Barbados 2018: The Sandals Foundation added a splash of color to the Oistins Bay Gardens ahead of the Christmas season, donating over 90 gallons of Harris paint to the vendors to help with beautifying their stalls. The Sandals Foundation, through tour partners Island Routes Tour Company, operates the Oistins Express Tour which introduces tourists to the culinary skills of local vendors and Barbados night-life. Funds raised from these tours are reinvested into the community to help with its development projects and beautification.

During a presentation made to the vendors recently, they were visibly elated and thankful for the generous gift. “When we first met with Sandals (Foundation), a number of items were discussed. We wanted to partner with the hotel who transport several of their guests to Oistins especially on a Friday night and one of the areas we discussed was beautifying the various stalls,” said Oistins Bay Gardens Association Public Relations Officer, Ms. Michele Clarke.

“We are all happy here today to say that the Foundation delivered on their promise. It is a welcomed early Christmas gift and we are extremely thankful,” Clarke said. The vendors were able to choose any three colors of their preference to enhance their stalls.

Sandals Barbados Resorts’ Public Relations Manager, David Hinds said, “We are happy to work alongside the vendors to enhance their surroundings which will no doubt attract additional tourists and locals alike to enjoy the amazing food and get a feel of the Bajan culture.”

Sandals Foundation has been working alongside Island Routes Tour Company for the past nine years to promote reading in schools through the weekly Reading road trip and to help showcase the incredible culture that each island possesses.

The Sandals Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, was created to continue and expand upon the philanthropic work that Sandals Resorts International has undertaken.  The Sandals Foundation funds projects in three core areas: education, community and the environment.   One hundred percent of the monies contributed to the Foundation go directly to programs benefiting the Caribbean community.