Big hearted customers at Wanis Cash & Carry in Leyton joined forces with internationally renowned reggae artists Maxi Priest and Luciano, and comedian White Yardie, on Wednesday 5 November, in a major charity drive that has resulted in tens of thousands of pounds worth of aid being sent to Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.
Shoppers rallied alongside large-scale donations from Wanis International Foods, filling trolleys with urgently needed food staples including rice, tinned fish, and beans. Many were taken aback to see Grammy-nominated musicians shoulder-to-shoulder with volunteers, helping to send relief supplies to communities where homes have been destroyed, thousands displaced, and at least 30 lives lost.
One charity, Unity in the Community, travelled from Yorkshire to take part in the appeal, spending more than £2,300 raised to support the cause. Additional backing came from major food brands including Tropical Sun and Tilda, alongside contributions from The Garden (representing USA Rice), advertising consultancy Here & Now 365, and Newmont Travel.
The effort was organised by Paul Harrison, Head of Community at Wanis, who said: “This crisis feels very close to home for many of us. I have family in Jamaica, including my elderly parents. To witness so many organisations and individuals uniting so quickly to provide practical help is genuinely heartening.”
Maxi Priest said: “My friends and family are telling me that roads are falling apart, people are standing on table tops, there are mudslides.”
Luciano said: “We have to extend our love and charity to the people who have suffered the most. People here have donated food and other items – it’s nice to know there are still good people in this world.”
Jamaican-born comedian Harry Gregory, known as White Yardie, added: “I’m trying to do as much as I can, but I feel very helpless. My friends and family feel it’s going to be years before they will get back to some sort of normal life.”
Sanjay Wadhwani, Managing Director of Wanis International Foods, said: “We have worked closely with Jamaican producers and communities for more than 60 years. Our connection is deep and enduring. In moments like these, it is essential that we act swiftly and meaningfully to support those facing unimaginable hardship.”
The donations are scheduled to depart for Jamaica on Friday and will be distributed on the ground by respected humanitarian organisation Food For The Poor, ensuring aid reaches those most affected as quickly as possible.
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