N.S. farmers raising money for Jamaican workers, families impacted by Hurricane Melissa

Three Nova Scotia farms are raising money for Jamaican workers following Hurricane Melissa.

Three Nova Scotian farms have launched a fundraiser to support Jamaican farmers and families impacted by the devastating Hurricane Melissa last week.

TapRoot Farms, Noggins Corner Farm and the Spurr Brothers Farm have started the campaign on GoFundMe to help the Jamaican workers who come to their sites annually.

“Our farm teams have been hugely impacted by hurricane Melissa,” a statement on the GoFundMe page reads. “Yam crops have been washed away, houses completely destroyed, roofs blown off, cars ruined, and belongings gone. Many have not heard any word from their immediate families yet.”

So far the campaign has raised more than $36,000. Its goal is $80,000.

“We are deeply grateful for your support of our farms and our farmers,” the statement reads. “These days of unprecedented climate events are challenging us all in ways we could not plan for. Thank you for your support, your attention, your sharing, and your love.

“Your support will go directly to the members of our team to pay for extraordinary expenses of replacing the roof, accessing clean water, accessing food, accessing medical care, and accessing building supplies.”

Melisha Bailey, from central Jamaica, has worked in Nova Scotia for more than a year and her husband has worked in the province for 18 years. She has more roughly 100 family members who live in Jamaica.

“My family is from the coastal area so I was quite worried about them,” she said. “It’s quite frightening. When I heard what they’re going through, it is quite scary.

“The mere fact they’re OK, that’s good because when there’s life, there’s hope.”

According to the Associated Press, Hurricane Melissa has caused at least 28 deaths in Jamaica and has destroyed homes and public infrastructure with winds reaching 298 km/h.

-With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Callum Smith

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