The City of Toronto has launched a new portal to help with disaster relief after Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica early last week, Mayor Olivia Chow announced at a news conference Friday.

The DonateTO portal includes a way to make secure monetary donations, as well as a list of city firehouses accepting supplies to be shipped to the island.

A host of local businesses are also involved in relief efforts, either helping to collect donations or by donating supplies directly.

“I’m so grateful for the support. Overwhelming isn’t a strong enough word to describe it,” said David Betty, president of the Jamaican Canadian Association at the news conference, held at Bedessee Imports.

The Caribbean food importer is one of the local businesses helping send hurricane relief to Jamaica.

Rayma

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