Thornbury calling on public for donations in Jamaica hurricane aftermath

Donations for those affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica are coming in fast and furious across the county. Lots of people are dropping off much needed supplies to be shipped over in the coming weeks.

Goldsmith’s Farm Market and Bakery in Thornbury is one of three officially sanctioned locations in Ontario set up to accept donations from the public. So far, they have collected about 4,000 pounds of goods to ship to Jamacia.

The owner and operator of the farm market and bakery, Kyle Oakley, says, “Tools, batteries, lights, and all of those types of things that are going to be paramount into helping Jamaica rebuild.”

He says they have been using Jamaican workers at their farm for decades. This summer, the farm had as many as 28 foreign workers on staff. All of them had family back home affected by the hurricane.

“This is important because they are often part of an extended family.”

Approximately 35 farms are part of the Georgian Bay Fruit Growers Association and in 2025 they employed more than 600 Jamaicans.

Greg Ardiel from the association says, “For over 60 years Jamaicans have been coming to this area to work on our farms. They are very integral to the production of fruit and vegetables in Ontario. Without them, we wouldn’t have a horticultural industry.”

“The collection of goods and funds is a big job, and volunteers have been an even bigger part of getting everything together. Many people in our area have loved ones in Jamacia and there has been no shortage of people offering to help,” Ardiel continues.

Goldsmith’s Farm Market and Bakery will be collecting donations until 4 p.m. on Tuesday.