Tyrone Reid, Enterprise Reporter

An overwhelming show of support is threatening to transform tragedy at the Mustard Seed Communities into a modern-day miracle.

Corporate Jamaica and Jamaicans, locals and those living overseas, responded by making donations to the tune of $1.3 million in less than 24 hours after the plight of the children's homes was highlighted yesterday.

Several emails came in to The Gleaner yesterday, as concerned Jamaicans from around the globe expressed how they were moved by the children's plight, and queried how they could help.

The passage of Tropical Storm Gustav led to the deaths of three disabled children at three different locations; resulted in extensive damage to some of the homes, and left 24 children grappling with desperate, unsafe living conditions.

$12-m goal

But, not for long, that is, if the generous donations in the days to come keep pace with yesterday's haul. The projected goal is $12 million.

Moved by the article, the management of Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) decided to donate $1 million. This donation has effectively secured the $1 million that another financial institution - the National Commercial Bank (NCB) - pledged to match in contributions up to that amount.

Earl Jarrett, general manager of JNBS, commended NCB on its initiative, explaining that the donation was not an attempt to match NCB's pledge.

"It is important to note that our donation is unconditional," he said.

Father Gregory Ramkissoon, executive director of Mustard Seed Communities, was overwhelmed by the show of support.

"This is amazing. The Jamaican people are amazing when they have to rally around something. There is a lot of good in Jamaica," he said.

Ramkissoon praised NCB and JNBS for their donations which, he said, were unsolicited. "Special thanks to JNBS and NCB for coming to the cause so quickly without being asked. That's corporate Jamaica at its best."

Switzerland pledge

A pledge to help also came from as far as Switzerland. "The article concerning the need for donations after the recent storm, to help with children in need of supplies (Mustard Seed tragedy) has prompted me to write," read a section of an email from Judith Wuarin, a Jamaican living in Geneva, Switzerland.

A Jamaican living in Florida said the story was a tear-jerker. "My heart is broken as I read the story in today's Gleaner (online)," said Marcia Salmon in an email.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) has also joined the tidal wave of support with a three-day outreach project that began yesterday.

"We have arranged a paediatric medical and nursing outreach team to visit the children (wherever they are) to address their medical needs," said Celia Christie-Samuels, professor and chair in paediatrics at UWI, Mona.

tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com

Other pledges

Jentech, an engineering consultancy firm, pledged to do, for free, the technical assessments and drawings needed to secure the land in Gordon Town - the home of Sophie's Place.

Mother's Patty Company plans to stage an ice cream day on September 28 in support of the cause. Proceeds from the sale of the ice cream will be given to Mustard Seed.