City of Toronto coordinating relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Melissa

Today, Councillor Michael Thompson and Mayor Olivia Chow announced the City of Toronto’s partnership with local organizations to support relief efforts for communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa.  

Torontonians can donate essential items at 12 fire stations across the city and can provide financial assistance to the Jamaican Canadian Association’s Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund through the DonateTO portal (toronto.ca/donate). 

Essential items requested include: 

• Basic necessities: bottled water, non-perishable foods (canned goods, rice, beans, pasta), baby formula, hygiene supplies (soap, toothpaste, sanitary pads, diapers), sanitizer and wipes, towels and washcloths, bed linens (new) 

• Shelter: tarpaulins, ropes, duct tape, buckets, cleaning supplies, flashlights, batteries, small tools (hammers, nails, screwdrivers, drills), solar lamps 

• Medical supplies: first aid kits, bandages, antiseptic creams, gloves and face masks  

The fire stations accepting donations are: 

• Fire Station 133 (1505 Lawrence Ave. W., North York, ON M6L 1A8)  

• Fire Station 142 (2753 Jane St., North York, ON M3N 2H6)  

• Fire Station 212 (8500 Sheppard Ave. E., Scarborough, ON M1B 5R4)  

• Fire Station 221 (2575 Eglinton Ave. E., Scarborough, ON M1K 2R8)  

• Fire Station 232 (1550 Midland Ave., Scarborough, ON M1P 3A6)  

• Fire Station 234 (40 Coronation Dr., Toronto, ON M1C 2R5)  

• Fire Station 242 (2733 Brimley Rd., Scarborough, ON M1V 1T4)  

• Fire Station 315 (132 Bellevue Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2N9)  

• Fire Station 341 (555 Oakwood Ave., York, ON M6E 2X4)  

• Fire Station 411 (75 Toryork Dr., North York, ON M9L 1X9)  

• Fire Station 413 (1549 Albion Rd., Etobicoke, ON M9W 5T6)  

• Fire Station 442 (2015 Lawrence Ave. W., York, ON M9N 3V5)  

Torontonians donating items should knock on the front door to ensure there are staff onsite before leaving items behind. All contributions will be coordinated in partnership with the Jamaican Canadian Association to ensure they reach those most in need. More information is available through the DonateTO portal (toronto.ca/donate). 

Quotes: 

“The area of Jamaica where I was born has been decimated, and some of my family members are cut off from communication. I am so personally grateful and privileged to lead the partners here in Toronto as we support international relief efforts.”  

– Councillor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre)  

“Hurricane Melissa has caused devastating loss in Jamaica. Toronto is home to one of the largest Jamaican diaspora communities in the world, and we stand with everyone affected. Our city is proud to come together to support all those impacted.” 

– Mayor Olivia Chow 

“Toronto Fire Services is proud to support the City’s relief efforts by designating our fire stations as drop-off locations for donations to assist those impacted by Hurricane Melissa. We are committed to supporting these efforts and contributing to the coordinated response for those in need abroad.” 

– Jim Jessop, Fire Chief, Toronto Fire Services 

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.