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Sandals Foundation and Hasbro Spread Holiday Cheer to Caribbean Children

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More than 10,000 children experienced a little more joy this holiday season with brand-new toys and games donated by the Sandals Foundation in their annual Christmas Toy Drive.

As the non-profit arm of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, the Sandals Foundation’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive has been a staple calendar event for more than 10 years through the generous donation from valued partner, Hasbro, Inc.  Iconic toys of the global play and entertainment company include Nerf, Magic: The Gathering, My Little Pony, and Transformers.

Additionally, support for the annual Toy Drive also comes from Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ team members, visiting guests, and travel industry partners.

While the customary parties were not be held, this year’s region-wide approach galvanized the logistical support of the Salvation Army, police force, schools, and local community groups to carefully distribute more than 10,800 toys to children across the Caribbean – all while bearing in mind the health and safety protocols of the respective countries.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation, explained that in light of the challenges experienced this year, it was critical to maintain a semblance of normalcy, particularly during the holidays.

“Christmas is a magical time for children and this year should be no different. Because it has been such a tough time for families across the Caribbean, it was even more important for us to do what we could to help bring joy and, of course, a sense of hope through the delivery of these gifts.”

“Our invaluable partners at Hasbro,” Clarke continued, “have been truly supportive of our mission, and we are pleased that we have been able to find a way to get these toys safely in the hands of some of our most deserving children.”

Shipments of toys have been delivered in the Bahamas, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Barbados.

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Sandals Resorts: 2nd Annual Stewart Family Philanthropic Award Announced

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Father-and-son Caribbean hospitality leaders and devout philanthropists, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Chairman & Founder of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), and Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of SRI, have made it their personal and corporate social responsibility to shape the lives and the future of the Caribbean for over 40 years. Through the family’s personal philanthropic efforts and the charitable work of the Sandals Foundation, the Stewart family has worked to positively transform the Caribbean while closely watching those that have also helped pave the way for a better future, giving back to the land and people they love most along the way. Together, they recognize those who possess their same dedication to giving back and honor those that have gone above and beyond to create a positive impact on the Caribbean and its beloved people.

Formalized in 2019, The Stewart Family Philanthropic Award recognizes the long-standing history of doing good in the Caribbean and honors executives, partners, and individuals whose exceptional leadership in the philanthropic sector has strengthened, built up and inspired entire Caribbean communities. Joseph Wright (a.k.a. “Papa Joe”), Executive Director of Great Shape! Inc. was virtually presented with the coveted award by Adam Stewart on behalf of the Stewart family for his selfless dedication to providing services including dental care, eye care, literacy, computer training and equipment across the Caribbean. In attendance to honor Papa Joe were Great Shape! Inc.’s co-founders, executives and volunteers, the 2019 award recipient Heidi Clarke, representatives from the Sandals Foundation and many General Managers and PR Managers of Sandals® and Beaches® Resorts, including long-time friend and GM of Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Kevin Clarke.

“Receiving The Stewart Family Philanthropy Award is truly one of the greatest honors of my lifetime, especially coming from the family who set the standard of philanthropy in the Caribbean so high over the decades,” stated Papa Joe. “I’m incredibly humbled and deeply moved to have the culmination of my life’s work recognized by the Stewart family, but truth be told, I really have to accept this award on behalf of every one of the 7,000 plus alumni volunteer heroes, our hard working team members, selfless board, generous supporters, community partners and countless others who collectively are the reason this award is even possible. Most importantly, the significance of this award is reflected in the hundreds of thousands of persons who can now smile better, see better, and learn better. In the end, this is all that truly matters,” continued Papa Joe.

As the Executive Director of Great Shape! Inc., Papa Joe has been carrying out the vision of the charity’s original co-founders Myrtle Franklin, Georgene Crowe and Gretchen Lee – to lead some of the world’s largest, international humanitarian projects. Wright was instrumental in forging the Great Shape! partnership with Sandals Negril in 2003 for its 1000 Smiles Dental Project, which provided volunteer dental services in exchange for a barter of hotel rooms. Together with the Sandals Foundation and SRI, the program has provided over 250,000 Jamaicans in rural communities to-date with access to free dental care, root canals, a sealant project, and a denture program. The project also expanded to neighboring sister islands St. Lucia (2015) and Grenada (2018).

