Making a Difference in the Caribbean:

Transcription

1 Caribbean Promise A Year of Achievements Making a Difference in the Caribbean: Haiti Relief Efforts In the two months since the devastating earthquake in Haiti, through special fundraising efforts, over US$120,000 has been raised and used to provide direct assistance to those in need in the Port-au-Prince area. In the days following the unexpected tragedy, the Sandals announced its establishment of a Haiti Relief Fund to support disaster relief efforts. The response was overwhelming, with a significant amount of money raised from the 10,000 team members from Sandals, Beaches, Grand Pineapple and Royal Plantation resorts across the Caribbean. Several touching stories These efforts have borne fruit and has allowed the to extend support to Haiti through three mediums: To date, the Sandals provided $20,000 to Population Services International to buy malaria nets, safe water treatment solutions and health products such as oral re-hydration salts; and $35,000 to Salesian Missions to provide two truck loads of water and two truck loads of food for children and families made homeless by the Volume 1, Issue 1 March 18, 2010 Special points of interest: Haiti Relief Efforts Director s Message The s Corporate Team Highlights of 2009 Looking Ahead into 2010 Around the have surfaced where team members who have been adversely affected by disasters in their own lives, have jumped at the opportunity to share whatever they can with our needy brothers and sisters in Haiti. Our guests too showed support and participated in the many on-property fundraising activities which included auctions; raffles; gala dinners and golf tournaments. Our community partners also came on-board with the Flanker Community in St. James and Beeston Spring in Westmoreland donating cash; clothing and food supplies. earthquake. The non-profit organizations have been working hard to provide care for the more than 15,000 people who have turned to them for hope. Through partnership with American Airlines, the cost of 10 humanitarian relief flights into Port-au- Prince was underwritten, carrying relief supplies such as water, medial and emergency supplies and many other basic but dire needs. Thanks also in part to the Sandals team s remarkable efforts we donated much needed supplies through the Salvation Army, Red Cross, The Royal Bahamian Defense Force, and Jamaica s Office of Disaster Preparedness. This is certainly not the end of our efforts as we have our contacts on the ground in Haiti to keep us abreast of the needs so that we can assist as the long process to rebuild lives unfolds. Our guests and partners will still be able to donate to our Haiti Relief Fund both on line and at resorts if they desire. What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal. Albert Pine English Author, 1851

