Hurricane Melissa Relief for Jamaica [Fundraiser + Donations]

In late October, Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica and left thousands of families facing damaged homes, limited access to basic supplies, and an uncertain path to rebuilding. With nearly 30% of Denison’s yacht management fleet proudly flying the Jamaican flag, this is not a distant headline for us. It affects our captains, crew, partners, and friends. Jamaica has long been a second home for many in our marine community, and now that community needs our help.

This holiday season, Denison Yachting is partnering with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to provide direct relief to those impacted in Jamaica. Together, we aim to support immediate needs such as food, hygiene essentials, and rebuilding supplies, while helping families move toward long-term recovery.

HOW TO HELP

#1. Bulk Food & Essentials Donation Drive at Denison HQ

Our Fort Lauderdale Headquarters will serve as a collection point for bulk donations that will be sent to GEM for distribution in Jamaica. Requested items include:

Non-perishable food items like canned goods, cereal, oatmeal, ramen, dry soups, shelf-stable snacks, and more. Please ensure all food items have an expiration date of at least November 2026.

Hygiene essentials like toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, wipes, toilet paper, and more. Items can be purchased from stores such as Publix, BJ’s, Costco, Walmart, Target, or similar retailers. Bulk purchasing is especially helpful, since it allows GEM to serve more families at once.

#2. Amazon Gift Wish List

For those who are not local or who prefer to donate online, we have created an Amazon Wish List focused on building, safety, and hygiene products. Please note all items on the list are selected in coordination with GEM to ensure they match on-the-ground needs. Purchases will be shipped directly to GEM’s headquarters, then included in their relief shipments to Jamaica.

#3. Financial Donations

Financial contributions allow GEM to respond quickly and efficiently to changing needs in the field, whether that is fuel for transport, temporary housing materials, or additional food and medical supplies.
All items on the list are selected in coordination with GEM to ensure they match on-the-ground needs.

Accepted payment methods are debit or credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, or Bank transfer. When you reach the final page of the donation form, please:

– Click “Dedicate your Donation”
– Enter “Denison” “Yachting” for First and Last Name respectively

This allows GEM to track donations connected to the Denison community and the Jamaica Hurricane Relief effort.

WHY JAMAICA MATTERS TO US

Jamaica is home to many of the vessels, crews, and partners that keep our industry moving. Its marinas, shipyards, anchorages, and local businesses have welcomed our clients and our team for years. With nearly a third of our managed fleet carrying the Jamaican flag, this is more than a charitable initiative. It is an effort to support people we know, work with, and care about.

As we gather with our own families and loved ones during the holidays, we have an opportunity to help other families work toward something many of us take for granted: a safe, stable place to call home.

If you have any questions about this initiative, how to donate, or additional ways to support, please contact Lisa Jouris, Yacht Manager at (754) 302-1188 or email JamaicaRelief@DenisonYachting.com.

Thank you for helping us bring a little more hope, stability, and home to Jamaica this holiday season.

DENISON YACHTING FORT LAUDERDALE HEADQUARTERS:

1550 SE 17th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316