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Last November, as Spaces Jamaica prepared to mark its 18th anniversary, Hurricane Melissa devastated communities across western Jamaica, leaving countless families displaced. Founder and Creative Director Janelle Pantry-Coke felt there was a responsibility to do more than acknowledge the devastation. That response became Rebuilding with Heart, an initiative focused on helping affected families restore a sense of comfort and dignity as they rebuild. On July 26, that commitment took shape in the Strawberry community in Westmoreland, where Spaces handed over 250 mattresses, along with bedding, to families affected by the hurricane. The donation was made possible through support from Ashley Furniture Industries, which provided the mattresses, while ECU Worldwide and Freight Handlers facilitated their transportation from the United States. The FLOW Foundation provided financial and logistical support, while the Rotary Club of Savanna-la-Mar coordinated distribution and identified families to receive them. “The impact of Hurricane Melissa has touched every Jamaican in some way. Rebuilding requires more than one form of support – it requires financial assistance, physical resources, and emotional encouragement. ‘Rebuilding with Heart’ reflects our belief that spaces are more than buildings – they are where families find comfort, security, and belonging. Through this initiative, we hope to help families restore not only their homes, but also their sense of hope,” Pantry-Coke said. goodheart@gleanerjm.com
