A Look Back At Giving Back: Impacting 80,000 Lives & Counting...

April 19, 2024 - Sandals Foundation - Promotions & Events

Since the inception of Sandals Resorts International's philanthropic arm in 2009, The Sandals Foundation has impacted 80,000 lives across the Caribbean through more than 100 community programs, and raised more than $1.5 million for programs supporting education, communities and the environment. With the celebration of its third year anniversary this past month, the Foundation renews its dedication and continuous promise to channel 100 percent of its funds into the Caribbean region.

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 each resort operates across the Caribbean. Over the past three years, the Sandals Foundation has spearheaded a variety of programs to better the Caribbean environment and its community. Whether investing in marine sanctuaries and educating Jamaican fishermen on the importance of preserving marine life; partnering with Great Shape! Inc. to facilitate oral hygiene education, dental clinics and eye-care clinics for more than 50,000 people; or constructing and renovating schools throughout the Caribbean, the Sandals Foundation initiatives always aim to alleviate challenges in the region.

With a team of 4,000 community and guest volunteers, along with more than 10,000 staff members, the Sandals Foundation has generated an annual Christmas toy drive providing up to 10,000 children with toys each year, collected 65,000 books to donate to Caribbean schools and created an ongoing voluntourism program, the Reading Road Trip, which promotes children’s literacy. In 2024, the Sandals Foundation will emphasize teacher training and parenting workshops. The Foundation has identified 11 major projects to focus on in Jamaica, The Bahamas, Antigua, Saint Lucia and Turks & Caicos, the same islands that serve as home to Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts. These projects include implementing the Children’s Literacy Action Program in Saint Lucia, refurbishing the St. Ann and St. Mary infirmaries in Jamaica, and expanding the Willikie’s Primary School facilities in Antigua.