South Florida motorcycle club revs up donations for hurricane-battered Jamaica

The Heavy Breathers Motorcycle Club rode into the Broward County Library’s Miramar branch with boxes of water, diapers, wipes, canned goods and other essential supplies for families still struggling after the storm.

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South Florida is once again stepping up in the wake of disaster, and this time help is roaring in on two wheels.

A local motorcycle club is leading a push to support Jamaica, as the island recovers from Hurricane Melissa.

Over the weekend, members of the Heavy Breathers Motorcycle Club rode into the Broward County Library’s Miramar branch with boxes of water, diapers, wipes, canned goods and other essential supplies for families still struggling after the storm.

Club president Brad “Timeless” Blackman said the images coming out of Jamaica moved him to act.

“I was devastated by the amount they lost,” said Blackman. “People lost homes. I felt more than obligated to give back.”

Blackman was born in the United States, but has Jamaican roots. He and his fellow riders worked through the Motorcycle Federation Presidents Council in Miami and teamed up with groups including ‘Least the Saints MC’ to collect relief items.

“We rallied together, brought it to our clubhouse and the rest is history,” he said. “There is power in unity within the motorcycle culture. We just want to bring a positive light to club culture.”

Broward County Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis greeted the riders as they arrived with their delivery. She said the county’s support for Jamaica will need to continue for a long time.

“Broward County has opened up its libraries and also its parks, so wherever you are there should be a location near you where we continue to collect items because the need is great,” said Davis.

Davis also added that with so many Caribbean families living in South Florida, it is important for the community to stay engaged.

“We really want to make sure we do our part and not let the story die,” she said.

To make donating easier, Broward County has opened several drop-off sites for residents who want to contribute.

Collection locations include:

South Regional/Broward College Library
7300 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines
Mon–Wed: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Thurs–Sun: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Miramar Branch Library and Education Center
2050 Civic Center Place, Miramar
Wed: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Thurs–Sat: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Beginning Nov. 3: Mon–Fri: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

West Regional Library
8601 W. Broward Boulevard, Plantation
Mon–Wed: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Thurs–Sun: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Southwest Regional Library

16835 Sheridan Street, Pembroke Pines
Mon–Wed: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Thurs–Sun: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Source: 6 South Florida