Following the devastation of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, Stewart’s Automotive Group, through its Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation and Kind Hearts Foundation, has mobilised more than J$30 million to date in relief efforts across St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St James, Trelawny and St Ann. 

In the three weeks since the historic hurricane on Tuesday, October 28, the automotive group has led the distribution of essential items, including food, water, mattresses, and clothing to over 2000 families throughout western Jamaica. Relief operations have reached communities such as Catherine Hall, Bunkers Hill, Good Hope, Salt Marsh, Browns Town, Shrewsbury Logwood, Carawina, Doman Lane, Bullet Tree, Petersfield and Belmont. 

“Jamaica is heartbroken by the overwhelming devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa,” said Jacqueline Stewart Lechler, Managing Director of Stewart’s Automotive Group. “Our brothers and sisters in the west are facing unimaginable losses. Through the Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation and Kind Hearts Foundation, the Stewart’s Automotive Group has responded to the call for action to help our fellow Jamaicans in every way we can.” 

The ongoing relief efforts are supported by a network of corporate and civic partners, including Automotive Art, Beds for Jamaica, Issa Construction, 

Jamaica Biscuit Company Ltd, Kiss Baking Jamaica, Quality Inc, Coldfield Manufacturing, Every Frilly Thing, Excelsior, Food For The Poor Jamaica, I Do Islands, Lee’s Food Fair, Lexon Art, LP Azar, Quality Inc, Shelter of Hope Ja, Tru Juice, Wisynco, and Adam Vaz. In addition, the Petersfield Shelter received a water filtration system from Isratech Jamaica Ltd and Planet Water, as well as two generators donated by Croydon in the Mountains, the Honey Bun Foundation, and God’s Pit Crew. 

“On behalf of the Petersfield community and the people of Westmoreland, a big thank you for the assistance and packages,” said Anthony Clarke, Manager of the Petersfield Shelter. “We didn’t just get food and supplies, we got hope.” 

As part of its continued commitment to recovery, Stewart’s Automotive Group has pledged J$100,000 from every vehicle sold towards relief and rebuilding initiatives. Working through the Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation, Kind Hearts Foundation, and partners such as Food for the Poor Jamaica, the American Friends of Jamaica, and the Global Empowerment Mission, the Group remains committed to helping restore homes and livelihoods across the island. 

Every vehicle purchased helps a family rebuild. Every purchase drives hope.