The Sandals Foundation and Hasbro have come together once again this Holiday Season for their annual toy distribution, making the most wonderful time of the year for 16,000 children across the Caribbean even brighter.
Since 2011, the Sandals Foundation has partnered with United States based toy company, Hasbro, to mobilize hundreds of helpers who volunteer to spread the joy, going into schools and local communities with toys and games to kick off the holiday season.
“The holiday season is a time for giving and sharing, and even more a time to inspire hope. We are incredibly grateful to be able to partner with Hasbro to bring joy to children in a way that lets them know they are being thought of,” says Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation.
The annual Holiday Toy Distribution has become a tradition for children in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Grenada, Barbados, Curacao and now expands to its newest home, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
More than fifty farmers across the island’s south coast communities in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland have received grants totally over $2.2 million to inject into the recovery of crops and livestock following losses experienced during the passage of Hurricane Beryl in July.
The grants, which ranged in value from $40 - $45,000 – was made possible by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) Humanitarian Assistance Programme operated by the Canadian High Commission to Jamaica. Executed by the Sandals Foundation, the programme, since October has been implementing a series of restorative projects to support the ongoing recovery efforts of residents’ livelihood and educational facilities post the storm.
Following a careful needs assessment by Breds Foundation, the Abilities Foundation and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), on Wednesday, December 18, members of the Sandals Foundation team hand delivered cash vouchers to 20 vegetable farmers in Treasure Beach, 10 visually-impaired female farmers in Junction, St. Elizabeth and 22 poultry farmers in Darliston, Westmoreland.
“The last five months have not been easy for our island’s food producers with many not yet being able to find their footing,” says Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation. “These cash vouchers will help in rebuilding damaged infrastructure, purchase needed input, supplies, and livestock to steadily resume their earnings and revive their livelihoods.”
Thirty-six years old Shaniek Powell who has been blind for two years, and farming in St. Elizabeth for almost the same period says, “Everything was destroyed in Beryl. We had cucumbers, we had watermelon, we had tomatoes, we had sweet peppers, and everything got destroyed. These funds will help me to buy farm supplies, get more things planted and expand on my beetroot farming.”
A similar story was shared by Trevor Rowe- a farmer of over 40 years who lost everything. “Hurricane Beryl mash we up. It mash up me house and me farm. This money will mend a gap. I will buy fertilizer, seeds, spraying materials and more. It will take about four months for things to come back.”
For teacher and part time farmer Allison Gayle in Treasure Beach, “ I lost over 10 acres of plants. I had a hard time getting back up [after Beryl] and it has significantly hampered my ability to rebound. The assistance will go a long way in helping me get fertilizer, pesticide and other input so I can go on to feed the nation again.”
The farmers’ livelihood initiative forms part of a wider JMD $ 5.7 million humanitarian outreach and disaster relief project under the Humanitarian Assistance programme of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).
Moving forward the Sandals Foundation will work alongside local fisherfolk in south coast communities to sustainably address immediate needs.
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) provides modest funding for small-scale, high-impact projects in more than 120 countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA). Projects are planned and implemented mainly by local organisations, and are selected and approved by the relevant Canadian Embassy or High Commission.
The diagnosis and treatment of urological and genitourinary system conditions at the Urology Department at the St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital has been bolstered with the provision of key equipment from the Sandals Foundation.
Following the successful fundraising efforts of the Sandals Golf and Jerk Festival held in June this year, the philanthropic organization recently presented several specialized equipment valued at some USD $10,000 to aid the medical team in their ability to diagnose and treat prostate kidney, ureter, and bladder disorders as well as ailments of the male reproductive organs.
Accepting the items which include a mobile endoscopic unit, bipolar cautery forceps, biopsy gun, and Liga-clip applicators, Dr. Marie Brown, Consultant Urologist at the St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital said, “Our Urology department is new and this equipment are very important to have it function and provide essential services to patients”
“The mobile endoscopic tower, she continued, “will allow us to see the urine passage making it possible for the placement of difficult urethral catheters and it will help with diagnostic procedures in the operating room. The Ligaclip applicators will help control troublesome bleeding in patients’ during open surgeries, while the other equipment will help with a wide range of procedures and needs of patients with varying urological conditions from benign diseases to cancers.”
Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation says, “The support of communities’ healthcare infrastructure is a core area of our work because we fundamentally believe that the wealth of our island’s families is connected to their access to education, services, and treatment that preserve their health.”
“Our annual golf and jerk tournament, Clarke continued, “has been an instrumental event to invest in our island’s healthcare and we are honored that we were able to help meet some of the critical needs of the medical professionals here at the St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital.”
The event, which is held at the Sandals Upton Estate Golf and Country Club is made possible with support of teams at the golf course, Sandals Ocho Rios Resort, and a host of corporate partners.
Over the last four years, proceeds raised from the Festival have been used to improve security systems for doctors and patients at the Port Maria Hospital, as well as support the stroke prevention and rehabilitation programme at the St Ann's Bay Hospital's physiotherapy department and more.
Together with Passiflora Limited, the Sandals Foundation, has created an Accessible Garden Hub affectionately called Rochelle’s Garden and a Composting Area at the Andromeda Botanic Gardens. This US$81,500 project aims to empower the differently-abled community by providing a wheelchair-accessible garden with essential infrastructure, plants, and artistic mural alongside a composting area and work zone for plant propagation. The project will serve both local and international visitors to the Gardens, with over 1000 individuals expected to benefit.
Rochelle’s Garden is named in honor of Rochelle Burke, an extraordinary woman whose resilience and passion have inspired many. Despite facing significant challenges after a series of strokes, Rochelle has continued to share her love for gardening through her YouTube channel, ‘The One-Handed Gardener’.
Funded by the Sandals Foundation, the project at Andromeda Botanic Gardens builds on previous successes and has already achieved significant progress. Key improvements include widening doorways at the gallery entrance, installing new doors, and constructing treated timber deck frames throughout the site. Additional upgrades involve laying composite decking and slopes, creating concrete pathways to ensure washroom access, and adding safety features such as hand and garden rails. With a strong focus on accessibility and environmental stewardship, this initiative complements earlier enhancements, ensuring the space remains inclusive and educational for children and adults alike.
"This project is a sizable step towards creating a more inclusive environment where everyone can connect with nature.” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation.” By supporting Passiflora Limited’s vision, we are helping to provide a space where environmental education and accessibility go hand in hand, making a meaningful change on the community and visitors alike."
A vibrant mural, created by ten talented pupils from Irving Wilson School, adds a dynamic and creative element to the garden. The school, which serves children with diverse abilities, has been instrumental in bringing this artwork to life, showcasing the creativity and contributions of its students while enriching the garden’s atmosphere.
"We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with the Sandals Foundation on this important project. Rochelle’s Garden will not only enhance the visitor experience at Andromeda but will also provide a hands-on opportunity for individuals of all abilities to learn about sustainable gardening practices and the importance of environmental stewardship and biodiversity. The space will eventually include courses, workshops and events that support this aim." said Sharon Cooke, Managing Director of Passiflora Ltd.
Speaking to the dedication of the garden to Burke who was also present for the opening, Cooke said, “Her infectious joy and determination embody the spirit of this project, and it is only fitting that she officially opened the garden, bringing her remarkable story full circle.”
