The Sandals Foundation, philanthropic arm of Sandals and Beaches Resorts International has donated US120, 000 dollars to the Salvation Army to assist with education and housing programmes for children in Haiti.
In the aftermath of the devastation in Haiti caused by January’s massive earthquake, the Foundation donated the large sum to the Salesian Missionaries to Haiti and Population Services International as well as worked with partners American Airlines to underwrite the cost of ten relief flights. Following that the Foundation spearheaded a secondary Caribbean-wide initiative to raise additional funds for the children of Haiti.
Working in tandem with Sandals and Beaches resorts across the region including Sandals Royal Bahamian and Sandals Emerald Bay, the Sandals Foundation placed the stuffed toy bears in the property gift shops encouraging guests to buy them in support of the relief initiative. Upon purchase, the guests were then asked to donate their bears to a special toy box for the children. Supplementary funds were also collected through the Foundation’s sister organization in US who joined in on relief efforts.
On handing over the proceeds of the collection drive, which spanned from January to May, Director of Programmes for the Sandals Foundation Heidi Clarke said, “We are really thrilled to be able to aid the great work of the Salvation Army in Haiti and realize that there is still such great need in our sister island which we should all do our part to assist. Thanks should be specially issued to the Sandals and Beaches guests who donated to the initiative as well as to the Sandals Foundation US which helped to bolster our efforts significantly.” Mrs. Clarke added that proceeds from the ‘Bear Hugs’ initiative will now be used to further the Foundation’s focus on education across the Caribbean.
John Williamson, Territorial Development Director of the Salvation Army applauded the Foundation for its contribution and involvement to their Haiti Recovery Programme, “We are indeed highly thankful for the support of great organizations such as Sandals who have a great sense of corporate social responsibility. It is a mighty encouragement to the officers and employees of The Salvation Army to receive such practical support that will make such a difference in Haiti.”
Currently, the Salvation Army operates 45 schools throughout Haiti which has over 10,000 children enrolled. The Foundation’s contribution will help to rebuild some of the facilities that were affected by the January earthquake.
In addition to operating educational facilities for children, the Salvation Army has also teamed up with the United Nations (UN) to house and support over 20,000 displaced persons including children.
The Sandals Foundation was created 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 it operates 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.
Posted July 19 2010