2 Page 2 Message from the Director of Programs Sandals the Sandals in March of 2009 has taken this effort to a new level by bringing more partners on board and implementing closer management over the programs we are involved with. What an incredible journey it has been discovering all the work the Sandals Group has been doing since its inception, playing its part in improving life here in the Caribbean. Launching The Sandals has given us the ability to take what works and make positive change as well as making others aware of it and finding ways to generate and invest more. When we speak of what works, we are speaking of how many lives we are able to impact and how great that impact is. When we undertook our Haiti Relief this year, I realized the caring nature of our team; their willingness and ability to make...through our programs across the islands, we have been able to directly touch the lives of over 70,000 people. Our heartfelt thanks to all resource persons in Miami, the Kingston and Montego Bay Offices as well as all those on our properties who conthings happen quickly and the inspiration our company has given to the local community, thus influencing their desire to give back. Through our efforts this year, the Sandals has raised JA$32,679,554. Our programs including the donation of supplies, as well as our volunteers and Sandals Resorts International donations of sponsored rooms are valued at approximately US$115,700,000. Some of our greatest achievements have been the permanent dental clinic at Maroon Town through our partnership with Great Shape, the Marine Sanctuary in Boscobel, the 11 computer labs we helped to create at local schools, young Ajay McKenzie who was in danger of losing his eyesight until surgery saved it, The Animal House in Ocho Rios which now has electricity and a spacious fenced area for the dogs to roam freely. The list goes on and through our programs in all the islands, we have been able to touch the lives of over 70,000 people. This year Sandals is committed to keeping our team informed of what we do regionally. Our aim is to enable our members to be more involved on the property level so The Sandals Corporate Team I am grateful to our team members for all their dedication that all regions will have a stream of funds which in turn benefit their local communities. Among our major projects for 2010 are the construction of the Culloden School in Whitehouse and the acquisition and renovation of the Community Center in Marchand Boulevard, St Lucia. In addition we will be launching a concerted effort at all of our adopted schools in order to bring them up to a standard that will create an environment for young minds to flourish. I am grateful to this company for its investment in our Sandals. I am grateful to our team members for all their dedication, and I am grateful to the community members who so care to make a difference that they work alongside us to make positive change. I look forward to the expansion, your support and the continued growth of the Sandals in Heidi Clarke, Director of Programs As Director of Programs for the Sandals, it gives me much pleasure to formally introduce the extraordinary corporate support team. The Sandals is ably assisted from the Miami Office by Liz Kaiser who provides Partnership Marketing Consultancy Support. David Halpern, recently joined the team as Accounting Administrator, overseeing the financial operations of the within the United States. In Jamaica, Projects Coordinator, Sheryl McGaw-Douse is based at SRI Montego Bay and works alongside myself in the creation, implementation and overseeing our various projects. The newest addition to the team is Tricia Vickers, Administrative Assistant, who works out of the SRI Kingston, providing in-office support for the. tinue to lend their expertise towards accomplishing the goals of the. Please feel free to reach out to us at any time as we welcome your comments, suggestions, feedback and ideas on how we can make our efforts more impactful across all regions: Heidi Clarke heidi.clarke@grp.sandals.com Sheryl McGaw-Douse smdouse@grp.sandals.com Tricia Vickers tvickers@grp.sandals.com Liz Kaizer lizarduvi@aol.com David Halpern dhalpern@sandals.com

3 Volume 1, Issue 1 First Year Highlights Since the Sandals s launch a year ago, we have remained focused on our objective of making a difference within the Caribbean through investment in community projects; educational programs and environmental preservation. We have expanded on existing projects and implemented several new initiatives touching over 70,000 needy persons across the Caribbean. At no time would these successes have been possible without the support of every team member, Public Relations Manager and General Manager at property level. The various achievements of our Sandals is because of you and we are pleased to share some of the many highlights with you. Community Great Shape 1000 Smiles Dental Program in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril saw over 20,000 residents benefiting from oral health services and educational sessions in schools. A permanent clinic was also established in Maroon Town. The pilot project for the Great Shape icare initiative saw over 1800 persons in Whitehouse Westmoreland receiving prescription glasses/sunglasses and surgery referrals. Sponsorship of Shakti Love Fest to benefit the Bustamante Children s Hospital equipment needs. Cornwall Regional Hospital was the recipient of an Infrasonic Infant Star Ventilator, boosting critical neonatal care. Through the Great Shape Superkids Literacy Program over 11,200 books and 180 computers were distributed. Teaching techniques were also shared with teachers. Ten (10) projects including repairs to the world s only conch farm; creation of school playgrounds; community clean-up campaigns, were completed across the Turks & Caicos islands in collaboration with 450 Flight Center Volunteers. Skills. The on-going Feeding the Homeless initiative in Ocho Rios benefits approximately 50 street people on a weekly basis. The first successful Internal Mentorship Training was carried out across all regions seeing over 100 team members introduced to basic Mentoring Currently there are five Infirmaries to which the lends continued support and in 2009 these benefited from monthly/quarterly visits providing grooming; treats and donation of supplies. Page 3 At no time would these successes be possible without the suppor t of every team member, Public Relations Managers and General Managers at proper ty level. The success of the is because of you. A BIG Thank You to Everyone!!! Over 150 youth in Ocho Rios participated in a sport and mentorship program with hosting of a Celebrity Basketball Camp. The participated in an Adopt-a- Ward Program donating US$2,000 to the St. Ann s Bay Hospital, assisting in streamlining the hospital s operations. The CUMI 2K9 Fun Run fundraising event to benefit the Mentally Ill community received sponsorship support. With the Mustard Seed Shelter razed by fire, 40 residents and caregivers were treated to a day-out at Beaches Boscobel as well as donation of much needed linen, clothing, shoes, school supplies. The worldwide observation of World Aids Day saw each region carrying out activities to facilitate free screening/ counseling and to sensitize team members; community residents on the issues of HIV/Aids. One of the only two (2) animal shelters in Jamaica, The Animal House in Ocho Rios, facility was fully wired for electricity, fenced and several additional kennels were installation.

