Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ) has pledged $18 million to help Jamaicans rebuild after Hurricane Melissa. The franchise operator for KFC and Pizza Hut will provide both cash donations and meal support. This massive contribution comes as the island nation struggles to recover from devastating damage.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28 as a Category 5 storm. The hurricane brought sustained winds up to 185 mph. It overwhelmed infrastructure in several western parishes and left thousands of residents without homes.
KFC and Pizza Hut Franchise Prioritizes Employee Relief Efforts
ROJ Managing Director Mark Myers emphasized the company’s commitment to Jamaica. “Jamaica is our home, and we are deeply committed to helping our people rise again,” Myers said in a statement. The organization is supporting both national relief efforts and its own employees.
Many ROJ team members have been negatively impacted by the hurricane. “One of [our] main priorities also remains assisting the members of our own ROJ family,” Myers added. The company has already activated internal relief programs to support employees who need help most urgently.
Hurricane Melissa Donation Reaches Multiple Charitable Organizations
The $18 million donation will benefit several government agencies and nonprofits across Jamaica. Recipients include the Salvation Army Corps in St. James, Westmoreland, and Trelawny. Additional funds will go to Manning’s Boys Home and St. Matthew’s Mothers’ Union in St. Elizabeth.
Moreover, Windsor Lodge Children’s Home and Friends in Need in Manchester will also receive support. The franchise operator carefully selected organizations that serve communities hardest hit by the storm. These groups provide essential services to vulnerable populations throughout the island.
A History of Community Support and Charitable Giving
This humanitarian response isn’t ROJ’s first major charitable contribution this year. The organization donated $7 million to 14 children’s homes in August. That donation celebrated ROJ’s 50th anniversary of serving Jamaica.
“For five decades, Jamaicans have embraced and supported us,” ROJ Marketing Manager Andrei Roper said at the time. “This donation is our way of expressing gratitude—by investing in the younger generation.” The company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to giving back to local communities.
Hurricane Melissa’s Devastating Impact on Western Jamaica
The Category 5 hurricane caused unprecedented destruction across western parishes. Infrastructure collapsed under the force of 185 mph winds. Thousands of families lost their homes in a matter of hours.
The storm’s intensity overwhelmed even well-prepared communities. Critical services like electricity, water, and transportation were severely disrupted. Many residents now face months of recovery and rebuilding ahead.
Why More Support Is Still Needed for Jamaica Recovery
While ROJ’s $18 million contribution will significantly boost recovery efforts, additional help remains necessary. The scale of destruction requires sustained support from multiple sources. Government agencies, businesses, and international organizations must work together.
Local communities need resources for housing, food, medical care, and infrastructure repairs. The recovery process will take considerable time and funding. ROJ’s donation represents an important first step, but Jamaica’s journey to full recovery has just begun.
