This month, the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, celebrates its third anniversary. 

Since its inception, 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, keeping its promise of channelling 100 per cent of its funds into the Caribbean region.

“I am very proud of how far the Sandals Foundation has come in giving back to Caribbean communities in just three years,” said Adam Stewart, Sandals Foundation president and chief executive of Sandals Resorts International.

“The community projects and programs are a step in the right direction, but there is definitely a need that keeps growing and we must continue to work with our partners to address the issues that affect our region.” 

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 on-going voluntourism program, the Reading Road Trip, which promotes children’s literacy.

In 2012, the Sandals Foundation will emphasise 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.

More information about the Sandals Foundation here.

Sandals is considered the World’s Leading All-inclusive Brand by the World Travel Awards.