4 Page 4 Highlights cont d... Sandals Across Turks & Caicos, Sesame Hurricane Awareness sessions were hosted in schools benefitting over 2500 students. The Granville Girls Home in Trelawny was the happy recipient of a donation of edutainment material to include educational supplies; a DVD Player and a variety of Board Games Quantity of fabric valued at approximately US$15,000 was donated to several schools/ organizations for individual sewing projects. Guests visiting Beaches Resorts in the months of September and October in 2009 were invited to participate in the Wonder- Fall Wednesday Voluntourism Program visiting pre-designated community outreach activities. Education On-going Assistance to our twenty-six (26) Adopted Schools across the Region to include maintenance upgrades; donation of school supplies. Community Scholarship Recipients Twenty-two (22) local community students received scholarships in 2009 along with forty (40) students in St. Lucia and two (2) in the Bahamas. Environment Several Massive Tree Planting and Beach Clean-up Exercises took place across all Regions. In addition environmental preservation sessions were initiated in our schools. Annual Christmas Toy Distribution & Christmas Treats Over 40 separate projects impacting approx. 15,000 people across the Caribbean. The Community Development Initiative saw JA$2.3M distributed to four community institutions/ organizations (St. Ann s Bay Hospital; Flanker Peace & Justice Center and Whitehouse Fishermen Co-op both in Montego Bay; and the Beeston Spring CDC (Westmoreland). The sums will be used to purchase new equipment; complete/expand infrastructure & develop community programs to benefit community members. A Book Drive inviting guests; team members and local individuals/corporations to donate new or gentle used books in our effort to combat the issues of illiteracy across the region. A specific donation received on behalf of The Golden Pre School in Ocho Rios resulted in a brand new Television set and DVD player. Sesame Outreach in schools and community events providing educational motivational sessions utilizing Sesame Street Characters such as Story-time with Elmo and Healthy Eating with Cookie Monster. On-going variety of Life-Skills Sessions in schools to include grooming; career development and training. Through collaboration with the Government of Jamaica and local fishing interests, the first Sandals Marine Protected Area in Jamaica was launched. The aim is to provide a sanctuary to increase fishing population and provide an educational avenue as to marine preservation. Additionally, support was extended by way of a grant of JA$40,000 to the Montego Bay Marine Park. A donation of $500,000, from the assisted the Negril Recycling Center in effecting much needed repairs to the roadway/bridge leading to the plant. This will be a start to the plant s plans of returning to full operation following damages sustained in recent Hurricanes.

5 Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 5 Fundraising Highlights Several of our properties have taken up the mantle and brought out their creative hats providing several innovative means to boost donations at resort level. Together with corporate initiatives such as the Spin-athon in March 2009 which netted over JA$2M and the resort shop sales of branded Sandals T- Shirts, these resort initiatives have proven to be quite successful. In December 2009, the Gift Card Initiative was also rolled out allowing team members and guests to Give the Gift of Giving by purchasing cards in lieu of presents for their loved ones and friends. Cards are still available in our Resort Shops, for all year-round giving. Looking Ahead into 2010 Turks & Caicos/Bahamas Several projects are being considered for the Turks & Caicos and Bahamian properties. With the new Sandals resort on Exuma (Sandals Emerald Bay), additional programs will also be identified. The Sandals is committed to assist with fundraising efforts to build the Provo Children s Home. Other projects will include upgrading our adopted schools and working alongside the Bill Clinton to provide Free HIV Testing Clinics across the islands. St. Lucia/Antigua With the now registered and launched in St. Lucia, plans are underway to streamline existing projects and implement new ones. Several projects for the Eastern Caribbean Islands are: St. Lucia ~ Purchase of land and completion of building for the Marchand Boulevard Community Resource Center ~ Continue work with Adopted Schools ~ Cricket Academy ~Expansion of the Salvation Army Feeding Program Upcoming projects for Antigua include- ~In early 2010 the Global Deaf Connection medical team was hosted, providing free screening for hear defects, etc. Other projects are to include: ~Assistance to the St. John s Library ~ Repairs to the Good Shepherd Home ~ Introduction of Cricket Academy ~Upgrading the Antigua Girls School Sport Facility

