The Friendly City really lived up to its name when it comes to a recent drive to raise relief for a nation devastated by disaster.
Last November, the Belleville Caribbean Festival Committee, alongside the Belleville Police Service, Belleville Fire and Emergency Services, the Belleville Downtown District, and community partners, came together to support those affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, much-needed supplies and financial donations were collected through drop-off events and donation locations across Belleville. Afterwards, the Belleville Police Service coordinated the shipment of these donations to Jamaica, ensuring they reached communities impacted by the hurricane.
Officials say those donations were successfully delivered and are making a definite impact for families trying to rebuild their lives and recover from the disaster.
The items themselves make a difference, but even more important was the feeling of support reaching across borders to let people know that friendship knows no nationality.
As we celebrated with the Belleville Caribbean Festival Committee at their signature event last weekend, the success of this campaign is a great sign that we embrace not just the culture and the magic of the community, but also recognize the challenges and hardships still being faced today, and that we want to help.
It’s one thing to call Belleville the Friendly City, but it’s fundraising drives like this that really put the meaning behind the slogan.
The Belleville Caribbean Festival is an amazing event, but the love and support shared between communities goes far beyond one magical summer weekend.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