Additionally, Papa Joe helped orchestrate the launch of the iCARE Vision Project in 2009, expanding their services to provide free glasses, cataract surgery, Glaucoma treatment, children’s screenings and more. Nearly 45,000 patients in the islands of Jamaica, Turks & Caicos and Antigua have benefitted over the past decade. Furthermore, in partnership with the Sandals Foundation and the Ministry of Education, two literacy programs under Wright’s tenure – the SuperKids Literacy Project (2008) in Jamaica and the Teach the Teachers Project (2015) – have impacted over 115,000 students and 1,000 teachers in Jamaica.

“Papa Joe’s vision of building meaningful connections and seeing the Caribbean smile, year after year, decade after decade is not only inspiring, but empowering, and we are so honored to present this award to such an exemplary individual,” said Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of SRI. “As we continue partnering together to transform the islands, we look to his example of dedication as the standard, having full confidence of the change it can create and the greatness it can instill in others to do the same for generations to come.”

The Stewart family annually celebrates those whose strong commitment to philanthropy and charitable work contribute to the greater good of the region they call home. Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, was honored as the first ever recipient of The Stewart Family Philanthropic Award in 2019 for her decade-long service and dedication to the Sandals Foundation. Over the years, Clarke has helped impact close to 1 million people in the region and has implemented hundreds of projects and programs valued at over $70 million dollars to-date. The Stewart family is extremely thankful for philanthropic trailblazers such as Heidi Clarke and Papa Joe for their devout dedication to the Caribbean and look forward to honoring future recipients for their transformative impact made across Caribbean communities.

Current and future recipients of The Stewart Family Philanthropic Award must exemplify:

  • Dedication to improving the lives of others, carving out success and creating real change.
  • Promotion of positive environmental and social transformation.
  • Breaking out from the norm, thinking, and doing different to serve his or her fellow Caribbean citizens.
  • Transforming the power of a program idea into action, impacting entire communities. 
  • Providing opportunity to underrepresented, poor, and marginalized youth, playing an integral role in changing the lives of Caribbean children and families.
  • Evidence of meaningful contributions to the nonprofit sector and significant achievements in his or her field, and/or the service sector.
  • Ability to build and use organizational infrastructure to increase mission and community impact.
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience serving others to create lasting change in the Caribbean and beyond.

To learn more about The Stewart Family Philanthropic Award and its past recipients, please visit: https://sandalsfoundation.org/stewartphilanthropicaward .

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Sandals Foundation Receives Agents’ Choice Award for Second Year

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The outstanding work of the Sandals Foundation to develop Caribbean communities and inspire hope in the lives of the region’s people has once again been recognized as it was named “Favorite Responsible/Philanthropic Travel Foundation” at the prestigious Agents’ Choice Awards for the second straight year. The announcement was made at the highly-anticipated Canadian travel industry event held virtually on October 1, 2020.

Sandals Foundation was founded in 2009 by Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart, to expand the philanthropic work that had been a core function of the luxury-inclusive resort chain since opening its doors 39 years ago.

“The Caribbean is home, and its people are family. We are committed to reinvesting in our home and providing opportunities that help our region’s people believe in and create a better future for themselves and future generations,” said Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts International.

The Agents’ Choice Awards were established in 1999 by Toronto-based Baxter Media and its flagship publications, Canadian Travel Press and Travel Courier. The annual survey is the largest sampling of Canadian travel agents selecting their favorite travel suppliers in various categories. This year, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, close to 6,000 Canadian travel professionals cast their votes in 38 categories.

Stewart, who is also the President of the Sandals Foundation, affirmed: “We are very grateful to be recognized by the incredible travel agents across Canada with this award. They are a critical partner that makes our work possible. Together with our team members, guests, and partners we have made a positive imprint in the lives of more than 990,000 people.”

In 2019, the Sandals Foundation was accepted by the Department of Global Communications of the United Nations as one of the organizations whose efforts are contributing significantly to implementing the Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Even as the region experienced uncertainty due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation remained a beacon, providing relief and support to families and social services.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation, said that the registered charity will continue to do its part to ensure that the eight islands in which they operate are on track for a sustainable future.

“As a regional organization, it is our mission to invest in the sustainable development of the Caribbean. We will continue to strengthen communities, invest in literacy and education, support livelihoods, engage our youth, help those in need, strengthen healthcare, and protect the environment through life-changing programs that empower lives,” said Clarke.

The Sandals Foundation operates in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Grenada, Antigua, Barbados, Turks and Caicos, and The Bahamas working in the areas of education, community, and the environment.