6 Page Overview cont d... Sandals Ocho Rios In February 2010, partnering with the Ministry of Education, over 70 Educational Officers from across the island benefited from a Sesame Street Teachers Training Workshop held at Beaches Boscobel. These officers will in turn extend the training to Early Childhood Officers around Jamaica. Over 2000 Teaching Aid Books, videos, etc. were also distributed. Other major projects for this region will include: ~ Second Annual Celebrity Basketball Camp Extended Program to benefit 300 youth ~ Major assistance for the Golden Pre School/Green Pond School to improve infrastructure ~ Annual hosting of the Great Shape! Inc Dental and Superkids Literacy Projects. SWH Since 1974 the Culloden Early Childhood Institution in Whitehouse, Westmoreland has operated without a permanent building of their own. At long last, the Sandals has secured a lot of land and the school building effort is set to begin. In 2010, it is therefore no surprise that this will be one of the major Sandals project and THE project of focus for the Sandals Whitehouse property. Along with the Culloden Early Childhood Institution, several other major projects include: ~ Implementation of the Marine Protected Area off the coast of Whitehouse ~ Hosting the Great Shape! Inc group of volunteers for the second year to provide much needed optical services through the icare Program. ~ Working alongside the Beeston Spring CDC to develop its Community Tourism Efforts which include cultural development; skills training and community sustainability. Negril In 2009, the Sandals donated 1/2 million dollars to the Negril Recycling Center and has pledged its continued support. This program will serve as a basis for an educational initiative to sensitize community members to get community involvement through education and also expand the recycling efforts throughout the towns. The Negril properties are on-board and plans are in place to expand the educational program whilst the Sandals continue to identify funds towards more equipment and upgrade of infrastructure at the facility. Negril will yet again welcome Great Shape! 1000 Smiles Dental program to service outlying communities of both Westmoreland and Hanover.

7 Volume 1, Issue 1 Page Overview cont d... Montego Bay Several initiatives are being planned in the Montego Bay Region. Following on the recent donation of $1M to the Flanker Peace & Justice Center, this will facilitate the expansion of the current infrastructure to improve the services being provided to this 10,000 strong community. The Whitehouse Fishermen Cooperative were also beneficiaries of a donation for community work and this will be followed to note progress. Other major initiatives for the region will include: ~ the collaboration in assisting the Bill Clinton with setting up clinics for HIV Rapid Testing. ~ continued assistance and upgrade for adopted schools in the region ~ The Region will again welcome the Great Shape Volunteers for another set of community Dental Clinics. Caption describing picture or graphic. Around the : Making a Difference in the Caribbean Become a Fan on and catch up with happenings via our website at New Branding After a year of streamlining our processes, we have also undertaken an upgrade of our collateral to include a new logo, our first official brochure and our official website will also be re-launched with a new look. Donations to the Sandals are now made easier with the on-line donations now possible via our Sandals website! Be sure to spread the word. Sandals is in the Social Network realm, with a revamped page on Facebook. Become a Fan and follow-us for updates. At long-last the Sandals has been successful in obtaining registration to operate in St. Lucia. With the successful launch and opening fundraiser, great things are expected to roll out as several long-standing projects will be officially branded under the Sandals Major Fundraising Efforts are the focus for Stay tuned for Corporate as well as on-property initiatives in our Monthly Updates going forward. A huge THANK YOU for the support throughout 2009 and we look forward to continued successes for 2010!