount Pleasant won their first leg 5-1 against Defence Force of Trinidad and Tobago, and it would take an act of God to deny them a spot in the final, with the return leg set for the National Stadium on Wednesday, November 5, in Kingston.

In a press release dated Saturday, November 1, Mount Pleasant announced that they will be using the upcoming Caribbean Cup semifinal 2nd-leg clash against Trinidad’s Defence Force FC to launch a donation drive in support of Jamaicans and communities severely affected by Hurricane Melissa.

“This initiative comes as the country continues to pick up the pieces following the devastation of the Category 5 hurricane. Beginning Tuesday, November 4, the public is invited to drop off non-perishable foods, bottled water, toiletries, battery-powered flashlights, solar lights, tarpaulins, and other essential supplies at the Food Court located in the Grandstand at the National Stadium,” said the release.

“Admission to the match will also be free, but the club is encouraging patrons to make a minimum cash donation of JMD $1,000. Donations will directly support victims as they work to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the storm,” it added.

Mount Pleasant, based in St Ann, said its relief efforts will focus particularly on:

• The Jacob’s Ladder Mustard Seed Community in St Ann, which experienced flooding.
• The Treasure Beach community and Treasure Beach FC in St. Elizabeth and
• Other affected residents across St Ann, the home parish of Mount Pleasant FA.

“As a club, we believe football has the power to unite and uplift communities, especially in difficult times,” said Paul Christie, Sporting Director of Mount Pleasant FA.

 “Wednesday’s game is more than just football; it’s about helping to restore the lives of those who were devastated by the passage of the hurricane. We are all moved by the images that emerged following the storm on Tuesday, and many of us are heartbroken to see what families are now dealing with,” said Christie.

“We’re calling on all fans and Jamaicans to come together, give generously and help our brothers and sisters who are struggling to recover. The more we give, the more persons we can help across parishes like St James, Trelawny, Westmoreland and Hanover. We at Mount Pleasant, under the leadership of Peter and Amanda Gould, are committed to doing what we can to assist, but we need everyone to contribute to this cause,” he added.

Club Captain Daniel Green also weighed in.

“Everyone is affected by this, we have players and staff who are yet to hear from family members in places such as Westmoreland and St Elizabeth and this is the reality of so many Jamaicans at this time. I am from St Ann, and to see the devastation in my parish is heartbreaking. For us as players it is difficult to go out on the field and play knowing what persons are going through, but given that it’s a CONCACAF game, we have to, so we are using this opportunity and this platform to help.

“Every donation, no matter how small, can make a big difference. We play not just for Mount Pleasant, but for Jamaica. Let’s stand together and show the true spirit of this island we love so much. Together, fans and players can turn this semifinal into more than just a game, it can be a symbol of hope and rebuilding,” said Christie.

Mount Pleasant FA also encourages everyone to donate to the National Hurricane Relief Fund at https://supportjamaica.gov.jm/. Mount Pleasant said they are also in conversation with the regional governing body CONCACAF, on having the website displayed on-screen during the game to encourage persons to donate.