Harmonies of Hope raises $2.3 million and counting for Hurricane Melissa relief in Jamaica

December 11, 2025

Within hours, a devastating hurricane tore through Jamaica, leaving the island reeling and in urgent need of assistance.

In just 10 days, however, the Harmonies of Hope fundraiser inspired an extraordinary outpouring of support. Led by Canadian university chancellors Wes Hall and Donette Chin-Loy Chang, and fueled by the generosity of their networks, the initiative has already raised $2.3 million for critical relief efforts.

The event serves as a powerful reminder of what community and leadership can achieve, and more financial support is expected in the coming days. Adding to this momentum, the Ontario government pledged its support, highlighting the broad solidarity behind the cause.

“The Premier (Doug Ford) has directed me, and I have directed my ministry that, immediately upon the receipt of the application from Dr. Hall, to issue the support he has requested,” Stan Cho, Ontario’s Minister of Culture, Tourism & Gaming, said at the Harmonies of Hope benefit concert on December 10 at the Meridian Arts Centre which donated its space. “We are going to support this initiative. The message is simple. We stand with you, and we stand with Harmonies of Hope.”

Stan Cho (George Pimentel Photography)

Hall’s company, We Shall Investments, served as the event’s title sponsor.

“Tonight’s event is more than just a concert,” the University of Toronto chancellor said. “It is an act of unity, remembrance and, above all, hope.”

The hurricane severely impacted his hometown of St. Thomas. While watching videos of the relief supplies he had funded and helped coordinate, he recognized family members, friends and former classmates among the recipients.

“Here I am, living a relatively prosperous life in Canada, and it was simply opportunity that changed my path,” Hall reflected. “Those people in St. Thomas are just as smart and capable as I am, but they didn’t get the same opportunities. For those of us who have been given that chance, it is our obligation to give back, even when it is uncomfortable. This is not just a national crisis. It is a human one…Hurricane Melissa may have taken our roofs, and it has taken lives, but it did not take our spirit as a people, it did not take our determination, and it certainly did not take our love for one another.”

Raised by a family that embraces philanthropy, Chin-Loy Chang believes in giving until it hurts. 

“When you see the images of the devastation caused by the hurricane and when you see the suffering that people are going through, you realize that you cannot stand by and do nothing,” the event co-patron and Toronto Metropolitan University chancellor said. “Helping others becomes not just a choice, but a responsibility.”

Jamaican-born Canadian university chancellors Wes Hall and Donette Chin-Loy Chang were co-patrons of the Harmonies of Hope concert benefit fundraiser (Photo by Ron Fanfair)

Backed by The Hardcore Band, Juno Award winners Sean Jones and Jully Black, and vocalists Quisha Wint, Steele and Renee Rowe performed moving renditions from Bob Marley’s catalogue.

“Music is more than just entertainment,” Hall added. “It’s healing. It reminds us of who we are as a people, our resilience, and shows that we can remain powerful and joyful, even in the face of hardship.”

Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Canada Marsha Coore Lobban (c) along with Consul General in Toronto Kurt Davis and his wife Suzanne Robinson Davis attended the Harmonies of Hope benefit concert (Photo by Ron Fanfair)

Underlining the importance of the event, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, and Director of Tourism, Donovan White, made time in their busy schedules to attend the concert, demonstrating strong support for the fundraiser and its mission to aid hurricane-affected communities.

Speaking on behalf of the government and people of Jamaica, Bartlett expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the support extended to this vital cause.

“I want to put all the donations and commitments in a beautiful envelope tonight and say to you that Jamaica presents it as our moment of appreciation to you all,” he said. “Thank you…Our diaspora represents that first point of responding when anything happens to Jamaica, but you are the first point of contact that the world has with Jamaica.”

Bartlett noted that the recovery and rebuilding of Jamaica are crucial to the island’s future.

“By purchasing a ticket, donating or simply taking the time to join us, you are not just attending a concert,” he pointed out. “You are contributing that which will ripple across my beautiful island and transform lives.”

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett (Photo by Ron Fanfair)

Despite the significant damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, recovery efforts are progressing rapidly and with great determination. Estimates place the physical damage from the hurricane, which devastated the western part of the island, at US $8.8 billion, equivalent to roughly 28 to 32 percent of Jamaica’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Electricity supplies, which affected more than 150,000 people in some areas and up to 1.5 million in the wider region, are now 80 percent restored, and we expect 90 percent of Jamaica to have full electricity by Christmas,” said Bartlett. “Water supplies, previously disrupted, have been restored to 80 percent of the country. The industry that has driven our economy for the past 50 years is also recovering.”

Tourism is a cornerstone of Jamaica’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, foreign exchange earnings and community development. The industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, from hospitality and transportation to local artisans and service providers, and plays a vital role in sustaining small businesses across the island.

Beyond its economic impact, tourism helps showcase Jamaica’s rich culture, music and natural beauty, strengthening the country’s global reputation and fostering national pride.

Bartlett said 71 percent of Jamaica’s tourism assets are back and ready to welcome visitors.

“As we recover stronger and better, we rely on you to do one thing, and that is to support Jamaica by visiting Jamaica,” he added.

Ten days before the event, Angella Bennett, the Jamaica Tourist Board’s regional director for Canada, reached out to Hall. She explained that they were planning a fundraising concert and asked for his full support.

Angella Bennett (George Pimentel Photography)

The response that followed was overwhelming, showing that her appeal had struck a chord and was undeniably effective.

Funds raised will contribute to infrastructure restoration, community support programs and the rebuilding of critical services across the island.

Steele (Photo by Ron Fanfair)

Jully Black (Photo by Ron Fanfair)

Quisha Wint (Photo by Ron Fanfair)

Sean Jones (Photo by Ron Fanfair)

Renee Rowe (Photo by Ron Fanfair)

DJ Blackcat (Mykel Hall), brother of Wes Hall, provided musical entertainment at the reception prior to the concert (Photo by Ron Fanfair)

Brandon Gonez (l) and Kardinal Offishall co-hosted the Harmonies of Hope fundraiser (George Pimentel Photography)