Ding Donates over 3 million JMD to Support Caribbean Islands After Hurricane Beryl

The clean-up operation that follows Hurricane Beryl ripping through the Caribbean and Jamaica continues. But in the aftermath, we also see the best of humanity shine through. During this time of need, the Jamaican diaspora sprang into action, sending 2.7 million USD in international top-ups for Digicel and Flow and eGift Cards back home to Jamaica through Ding’s services.

Hurricane Beryl’s Impact

Hurricane Beryl, one of the most powerful storms to hit the Caribbean in recent years, wreaked havoc across several islands, leaving a trail of destruction. Many communities were left without power, clean water, and access to essential supplies. The agricultural sector also suffered significant losses, with crops destroyed and livestock displaced, further exacerbating the region's challenges along with residential power being lost in many areas.

Jamaican Diaspora Support

In their time of need, Jamaica received massive support from their diaspora. We’ve looked at our data and during the days of Hurricane Beryl, 2.7 million USD in top-ups and eGift Cards were sent to Jamaicans from abroad, using Ding’s online, in-app, and in-store international top-up services. This incredible effort from the Jamaican diaspora ensured family and friends stayed connected with each other and emergency services during Beryl. eGift Cards for groceries sent from abroad lifted some of the burden of buying essentials for the home.

Access for Good

For every top-up sent using Ding, 1 cent gets donated to our Access for Good fund, an initiative that has been nominated as a finalist in the Social Impact category in this year’s IPR Awards.

Given the impact Beryl has had on our customers, we’ve decided to focus our next donation on the areas affected by the hurricane. We’re donating over 3 million JMD to the Digicel Foundation to help fast-track and mobilize relief efforts to severely impacted regions.

As a result, the combined efforts of the Jamaican Diaspora, Ding, and the Digicel Foundation is helping those most in need following Beryl.

Digicel Foundation CEO, Charmaine Daniels stated, “Digicel Foundation is really thankful for Ding’s donation towards our Hurricane Beryl relief efforts. Their generosity helped us to make a difference in the lives of over 1,000 residents in St. Elizabeth, Manchester, and Clarendon who were severely affected by Hurricane Beryl. With the donation, we've distributed care packages to residents and hosted a successful back-to-school fair in St. Elizabeth, where we distributed backpacks filled with school supplies to students”.

I met with the Digicel Foundation’s Miguel ‘Steppa’ Williams, Director of Strategic Planning and Community Development in Kingston. The Digicel Foundation has a stellar reputation of reaching marginalized and negatively impacted communities in Jamaica since its launch. It’s great to embark on this mission with our longstanding partner Digicel to reach those people still grappling with the effects of Hurricane Beryl and provide some much-needed relief.

The efforts of the Jamaican diaspora, combined with Ding's commitment to supporting affected communities, highlight the power of global connectivity and solidarity. Ding remains dedicated to aiding in the ongoing recovery efforts in the Caribbean, ensuring that those in need receive the support required.