In September of 1988 Hurricane Gilbert tracked across the Caribbean leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.  The "history.com" website explains that, "On September 12, with winds reaching 175 miles per hour, the now Category 5 hurricane devastated Jamaica. With a 40-mile-wide eye, the hurricane covered the entire island. The tin roofs that covered most homes were no match for the winds–about 80 percent of the island’s homes were seriously damaged and approximately 500,000 of the country’s 2 million people were left homeless. Nearly every home on the island lost electricity. Worst of all, more than 200 people lost their lives."  Following the disaster an international appeal went out for food, clothing and shelter to help the Jamaican people and A B Ellis took up the challenge.

The school became the drop-off centre for donations from across the community.  Manitoulin Transport generously offered to transport the items to Toronto where the province's contribution was being collected before being sent on to Jamaica.