The island of Jamaica is reeling. On October 28th, Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm ever to make landfall there, unleashed its fury with winds reaching 298 km/h and terrifying gusts up to 405 km/h. The devastation is almost unimaginable, leaving at least 45 people dead and inflicting nearly US$9 billion in damage – a staggering 41% of Jamaica’s last year’s GDP.
Entire communities have been obliterated, over 150,000 homes reduced to rubble or left severely damaged, and vital infrastructure rendered impassable. Families are left with nothing, stripped of shelter, clean water, food, and the basic necessity of electricity. The scale of the loss is profound, a heartbreaking blow to a vibrant nation.
Leading the charge to help is Dave McLaughlin, a world-renowned saxophonist with deep roots in Jamaica. Born on the island and a Canadian citizen since 1991, McLaughlin has long dedicated himself to uplifting others, a commitment forged in his childhood in Montego Bay.
For years, McLaughlin has organized fundraising gospel concerts, channeling those efforts into post-secondary scholarships for deserving students in the Greater Toronto Area and combating poverty both locally and in his homeland. His dedication isn’t a recent impulse, but a deeply held belief instilled within him at his parish church.
McLaughlin’s motivation stems from a powerful conviction: helping those in need isn’t a gesture of goodwill, but a fundamental commandment. He often reflects on Psalm 41:1, which speaks of blessing those who “consider the poor.” It’s a principle that guides his every action.
To directly address the urgent needs in Jamaica, McLaughlin is organizing a Hurricane Benefit Concert on November 28th. The event will feature a powerful evening of music and community, all focused on providing critical aid to those who have lost everything.
The funds raised will be channeled through two impactful organizations: the YB Afraid Foundation in Jamaica, spearheaded by Olympic sprinter Yohan Blake, which provides homes for children and will assist with home repairs; and the A-Supreme Foundation in Toronto. These partnerships ensure aid reaches those who need it most effectively.
Beyond the concert, McLaughlin is also donating a portion of his earnings from upcoming corporate events and proceeds from sales of his albums – “White Christmas With Soul” and “Let’s Celebrate Bob Marley” – to bolster the relief efforts. Every contribution, no matter the size, is a step towards rebuilding lives.
The benefit concert promises to be a significant event, hosted by Kayla Malcolm-Brown and featuring special guests including Alvin Curling, Ben Johnson, Jamaican Consul General Kurt Davis, and Judge Donald McLeod. It’s a gathering of influential voices united by a shared purpose: to offer hope and healing to Jamaica.