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

Sandals Foundation Campaign to aid Caribbean Schools

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As part of its efforts to strengthen outreach to Caribbean communities, Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, has launched its “Lessons Alive” campaign to raise funds for purchasing supplies and resources to help vulnerable families facing back-to-school expenses.

The campaign will also aid Caribbean schools acquire much-needed resources as they reconfigure their operations to  meet the newly-required safety and sanitation measures to commence the 2020/2021 academic year.

While annual back-to-school fairs and support have been a long-standing tradition of the Sandals Foundation, Executive Director, Heidi Clarke, says this year’s approach is shaped by the unique realities being experienced.

“This is a challenging time for many families across the Caribbean. Many breadwinners have lost their source of income, others are facing reduced salaries. The Caribbean people are resilient, but there is a lot of uncertainty at the moment. The ‘Lessons Alive’ campaign is hoped to relieve some of the expenses that usually accompany back-to-school preparations so children can get back into the classrooms and resume their studies with as much ease as possible.”

Funds raised, Clarke says, will “help purchase school bags, books, stationery, and other supplies to ease the burden of vulnerable families, especially those who depend on the tourism industry for their livelihood. We will also be helping schools with the resources they will need to implement the new safety measures that are required to accommodate their pupils.”

Since its inception in 2009, the Sandals Foundation has made significant contributions to the development of education in the region to promote literacy and academic pursuits.

“The Sandals Foundation sees education as the vehicle through which every individual, young and old, can have an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. Over the last 11 years, we have been able to provide essential learning tools and resources and invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure to support the academic pursuits of the people in the region.”

To date, Clarke says: “With the help of our partners and guests, we have been able to donate close to 300,000 books to students and 67,000 pounds of much-needed supplies. We have been able to impact some 200,000 students, over 800 schools, donated some 3,000 computers, trained over 3,000 teachers, and provided close to 200 scholarships to vulnerable yet promising students.”

The “Lessons Alive” campaign is the latest in a long list of activities that the Sandals Foundation has executed to respond to the social and economic needs evolving from the global pandemic.

To date, hundreds of care packages have been delivered to the elderly and vulnerable persons in underserved communities. Sandals Foundation purchased ventilators for hospitals, strengthened the capacity of clinics and local healthcare services in tourism dependent communities, provided meals for and support to medical frontline workers, assisted youths to take advantage of online learning programs by providing tablet computer devices, and covered the costs of Internet connection so students can continue their studies.

Protective masks have been distributed to communities in St. Lucia, financial assistance has been provided to families of high school scholarship recipients in Barbados and Jamaica, as well as to value chain supply operators whose sale to artisans in the tourism sector has abruptly paused due to the close of hotels. Additionally, the Sandals Foundation’s partnership with the Sweet Water Foundation in Grenada has seen a 24-hour sexual abuse helpline be expanded to provide counseling service for persons struggling to cope with COVID-19 related challenges.

“The security of the Caribbean family is at the heart of our work as a Foundation, and they need us now more than ever. We are so grateful for the help of our amazing team members who are our eyes and ears in the communities and the support of our very loyal partners, guests, travel agents, and well-wishers who have made it possible for us to respond to the evolving needs of families across the region,” Clarke added.

Donations to the “Lessons Alive” campaign are encouraged; visit the Sandals Foundation website at www.sandalsfoundation.org and donate to the education tab. 100% of every dollar will go directly to supporting education and back-to-school needs in the Caribbean.

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

Multipurpose Courts at Buckfield Playfeld Renovated to Serve St. Ann Residents

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The basketball and multi-purpose playing courts at Buckfield Playfield, located in the heart of Ocho Rios in Jamaica, have received a major facelift and renovations to better serve residents across the parish of St. Ann. Following an approximately US$50,000 investment from the Sandals Foundation, the center is better than ever.

The center has been a safe space for youths to spend their time and a major hub for hosting friendly games, sports competitions, and entertainment events. The upgraded facility now boasts a resurfaced basketball and multipurpose court with accompanying netball equipment, newly-constructed spectator stands, installed lights to improve night events and security, fencing, and colorful murals to brighten the space.

Director of Operations at the Sandals Foundation, Karen Zacca, says the project commenced in 2019 and has been a labor of love aligned with the Foundation’s commitment to community development and engaging youth through sports.

