When Hurricane Melissa ravaged western Jamaica, Rose Hall Basic School was left with severe structural damage, including a destroyed roof that made the building unsafe for students and teachers. In the aftermath of the storm, HTIL stepped forward to support the school’s recovery, guided by the leadership and compassion of Mr. Robbie Hemmings.
Working alongside Chairwoman Margaret Fraquharson, Mr. Hemmings helped launch a GoFundMe campaign dedicated to restoring the school and stabilizing operations. Through this effort – combined with a community‑driven food fundraiser – over $9,000 USD was raised to support Rose Hall Basic School.
These funds were used to:
- Purchase materials to reinstall the damaged roof, ensuring the school could reopen safely.
- Support teacher salaries, providing continuity and stability for the children during a difficult period.
Roof Repair …
Community Support Through Food & Football
Part of the funds raised came from a food fundraiser hosted by Mr. Hemmings in North Carolina, where members of his soccer community rallied behind the cause. Many of these teammates had already expressed a desire to help even before the event — a true reflection of the spirit of soccer: teamwork, unity, and service beyond the field.
The event was made possible through generous food donations from several restaurants who stepped up without hesitation:
- Angie’s Jamaican Grille
- Golden Krust
- Jamaica Jamaica
Their contributions helped fuel the fundraiser and brought people together around a shared purpose — supporting children and educators in Jamaica during a time of crisis.
Gratitude to All Donors
HTIL extends heartfelt thanks to:
- All individual donors who contributed through GoFundMe and local fundraising
- The restaurants who donated food
- The soccer community whose solidarity helped make this effort a success
Together, this collective action demonstrates what is possible when communities unite with compassion and determination. Rose Hall Basic School continues its rebuilding journey, but thanks to supporters like you, hope and stability have been restored.