Excelerate supports recovery with holiday outreach

Excelerate Energy delivered toys and humanitarian aid to more than 2,500 children and families across Old Harbour Bay, Clarendon, Montego Bay and other parishes during the Christmas season.

In Old Harbour Bay and Hayes, Clarendon, over 1,000 children attended community fairs, enjoyed treats and met Santa as he handed out gifts. In Montego Bay, more than 1,200 children received toys through the office of Councillor Richard Vernon, mayor of Montego Bay, during the city’s annual tree-lighting and toy distribution, sponsored by Excelerate.

A further 200 children in homes and orphanages across Montego Bay, Hanover, St Elizabeth and Manchester benefited from donations made in partnership with Food For The Poor Jamaica, including Blossom Gardens, West Haven Children’s Home and the Montego Bay Community Home for Girls.

“At Excelerate, supporting families and communities is central to our purpose,” said Verona Carter, VP and general manager – Caribbean, Excelerate Energy. “Following the devastating impact of the hurricane, our priority has been to deliver timely humanitarian aid while continuing our support of Jamaica’s long-term economic development and community upliftment. This holiday initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to helping rebuilding communities and vulnerable families.”

The outreach builds on Excelerate’s wider contribution of more than US$1.25 million in funding and humanitarian assistance to the Government of Jamaica, Food For The Poor, Project C.U.R.E. and World Central Kitchen, supporting recovery after Hurricane Melissa.

Daryl Vaz, minister of energy, transport and telecommunications, praised Excelerate’s “swift action, leadership and partnership” in a letter, noting: “Excelerate has demonstrated that its role is indeed far beyond that of an infrastructure operator. Your action highlights the strength of private sector leadership in national recovery.”

Alongside toy donations, Excelerate and Food For The Poor Jamaica distributed food packages and essentials to 600 families on the government’s PATH programme, as well as shut-ins and other vulnerable individuals, reaching some 2,400 people. The effort ensured children were not left behind and families could put a warm meal on the table.

Kivette Silvera, executive director of Food For The Poor Jamaica, said the collaboration reflected a trusted, long-standing relationship. “Excelerate has partnered with Food For The Poor Jamaica on several philanthropic projects over the years. Their continued support allows us to reach families and children with care and compassion, particularly during the holidays.”

Parents and caregivers said the assistance brought both relief and reassurance. Moscetta Harvey, a mother of three from Old Harbour, said: “Having something of substance that I could prepare for dinner, and seeing my children’s faces light up because of the toys, means so much to me – this support lifted a heavy burden for us.”

Jennifer Thomas, a school janitor and grandmother of three from Clarendon, added: “It’s been a hard year, and the hurricane made it worse. I had nothing at home to prepare for me and my grandchildren. When I saw the food and the toys, I was speechless. God really provides.”

Johanna Pearson, of Top Hill, Clarendon, who collected a food package for her wheelchair-bound mother, said: “Thank you for always thinking about us and coming into our community to ensure we have a good Christmas holiday.”