“Spaces that encourage sports bring residents together to play, build relationships, develop lifelong skills, and are important to the health of a community. Outside each of our immediate families, our communities help give us a sense of belonging, and the Sandals Foundation will always give high priority to creating safe spaces for our communities to thrive.”

Public Relations Manager at Sandals Ocho Rios Resort, Lyndsay Isaacs, who coordinated logistics says the team ensured to employ the skills of local contractors and laborers to execute the renovations.

“Projects that serve the community must also employ the services of the community. As much as is possible, the Foundation engages local professionals to engender a sense of ownership in the development process as well as to help support the livelihoods of those who are employed.”

The multiple murals, strategically positioned across the sports field, were drawn by local artist Zara and painted by Sandals Resorts guests and team members who volunteered during outreach activities before the onset of the coronavirus.

“This is a family affair for us, and the Sandals Foundation is the vehicle through which our resort guests, team members, travel agents, and partners get an opportunity to serve the communities in which we operate. I am very happy with the outcome of this project and have no doubt the people of St.  Ann will use it well.”

Ocho Rios resident basketballer, Dehalo Sappleton, says the renovated courts will help the local teams earn their stripes on their home ground.

“This kind of donation is greatly appreciated, and we will treat it like it’s our own. Some of the most talented basketballers come from Ocho Rios, and we often go to Kingston and Montego Bay to make our name. This renovated court now gives us the opportunity to make our name in our hometown.”

And, Kurt Dale, Sports Officer for the parish of St. Ann with the Institute of Sports, says the renovated facilities will help budding netballers hone their skills and develop the level of participation in the sport.

“We find that up to 50% of persons do not want to further their skills in netball, because they do not have facilities to play. A number of the girls have to travel a long distance to be able to play, but with courts like this readily available, it will be much easier for them to go out and participate.”

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

Sandals Foundation Makes Critical Equipment Reality for Bahamas Hospital

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Patients of the Pediatric Department at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, Bahamas, will now be examined by and treated with state-of-the-art equipment thanks to a sizable donation from the Sandals Foundation.

The equipment, which is valued at US$13,000 will serve approximately one thousand (1,000) children who use the medical facility on an annual basis.

Speaking at the official handing over exercise on Tuesday, March 3, Dr. Marcia Bassett, Head of Department of Pediatrics at the Princess Margaret Hospital, said “the donation will significantly improve the operation of the Pediatric Ward and the care given to patients and their families.” Dr. Bassett was elated at the donation which her medical team is eager to operate.

“We are so, so happy that Sandals chose us to be the recipient of this donation. These are well needed items and the team can’t wait to start using them.”

The newly-received medical equipment comprise a Hand Held Pulse Oximeter for measuring the amount of oxygen in the blood (pulse); a Vital sign monitor with stand and accessories to help doctors check each vital sign of a patient, accurately record changes in the patient’s condition and adjust medicines accordingly to provide the best care possible; and a Mobile Digital Chair Scale which allows patients who have mobile or physical limitations, poor balance or weak legs to be weighed while seated.

A Natus Phototherapy Blanket has also been purchased and will be delivered to the hospital in the coming weeks. The intensive phototherapy system will offer newborns with jaundice the best treatment and start in life.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation said the Foundation is honored to be able to support the family-centered care that the hospital provides.

“As a Foundation that serves the Caribbean and its people, we are always on the look-out for programs that provide sustainable development of Caribbean communities.”

The Princess Margaret Hospital, Clarke continued, “serves an extraordinary need by offering equitable access to healthcare. We are very happy that we were in a position to help this hospital serve the people.”

The Pediatric Ward and its equipment were damaged during the passage of Hurricane Irma in 2017. The donation is therefore strongly aligned to two major outreach programs of  the Sandals Foundation – community development and Disaster Relief.

The Sandals Foundations is a non-profit organization that launched in March 2009 to help Sandals Resorts International continue to make a difference in the lives of people in the region it works in.

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

Sandals Foundation injects $14 million into library reopening

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After 9 years of closure due to dilapidated conditions and a more than $14 million injection from the Sandals Foundation, the Green Island Branch Library has re-opened its doors to serve the residents of western Hanover.

The library has been an iconic community landmark for some 43 years before its closure, providing literacy and skills training programs, research space, access to the Internet and computer services. Its closure in 2011 resulted in a significant gap being present in the communities served by its facilities and forced residents to travel up to 14 miles to neighboring libraries.

