Kizamba to Host Penzance Fundraiser for ShelterBox’s Jamaica Response

Penzance-based Latin and Caribbean band Kizamba will headline a special fundraising concert on Wednesday, 10th December to support ShelterBox and its disaster recovery work in Jamaica following the impact of Hurricane Melissa.

The Truro-based charity is currently on the ground helping families who have lost homes and livelihoods after one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the Caribbean.

A Personal Story Behind the Fundraiser

For lead singer Kat Carr, the devastation is painfully familiar. Kat grew up in Kingston and remembers living through Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 as an 11 year old. She recalls the destruction of that Category 4 storm, which left communities without power or safe water for weeks.

Kat had told her children about it many times. She said: “I’ve told my children stories about Hurricane Gilbert since they were little. I never imagined they would one day experience an even more powerful hurricane themselves!”

Last month, while visiting her parents in Jamaica, Kat and her family found themselves in the path of Hurricane Melissa. Airports were forced to close and the family, along with hundreds of other guests on the North Coast, were evacuated to conference rooms where they slept on sun loungers as winds howled and water leaked from upper floors.

Kat described the mood among guests as one of “Thoughtfulness, respect, and generosity” as people shared snacks, played games and supported each other. While her hotel group and family home in Kingston were safe, the western region of Jamaica suffered catastrophic damage. “Many people lost everything they owned. The situation is extremely serious.”

She also praised the Government of Jamaica for its communication and rapid action, and the swift support from international organisations. “I was amazed, just a few days after the hurricane, to hear that ShelterBox would be sending a team to support people affected.”

ShelterBox on the Ground

ShelterBox is working with partners including Food for the Poor and Rotary to help thousands of people with shelter kits, thermal blankets, mosquito nets, water carriers and solar lights.

Head of Emergency Responses Dave Raybould said: “We have a team in Jamaica distributing emergency shelter aid to people whose homes have been damaged by the hurricane. These supplies were shipped from our warehouse in Barbados where we pre-positioned supplies before the hurricane season, so we were ready to go. We have more aid on the way – we’re sending tarpaulins, rope, and essential aid items from our warehouse in Panama for the next phase of the response.”

Bringing the Community Together

After returning to the UK, Kat contacted ShelterBox and was pleased they agreed to open the Kizamba concert with a presentation on their work. She said the band wanted to do something meaningful, given their connection to Jamaica and the music they play. DJ Countryman, also known as Tim Stirrup, will be part of the night too.

“This fundraiser is our way of supporting that life-saving work,” Kat said, adding that recovery in Jamaica will take time, resources and solidarity. “Jamaicans are made of the very strongest stuff, but rebuilding after a storm like this takes time, money, and help from organisations like ShelterBox who are on the ground delivering vital aid.”

Event Details

What: Kizamba ShelterBox Fundraiser, with DJ Countryman
When: Wednesday, 10th December
Where: The Acorn Penzance
Tickets: https://www.theacornpenzance.com/events/kizamba-2/
Beneficiary: ShelterBox Registered Charity No. 1096479

ShelterBox continues to support families worldwide who have lost their homes due to conflict or natural disaster, including its current response in Jamaica.