MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA (December 20, 2012) – The Sandals Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International – through its annual toy drive and holiday treats, made it a merry Christmas for 12,500 children this year across the Caribbean.
They were recipients of toys as part of the Sandals Foundation’s annual toy drive, which took place this year under the theme “Share The Luck”, where donors were asked to give $13 in 2013. The toy drive was made possible with online donations that were matched by Sandals Resorts International. Additionally, Hasbro, Inc., a valued partner of Beaches Resorts, donated a brand new toy or game as part of their $8,000 philanthropic contribution to the cause.
Founder and President of the Sandals Foundation’s Board of Directors Adam Stewart said: “We are grateful to have a longstanding partner like Hasbro supporting this important initiative to support our local communities and give local children of the Caribbean a holiday season they deserve. This was one of most successful toy drives to date and we could not have done it alone.”
Meanwhile, 80 Christmas treats were held across the Caribbean many of which took place at children’s homes, community centres and early childhood and primary schools in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands and for the first time, Grenada.
“The students had been anticipating their treat and were even more eager to see Santa Claus after they were told that the Sandals Foundation would be coming. It was a wonderful experience for them to get such lovely toys from Santa and to be on the receiving end of such excellent service from everyone,” said Taniesha Poyser, principal of Beast Spring Early Childhood Institute. “I must admit that it was the perfect end to the school year for the infants.”
The philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and Grand Pineapple Resorts carries out holiday treats and the toy drive, which allows individuals, including but not limited to travel and industry partners to make a donation, or volunteer, thereby making a positive impact on children during the holiday season. Team members are then invited to join in and hand out toys at a number of treats in the Caribbean.
“Every year, we have been able to count on our wonderful partners and team members who help us to make it a happy and festive holiday season for many children in the Caribbean,” said Heidi Clarke, director of programmes of the Sandals Foundation. “This year, we were very excited to be able to spread that joy to Grenada.
She continued: “Throughout the year, the Sandals Foundation undertakes projects that promote and support education in our Caribbean schools. Then the holiday season comes around, and we do what we can to ensure that the children, who have worked hard throughout the year, enjoy themselves and have some fun. There is nothing more thrilling than making a child happy and together, we have made over 12,000 children happy.”
About The Sandals Foundation
The Sandals Foundation (www.sandalsfoundation.org), 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 we 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.
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