Thousands of relief supplies boxed up and on their way to Jamaica

Thousands of relief supplies are officially boxed up and on their way to Jamaica after a devastating hurricane left communities across the island in shambles.

According to the Associated Press, Hurricane Melissa was one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. It shredded the western region and then made landfall in eastern Cuba, where it destroyed homes and crops.

On Saturday morning, volunteers gathered at Bradford West Gwillimbury Fire and Emergency Services Station No. 1 to sort, box, and load donations collected over the last several weeks.

The woman behind the initiative is Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Councillor Cheraldean Duhaney, who has many relatives in the Caribbean island. Duhaney told CTV News last week that her family members appear to be safe.

“My eyes are filled with tears of joy. We’re all looking forward to this moment,” shared Duhaney in an email to CTV News.

Zehrs on Holland Street West also opened its doors last Friday for contributions, helping the effort gain momentum throughout the week. The initiative was also led by Duhaney with assistance from the South Simcoe Police Service.

Thanks to the generosity of local residents, everything from clothing and toiletries to non-perishable food items were organized and boxed by many at the station.

Volunteers spent the day listening to feel-good tunes while preparing the shipments, which are now being loaded onto trucks and headed toward families affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The number of confirmed deaths from Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica rose to 45, with 15 other people missing, according to the Associated Press.

Helicopters have been dropping food and other basic supplies in the affected communities.