Photo Caption: One of several performers at the ‘For the Love of Jamaica’ benefit concert held at Boxpark Wembley in the UK recently.
Over £20,000 has been raised by Jamaicans and other supporters in the UK, for children’s homes, early childhood institutions, homes for the elderly and persons with disabilities, community groups, and first responders in areas most affected by Hurricane Melissa. The funds were raised through the JN Money-supported ‘For the Love of Jamaica’ benefit concert held at Boxpark Wembley in the UK recently.
The event which drew more than 1,800 patrons, was organised by music executive, Portia Clarke-Mellanaise, in partnership with Rampage Sound, Fiona Ramsay, JN Money and the JN Foundation.
The fundraiser brought together a stellar lineup of artistes that included reggae and R&B star, Maxi Priest; UK pop sensations, Alesha Dixon, Mahalia, DJ AG and Donaeo; Dancehall star, Stylo G, and English grime icon, Chip among many others, to raise urgent funds for communities devastated by the hurricane.
Ms Clarke-Mellanaise shared that her love and passion for Jamaica inspired her to organise the concert as a means to help with the restoration efforts.
“Personally, I owe my career to Jamaican music and [felt that] if I could share my skill and use it to create awareness, raise money, and provide an event where patrons can feel a sense of hope and enjoyment, [then I should].”
For DJ AG, participating in the concert was a personal and emotional experience.
“As the child of Jamaican parents, the devastation back home hit me deeply, so being able to support the artistes, promote the cause, and feel the community come together meant everything. Jamaica has given me so much, contributing in this small way was the least I could do,” he said.
Sanya Wallace-Innerarity, assistant general manager, strategy, marketing and sales, JN Money Services, said the event reflects the true spirit of Jamaicans in the diaspora.
“We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from the Jamaican community in the UK. Their willingness to stand in solidarity with families back home speaks volumes about the strength of our diaspora. The unity demonstrated at this event reassures us that, no matter the challenge, Jamaicans at home and abroad will always rally together to lift each other up.”
“At JN Money, we are honoured to help channel the much-needed resources to families and communities working to rebuild after Hurricane Melissa. We remain committed to providing platforms that connect our people in times of need,” she added.
At the concert, JN Money assisted patrons by facilitating on-the-spot donations and promoting the ISupportJamaica Fund established by the JN Group and operated by its JN Foundation. Contributions to the fund can be made via the website isupportjamaica.com up to December 31, 2025.
Mrs Wallace-Innerarity pointed out that this is the second consecutive year that JN Money has partnered with the hosting of a fundraiser in the UK for hurricane relief efforts.
“Last year, we supported the ‘Unite to Rebuild’ comedy show, spearheaded by Harry ‘White Yardie’ Gregory, a social media influencer from Jamaica. The show raised more than £26,000 towards restoration efforts following Hurricane Beryl.”
The funds raised were distributed among Jamaica, St Vincent, and Union Island, all of which suffered significant damage from Hurricane Beryl. In Jamaica, the relief contribution supported the restoration of three schools and the Mannings Boys’ Home in St Elizabeth.
Last year, JN Money Services provided significant support for the restoration of the New Forest Primary and Infant School through the ISupportJamaica Fund, raising approximately $1 million. The contribution was made possible through the generosity of customers overseas who donated at JN Money branches across the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and the Cayman Islands. Staff members of JN Money also joined the effort, adding their own contributions to strengthen the overall fundraising drive.