GoodHeart | Laughter for Recovery promises help and hope

Laughter has been credited with many positives, from being good medicine for the soul to significantly slowing down the ageing process. Laughter has now been ascribed the honour of helping people achieve a sense of normalcy as they attempt to recover from the ravages of Hurricane Melissa. Thanks to the efforts of Ian ‘Ity’ Ellis, his colleagues in comedy, his church, Greater Portmore Tabernacle, and the many donors who stepped up to provide assistance, several persons in the western end of the island will have a future as the Laughter for Recovery initiative has transformed the gift of laughter into a good cause.

In doing something to aid persons impacted by the storm, Ellis initially thought of several ways in which they could raise funds and, in the end, decided the best course of action involved utilising what he knew best – comedy. This year, part proceeds from the Boxing Day production of Christmas Comedy Cook-Up saw persons benefiting in a meaningful way, as they intend to restore hope to those for whom the last few weeks may have looked close to hopeless.

Ellis explained that giving back does not have to be loud; it can take any form that suits both donors and recipients, because the ultimate goal is to bless those in need and show them they have not been forgotten and that people still care. “I know that we dispense laughter but, more than anything else, what we are doing this year is dispensing hope. The comedy show this year is about giving back, so part proceeds go to Operation Love,” he said.

Operation Love, he explained, has previously worked with the homeless in Kingston. But the hurricane’s arrival meant that they had to spread their reach further and head out west. Through their efforts, they have solicited donations online, 100 per cent of which would have gone to Food For The Poor Jamaica.

“We tell people that we are concentrating on food, clothing and shelter so they can pick one to contribute to, and this giving is intentional and ongoing because it’s not like we can give this week and then feel satisfied and just say that’s it. It has to be sustained long term. Recovery won’t be overnight,” Ellis explained.

His church will look to possibly adopt the Bloomsbury Mountain District in St Elizabeth. They have already established a strong connection with the community and have gone there to provide aid and, more importantly, build a solid relationship. “Three weeks ago, the team from my church went there with food and clothing, and the people were so happy to welcome us. They said, ‘Ity, unnu a the first set of people to actually show up here’. That touched us. We carry packages and all but, most importantly, we carry ministry and bless them up, encourage them, entertain them with a live show and commit to continue supporting them,” Ellis told GoodHeart.

So far, he has been encouraged by the tremendous support they have been getting from donors near and far.

“In the midst of the crisis, it was really encouraging to see people give from the heart, and it reminded me of the goodness of God because [these] are tough times. [Everyone’s] mindset is not the same. Not everybody wants to laugh right now. But those who [did] came out and gave to us, and we are [truly] appreciative [of that],” he said.

He also acknowledged that it is difficult to have a show like the comedy cook-up at this time, because not everyone is mentally ready to laugh. “Some people just have not [reached that stage] yet, and that is okay. We have to find a balance and walk that line. That is what I’m learning now. We also ask people to identify one group, just one, to assist. If everybody does that, we can accomplish great things.”

goodheart@gleanerjm.com