Hurricane Relief

Projects

Major Projects at the Zayn B Ennis Foundation -$15 million worth of equipment through a Partnership with The Supreme Ventures Foundation

At the Zayn B Ennis Foundation, our projects are driven by our commitment to providing the best possible care for the most vulnerable members of our community. Here’s an overview of the critical initiatives we are currently undertaking:

Acquisition of Life-Saving Equipment for the NICU

We are dedicated to equipping the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the University Hospital of The West Indies with state-of-the-art medical equipment to ensure that every newborn has access to the best possible care. Our current focus includes:
  • Neonatal Ventilators: These vital machines deliver consistent and precise respiratory support to neonates and infants who cannot breathe on their own, ensuring that each breath they take is monitored and regulated for their safety and health.
  • NEO-PUFF Resuscitators: This advanced equipment provides consistent and precise respiratory breaths to neonates and infants, crucial for those who require immediate assistance to breathe at birth or during critical moments.
  • Bilirubin Phototherapy Equipment: Utilizing a fibreoptic pad, this equipment conveniently and rapidly treats neonatal jaundice. This condition, common in newborns, can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly, making this equipment essential for their well-being.

Hurricane Beryl Relief Effort

In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl, we are raising funds and accepting donations to support victims in some of the hardest-hit areas in the Central and South-Western parishes of Jamaica. Our efforts include:
  • Food and Clothing: Providing essential food supplies and clothing to those affected by the hurricane.
  • Sheets and Bedding: Distributing sheets and bedding to ensure families have a safe and comfortable place to sleep
  • Back to School Supplies: Supplying school materials to help children return to their education as soon as possible, promoting a sense of normalcy and stability.
  • Community Support: Working with local organizations to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most effectively and efficiently.

Nurse’s Retreat and Training

Our healthcare professionals are the backbone of the NICU, providing unparalleled care and expertise. To celebrate and support these dedicated individuals, we have initiated the Nurse’s Retreat project, which includes:
  • Celebration and Appreciation: Organizing retreats and events to celebrate the NICU staff, acknowledging their hard work, dedication, and the emotional labour they endure.
  • Training Programs: Offering continuous education and training opportunities to keep the staff updated with the latest medical advancements and care techniques.

Counselling for Parents

We understand the immense emotional toll on parents who have to watch their babies fight for their lives in the NICU. To support these families, we provide:
  • Counselling Services: Professional counselling to help parents navigate the trauma and anxiety associated with having a critically ill newborn.
  • Support Groups: Facilitating support groups where parents can share their experiences, offer each other support, and find solace in knowing they are not alone in their journey.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

To help prevent the spread of infectious diseases and viruses within the NICU, we are securing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all medical staff. Ensuring a safe and sterile environment is paramount to protecting both the infants and the healthcare providers who care for them.

UHWI Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to get $15m assistance from SVF

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UHWI Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to get $15m assistance from SVF

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Hope After the Storm

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Hope After the Storm

ZBE Foundation’s Hurricane Beryl Relief Effort — St. Elizabeth, July 2024

When Hurricane Beryl swept through St. Elizabeth and the surrounding parishes in 2024, it left behind a trail of destruction that changed lives overnight. Homes were torn apart, livelihoods were lost, and uncertainty loomed large. Yet, in the midst of that devastation, the ZBE Foundation stood shoulder to shoulder with the people — bringing not only care packages and relief supplies, but also compassion, comfort, and hope.

Restoring Dignity and Hope

From the moment the winds calmed, our volunteers, partners, and supporters came together with one purpose — to ensure that no one was left behind. Trucks filled with food, water, and essential items made their way across flooded roads and broken bridges to reach families in the hardest-hit communities.

Each delivery carried more than supplies; it carried love. It carried the message that our people are not forgotten, that even after the storm, Jamaica’s spirit stands strong.

A Voice from the Community

One of the many lives touched by this mission was Miss Mavis Copeland, affectionately known as Miss Mavis, a cherished elder from a small district in St. Elizabeth. As she received her care package, she wiped away tears and shared words that will stay with our team forever:

“Mi lose plenty, but mi heart full today. When di ZBE people come, mi know say God still deh yah. Unu remind mi that we not alone.”

Those words echo the true meaning of our work — that kindness and community can rebuild what storms try to take away.

(Photo caption: Miss Mavis Copeland, “Miss Mavis,” receiving her care package with a grateful smile — St. Elizabeth, July 2024.)

Together, We Rise

The ZBE Foundation’s Hurricane Beryl Relief Effort was more than an act of service — it was an act of love. It was about restoring dignity, rebuilding trust, and reigniting hope.

We are deeply thankful to every volunteer, donor, and partner who made this mission possible. Through your generosity, hundreds of families found strength again, and communities began the journey to recovery together.

Even in the storm, we found strength in each other.