“Knowing that a lot of folks, well, as a Jamaican living in Airdrie and being a part of the black community, it is indeed significant to see when we’re doing certain things we actually strengthen the global community by making sure that the act of caring is not restricted to just the immediate place that you’re living,” he said.
Bolton said Mayor Heather Spearman’s remarks underscored that message.
“While Airdrie is far from the Caribbean, community is not defined by distance — community is defined by the people who show up for one another when it counts”
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28. Bolton said it was the strongest hurricane to ever directly hit the island.
“It was a Category Five storm. It literally wiped part of the island where the speed was approximately 185 miles per hour. It brought torrential rainfall, causing massive flooding, landslides and storm surges. Pretty much the estimated damage is about 8.8 billion US dollars.”
The Airdrie Black Community is continuing to collect food, hygiene items and financial donations. Bolton said the need for food and cash is urgent.
“We are in strong need now of food and cash because we need some amount of cash to facilitate the shipment. We have gotten a lot of new and used clothes, slightly used clothes, but what we really need even more now is foodstuffs and cash.”
The group has partnered with Real Canadian Superstore in Airdrie, which is serving as a drop off location.
“We are proud to say that the Canadian Superstore has partnered with us and allows us to use their store as a drop off point,” Bolton said. “Persons can go and drop off food and cleaning supplies.”
He added that financial donations can be sent directly.
“They can also make a direct e-transfer to the black community via our email at info@airdrieblackcommunity.ca,”
You can also donate by going to Amazon to place an order using their Amazon gift list. We had identified some items that would actually serve the relief drive.”
The group hopes to wrap up the drive on December 15. Bolton said any help is meaningful.
“Every dollar counts,” he said. “At the end of the day, what we stand for is a reflection of the things that we do. And Airdrie has proven itself. It is a great reflection of what Airdrie stands for. And I am proud to call myself an Airdrie resident.”
Bolton said residents can contact the group directly if they have questions or need help arranging a donation.
For more information, you can always call ABC at 1-877-832-5225 or email them. If you have items but need someone to collect them, they will make arrangements with you.
Bolton thanked the community and the station for helping share the story.
“Thank you for being a part of the community and being supportive of all of the various initiatives that are taking place. We stand in solidarity with what is happening in Jamaica, and by virtue of your facilitating this interview to create greater awareness, you are also a partner to this initiative.”
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Link to the article in Discover Airdrie: https://discoverairdrie.com/articles/airdrie-black-community-raises-jamaican-flag-and-rallies-support-after-hurricane-melissa
