27 Apr 2026, 13:42Darell J. Philip, London Area 6C Communications CoordinatorLondon, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Wi Still Standing
One One Coco Full Basket Fundraising Concert for Jamaica
In a concerted effort to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, and renew hope for those impacted by Hurricane Melissa, a fundraising concert for Jamaica will take place on Sunday, 17 May 2026 at The Advent Centre in West London. Following the impact of the Category 5 hurricane, families in the Folly Hill community, Foster’s Grove, Whitehouse, and Westmoreland have lost homes, income, and stability.
Concert organiser Joan Reid, who visited the devastated areas earlier this year, said:
“I went over to Jamaica for two reasons: to see the devastation for myself and to identify a community that we could help.” With the assistance of retired church minister Pastor Simeon Esson, who lives close to the affected areas, such a community was found. “The Folly Hill residents in Whitehouse, Westmoreland were devastated, losing not just their homes but their means of income, as the majority of the residents were fishermen,” Reid explained, adding: “Despite heeding the warnings to take their boats and pots inland, the magnitude of the storm meant everything was destroyed.”
The goal of the project is to rebuild 12 homes, repair five others severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa, and help fishermen replace their pots and boats so they can regain their livelihood. The estimated cost to complete the project is £137,000. “The Jamaican proverb, One One Coco Full Basket, shows us how we can achieve that goal, meaning that when everyone contributes, even in small ways, it leads to a greater outcome,” said Reid. She added: “I am asking everybody to do their part so that we can accomplish the goal. In practical terms, 2,740 people giving £50 is equivalent to 274 churches giving £500.”
Reflecting on her visit, Reid noted the resilience of the community: “They say Jamaicans are resilient, and I witnessed people coming together to help one another. But I also saw individuals so traumatised that they refused to speak about it because it was ‘too stressful’. Some spoke in hushed tones, and all those who shared their experiences said they never want to go through something like that again.”
The WI STILL STANDING: One One Coco Full Basket Fundraising Concert for Jamaica will include live music and comedy, with food also available for purchase. Reid encourages everyone to attend and support this initiative in making a real difference in the lives of those rebuilding their homes, livelihoods, and hope.
The event will take place on Sunday, 17 May 2026 at The Advent Centre, 39 Brendon Street, London, W1H 5JE, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. For tickets and enquiries, contact Joan Reid on 07947 158537.
In a concerted effort to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, and renew hope for those impacted by Hurricane Melissa, a fundraising concert for Jamaica will take place on Sunday, 17 May 2026 at The Advent Centre in West London. Following the impact of the Category 5 hurricane, families in the Folly Hill community, Foster’s Grove, Whitehouse, and Westmoreland have lost homes, income, and stability.
Concert organiser Joan Reid, who visited the devastated areas earlier this year, said:
“I went over to Jamaica for two reasons: to see the devastation for myself and to identify a community that we could help.” With the assistance of retired church minister Pastor Simeon Esson, who lives close to the affected areas, such a community was found. “The Folly Hill residents in Whitehouse, Westmoreland were devastated, losing not just their homes but their means of income, as the majority of the residents were fishermen,” Reid explained, adding: “Despite heeding the warnings to take their boats and pots inland, the magnitude of the storm meant everything was destroyed.”
The goal of the project is to rebuild 12 homes, repair five others severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa, and help fishermen replace their pots and boats so they can regain their livelihood. The estimated cost to complete the project is £137,000. “The Jamaican proverb, One One Coco Full Basket, shows us how we can achieve that goal, meaning that when everyone contributes, even in small ways, it leads to a greater outcome,” said Reid. She added: “I am asking everybody to do their part so that we can accomplish the goal. In practical terms, 2,740 people giving £50 is equivalent to 274 churches giving £500.”
Reflecting on her visit, Reid noted the resilience of the community: “They say Jamaicans are resilient, and I witnessed people coming together to help one another. But I also saw individuals so traumatised that they refused to speak about it because it was ‘too stressful’. Some spoke in hushed tones, and all those who shared their experiences said they never want to go through something like that again.”
The WI STILL STANDING: One One Coco Full Basket Fundraising Concert for Jamaica will include live music and comedy, with food also available for purchase. Reid encourages everyone to attend and support this initiative in making a real difference in the lives of those rebuilding their homes, livelihoods, and hope.
The event will take place on Sunday, 17 May 2026 at The Advent Centre, 39 Brendon Street, London, W1H 5JE, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. For tickets and enquiries, contact Joan Reid on 07947 158537.
