SANDALS FOUNDATION SPEARHEADS LOCAL INITIATIVES TO BETTER THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT
~ Sandals Resorts International’s Philanthropic Arm Aims to Make a Difference ~
The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, continues to spearhead its mission of bettering the region through community, education and environmental outreach. Each year, the Foundation elects a number of projects to be taken under its arms and funded through donations and fundraising events. Here are some exciting examples of recent initiatives and events:
Sandals Foundation Joins the Fight against Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders in the Caribbean: As the Sandals Foundation moves into its fourth year, it has reaffirmed its commitment to healthcare with a US $50,000 donation to the Caribbean-SickKids Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Project. The new outreach aims to improve diagnoses and outcomes for children affected by pediatric cancers and serious blood disorders by helping build health care capacity in six Caribbean countries. Through the training of professionals, providing consultation and diagnostic expertise, and developing and expanding access to treatment and supportive care throughout these regions, thousands of children will be able to receive world-class care in their own countries.
Sandals Foundation Supports Marine Awareness Month: This month, the Sandals Foundation is taking an increased leadership role in developing ground-breaking initiatives with the public and private sector in the area of marine conservation. Continuing its dedication to the protection of the environment, the Sandals Foundation currently manages two marine sanctuaries in Jamaica to support the growth of the fish population while educating communities on the value of marine life preservation and sustainability for the livelihoods of fisherman. Additionally, it provides students of public educational institutions in New Providence, Bahamas an opportunity to visit one of the protected wetlands through a partnership with Experimental Education to bring environmental awareness to local children. Also in the Bahamas, the Foundation partners with the Bahamas National Trust to assist with the funding for a Conch Conservation program. Within the Jamaica destination, the Foundation partners with The Discovery Bay Marine Lab to assist with the research of Lionfish and bring insight to this evasive species as well as supports the monitoring and protection of turtle nesting sites with the Bluefields Bay Fishermen’s Friendly Society.
Marchand Combined School Gets New Computer Lab: In an effort to increase standards of education at the Marchand Combined School in St. Lucia, the Sandals Foundation has joined forces with the In Time Education project and the Taiwanese Embassy to configure and install a brand-new Information Technology Lab for students. “We are very big on education as it is the single best opportunity you can give people to make the best of themselves,” said Dominic Fedee, Regional Public Relations Manager for Sandals Resorts International - Eastern Caribbean. “Education is the best investment we can make in our children’s future and our country’s posterity.”
Bahamas Trike-A-Thon Continues to Make Strides for Research Hospital: The Sandals Foundation-sponsored Bahamas Trike-a-Thon continued to play its part in assisting doctors and scientists at the renowned St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Four hundred children and their parents recently gathered to raise money for research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases for the 3rd annual fundraising event sponsored by the Sandals Foundation in Nassau, Bahamas. To date, the Foundation has raised $30,000 in support of St. Jude’s and the proceeds from this year’s registration fees will go to aid 12-year-old Tyiece Bennett, who is suffering from Spina Bifida.
Black River Hospital Gets a New Incubator: The Black River Hospital, on Jamaica’s South Coast, was thrilled to receive a fully functional incubator for its pediatric ward at the St. Elizabeth health facility. Valued at J $1 million, the incubator increases the chances of survival for premature babies who cannot survive on their own, and this life-saving equipment will be a welcomed addition to the hospital’s pediatric ward which can accommodate up to 24 babies. The cherished donation was made possible with the support of guests and team members of Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa in Westmoreland, Jamaica.
The Sandals Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was created to continue and to expand upon the philanthropic work that Sandals Resorts International has undertaken. It is the culmination of three decades of dedication to playing a meaningful role in the lives of the communities where they operate across the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation funds projects in three core areas: education, community and the environment. One hundred percent of the monies contributed by the general public to the Sandals Foundation go directly to programs benefiting the Caribbean community. To learn more about the Sandals Foundation, visit online at www.sandalsfoundation.org.