Speaking at the re-opening ceremony held on Tuesday, June 23, Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts and President of the Sandals Foundation, Adam Stewart, said the company did not hesitate to help restore the facility which he described as ‘the heart of community development’.

“For decades (the library has) served as a hub for educating the young and more mature residents of multiple communities.  It has been the source of knowledge-sharing, trusted advice, economic development, a safe space for connecting with friends and … the genesis of life changing milestones for those who use its services.”

Libraries, the Sandals Foundation President continued, are “the gateway to information that connects people to the rest of the world and they are the bridge that connects its residents to each other. (They) remain an important support service for community members to learn about their unique history and traditions and at the same time discover new and exciting global developments that will shape the future.”

The upgraded facilities include a computer room, reading room for juniors and adults, kiddies corner, document room, office area, kitchenette for staff, and bathroom for staff and the public. All have been made to be accessible to persons who may use a wheelchair or have reduced mobility.

Paul Lalor, Chairman of the Jamaica Library Service said the reopening of the library will have a major impact on the community of Green Island and the wider society.

“Libraries play a really important part in the social fabric of a community. It gives individuals the opportunities to come out and read, to access free internet, and also it’s a place of refuge for many children who come in and are able to lose themselves in the books. That’s what we at the Jamaica Library Service try to do across the island and thanks to the Sandals Foundation, we are able to get another location back up and running.”

The JLS Chairman anticipates that the facility will be actively used by the surrounding communities.

“Like all libraries, there are people that come for all different reasons but it forms a very central part in a community. It has an important role not only on the educational side but also on the social side so I think this (library) will see a lot of traffic over the next few months and hopefully for many more years to come.” said Lalor.

And in expressing joy at the re-opening of the facility, Lorna Salmon, teacher at Green Island Primary School, said she is beaming with pride.

“We have prayed for this moment for such a very long time and we are so appreciative of this donation. We had a number challenges in the community when the library closed. The young children were unable to complete their assignments because they would usually come over during their lunch break or on Saturdays to utilize the resources here so it was really challenging. Additionally, the high schools children with their SBAs and CSEC, they were also left in the lurch with no internet at home. Sometimes they would have to travel to the parish library in Lucea but for those who didn’t have the resources they would just have to make due.”

And sixty three year old Merlene Thompson, welcomed the reopening of the library.

“It’s a good thing for the community. The children can go out and do their research. My children come here and my grandchildren can come here so it will be good for the community.”

The Sandals Foundation became aware of the plight of the Green Island community following a Jamaica observer article in August 2018 and commenced discussions and plans with the Jamaica Library Service to renovate and upgrade the new structure with state of the art modern facilities.  The library will serve numerous communities, including Green Island, Cave Valley, Kendal, Orange Bay, Rock Spring, and Cousins Cove.

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

Sweet Water and Sandals Foundations Provide Online COVID-19 Counseling

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Persons struggling to cope with COVID-19 related issues can now seek online help at the Sweet Water Foundation. The helpline which was launched in 2018 by the Sandals Foundation and Sweet Water Foundation to strengthen Grenada’s capacity to help protect children from sexual violence, is extending its services to all individuals during this unprecedented time of a global pandemic.

“During COVID-19, of course, we are doing our part to help the nation,” expressed Child Protection Specialist and Director of the Sweet Water Foundation Dr. Hazel Da Breo to The Grenadian Voice. She added that since COVID-19, about 50% of their calls have been COVID-19 related.

Dr. Da Breo noted that though the helpline was originally established to focus on child protection, calls have been received from teenagers, youths, and young adults looking for answers around sex and sexuality and relationships issues.

“We have also helped clients with suicidal ideation,” she said, reminding that the tagline is “Any Time for Any Reason.”

Founder Dr. DaBreo reported that “The WhatsApp feature is by far the most used. Not only do we have new callers, but old clients have remained with us since the beginning in a full, confidential online counseling service.”

She shared that in the first quarter for 2020, 1,185 contacts between WhatsApp, text, emails, and telephones were logged.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation, is optimistic that the services of Sweet Water will be helpful.

“As families around the world are forced to stay home, we know that this new reality can foster heightened levels of stress for children and adults resulting in increased cases of emotional and even physical abuse. The team at Sweet Water is expertly trained, and we welcome every member of the Grenadian family to reach out if they are in need of support to navigate this tough time. Together, we can help each other maintain a positive mental health and foster better relationships,” Clarke said.

