Recently my boys and I went on an amazing trip to the Beaches Negril resort in Jamaica. With Beaches Resorts’ passion for providing the ultimate all-inclusive experience to visitors, we enjoyed plenty of relaxing and fun-filled moments on the resort. But we also had a chance to see the difference that the company makes to the community through its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, and it was an experience that left me and my boys more touched than I could have expected.
We travelled to the local Mount Airy School in the Mocho Mountains for the annual Sandals Foundation Christmas Party and to make the experience even more memorable, we had been given the opportunity to bring a wrapped gift to give to one of the schoolchildren at the party. I loved the idea of showing my boys how rewarding generosity could be, so I intentionally chose gifts that I knew each of them would love to have for themselves: Benjamin’s gift was a soft and cuddly teddy bear and Zackary’s was a LEGO set. I even brought a large Hello Kitty doll to give away myself and we were bursting with excitement when we arrived.
Tables full of Christmas presents were set out as eager children peered out of their classrooms waiting for the festivities to start. When we first arrived, I had no idea just how many students attended the school; the two small single-room buildings by the gift display each held perhaps thirty students and initially I thought that was all there were. But across the road were many more classrooms and when the children started assembling outside, they numbered in the hundreds.
After a brief speech from the principal, a small group of the children performed a traditional song and dance that both my boys absolutely loved. And then it was time to treat all the students to cake and juice! Zackary was quick to jump up and start handing out juice to the many children and watching him carefully carrying a cup of juice in each hand to give to the thirsty schoolchildren had me bursting with pride. Once everyone had been fed, it was time to hand out the presents!
Watching the faces of the children light up as they were given a gift was absolutely heart-warming, and Santa Claus even made an appearance and handed out gifts too! The large open courtyard was full of happy children and almost everyone got a little teary-eyed seeing that joy.
Benjamin wilted in the heat a bit and at four years old, he didn’t quite understand the purpose of the event. But Zackary, at seven years old, was the perfect age for this experience and was soon in his element. He was so excited to hand out presents to the schoolchildren and the smile on his face as a row of boys gave him a high-five was heart-melting. Being able to not just see for myself the work that the Sandals Foundation does, but to be a part of it with my boys too was easily one of the best moments of our trip.
The Sandals Foundation does much more than just sponsor Christmas parties though! The organization supports education, environmental responsibility and community development in the Caribbean through a variety of individual projects. From book drives and community scholarships that support educational growth to skills training and mentorship programs that help drive economic change to trash removal and wildlife monitoring that protect the delicate ecosystem of the ocean, the Sandals Foundation is passionate about supporting Caribbean communities in a variety of life-enriching ways.
The chance to attend the Sandals Foundation Christmas Party was a humbling experience and one that I will never forget. Knowing that Beaches Resorts gives back to the community in this way just gives me one more reason to choose a Beaches vacation in the future. The organization ensures that the Caribbean communities near the resorts are able to grow, flourish and achieve great things, and that’s something that I support whole-heartedly.
MrDisco says
That’s a great write up documenting the good work they do for local communities
Kristina Ziegler says
This is amazing! Inspiring!
Erika B says
That is so amazing, brings tears to my eyes!!
Rick F says
Very nice
Isabel T says
Cool!
Anne Taylor says
Bravo to all involved! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Thanks
Wanda Tracey says
I am proud of you and your boys for the awesome spirit you have in giving for the Sandals Foundation and helping out with the community.This was so inspiring to read about.
Shannon Gnocato says
What an awesome way to give back and such a great moment to share with your kids.
Laurie M. says
The joy of the children must have felt so great to see. This will be a wonderful memory for you and your kids.
Christy says
what an amazing experience – a memory that will last a lifetime
Cheryl Free says
It’s so nice to see a big corporate moneymaker giving back.
Chandra Christine O'Connor says
that is heart warming,
Veronica S. says
I had no idea Sandals did all this! How wonderful!
Florence C says
What a great experience and wonderful way for Sandals to give back.
Donnas says
An amazing experience I’m sure, and the school children look so nice, all of them wearing uniforms.
kathy downey says
wow,amazing experience for you and your boys,it sure makes a persom feel good after reading this and to know there are still good people like you
Debbie W says
It’s nice to make a difference. A cause that is close to my heart.
Heather Howard says
Would love to be able to be a part of something like this! Awesome!
Chantal Fray says
So very inspiring!! Thank you!
natasha severson says
this is amazing! I woiuld love to have my whole family apart of something like this! its a real eye changer!
Robyn L says
a great experience for you and the boys; so nice of you to do this
Gord says
Very nice.
kristen visser says
so heart felt and very inspiring! thank you for the post 🙂
Lynda Cook says
great post, kudos to Sandals
Karen Glatt says
This is an incredible charity that gives these kids so much hope and all the kids loved their Christmas presents. I thought that all the children were dressed in very nice clothes, and I just loved seeing all the happy faces!
Melanie Camirand says
Great pictures!
Sherry K. says
How great for your boys
Heidi C. says
Would love to visit the Riviera Maya with my hubby!
Nicky says
very nice, so heartwarming!
Stephanie LaPlante says
Look at all those beautiful faces <3
beth says
I think it is so great to share this experience with your kids. What a pleasure to be able be to share some things that we we may take for granted
Victoria Ess says
That looks like such a wonderful experience. Thanks for sharing it with us.
sarah sar says
What a lovely feel good post! Must’ve been a great experience for you and the boys!
DebH says
What an awesome experience! Wasn’t aware of this Sandals foundation.
Lindsay C says
I love hearing about companies that give back. It makes me much more likely to support them in the future.
Anna W says
Very nice to see that you and your children were able to experience that. Giving back is such a wonderful thing. I love reading stories like this, thank you.
Teresa Claire says
This is a great cultural experience for the boys! The school picture is such a contrast to our educational system.
Holly Wright says
awesome! would love to visit
Jody D says
I was unaware Sandals had that Foundation, very nice to see! Glad you got to be part of it!
Nena Sinclair says
I would love to go there! It looks warm! It’s great that they have this foundation to help people!
Brooke Takhar says
Lovely – thanks so much for sharing.
Bruce Livingston says
Very interesting, great read!
Emily Chui says
this is so inspiring!
Piroska says
A very inspirational post. I really believe that the key to helping is through education and literacy. It’s great knowing that there are agencies out there like this one, and caring, compassionate people.
Christy Martin says
I had no idea Sandals did this or had a foundation. What a great experience for you and your boys!