The Sweet Water Foundation clinic is in the Wave Crest Apartment, Grand Anse, St. George. It is staffed by 3 trained counselors, each of whom responds to the various contact outlets. There are also 2 therapists who see clients face to face.

The Sweet Water Foundation Child Helpline has joined the Child Helpline International (CHI), a global network of 181 child helplines in 147 countries and will operate in a similar manner as the other helplines within the network.

For more than three decades, Sandals Resorts International has been involved in giving back to the local communities in the islands it calls home. The establishment of the Sandals Foundation became a structured approach to making positive change within the areas of education, community, and environment. Today, the Foundation is a true philanthropic extension of the brand – an arm that spreads the gospel of inspiring hope across every corner of the Caribbean. For Sandals, inspiring hope is more than a philosophy, it is a call to action.

Helplines: 537-7867 or 800-4444 or email helpline@sweetwaterfoudation.ca

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

Sandals Resorts and Beaches Caring for Seniors Amidst Coronavirus

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The food and health needs of some 50 shut-ins and senior citizens in five adjoining Black River communities were recently supported with the careful coordinated delivery of care packages by members of the Crawford Community Development Committee (CDC).

The packages which included sanitizers, toiletries and groceries were purchased by the Sandals Foundation from the Lasco Chin Foundation, through members of the Sandals South Coast Resort team. The items offer relief to the social needs emerging from the current Corona virus pandemic and subsequent island-wide stay at home policy.

Benefiting from the delivery were residents of Fustic Grove, Crawford, Hill Top, Dalintober and Sandy Ground in St. Elizabeth.

Garnett Smith, Vice Chairman of Crawford CDC says it was important to mobilize help for the residents who were experiencing challenges moving around.

“It was a challenge for many residents to get to the grocery store and purchase the items they needed. The communities are in hilly areas with limited amounts of taxis. With a mandatory restriction on the number of passengers that can be carried in a car and the nightly curfews, we knew that we had to do what we could to help.”

Recipients, Smith noted, were between 60 and 80 years old and are dependent on family members to care for their needs.

In preparing the care packages, Adrian Whitehead, General Manager of Sandals South Coast and Sandals Foundation Ambassador affirmed, “It is our duty as a company to support members of the communities in which we operate.”

The global health crisis, he noted, “calls upon each of us to look around and see where we can all lend a helping hand and ease the needs of our neighbors and the most vulnerable. The resort and the Sandals Foundation will continue to look for avenues where we can be of service so we can recover from this pandemic even stronger.”

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

Sandals Foundation Gifts COVID-19 Lounge for Frontline Healthcare Workers

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As public hospitals across the island strengthen their readiness protocol to respond to COVID-19 patients, the St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital has been outfitted by Sandals Foundation with a sterile and private area to serve as a lounge for the doctors and nurses who will be on call in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The facility, which is valued at approximately JMD$386,000 was prepared by the Sandals Foundation as part of a wider COVID-19 relief sponsorship by the United States-based company, Tito’s Handmade Vodka. The vodka company’s philanthropic arm, Love, Tito’s, has donated a total of US$25,000 to support the island’s hospitality workers in the tourism dependent communities affected by the pandemic.

The St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital is the main COVID-19 treatment facility for persons in the parishes of St. Ann, Portland and St. Mary. The lounge consists of a sleeping quarter outfitted with a twin bed, a general space with three wipeable recliners and television and a dining space with a microwave, electronic kettle, a refrigerator and a four-seater dining room table.

Speaking at the handover event on Friday, May 8, 2020, Dennis Morgan, Chief Executive Officer at the North East Regional Health Authority noted that the donation is “important in encouraging our frontline workers who are sacrificing their lives every day to take care of persons affected by the virus.”

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation expressed solidarity with all staff who are at the forefront of fighting this disease.

“We are so grateful for the work that all frontline staff does to save lives and bring a sense of reassurance to the families that are impacted. We hope this lounge will help hospital workers find a sense of comfort in this space designed to help them rest, re-center and recharge,” she said.

The Sandals Foundation has been actively responding to a number of social-economic needs since the pandemic reached the island’s shores.

“We continue to look out for areas to support the people of Jamaica and other Caribbean islands and will work alongside government, non-governmental organizations and corporate partners to provide for the needs of the elderly and most vulnerable. We know that the closure of the tourism industry has made life difficult for a lot of families and so will especially seek to aid communities that rely on tourism to survive,” Clarke said.

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com