The Sandals Foundation, a charitable organization created in 2009 by Sandals CEO Adam Stewart and the Stewart family, recently hosted a Christmas gathering for children from Sandals Foundation-sponsored schools in Turks & Caicos at the company's 2013 Star Awards.
More than 100 children mingled with Sandals Foundation resort staff/volunteers, general managers, Unique Vacation VPs, directors, BDMs and travel agents from seven countries.
This year's annual 2013 Star Awards was held at Beaches Turks & Caicos. When travel agents received their invitation, they also received a Sandals Foundation flyer inviting them to bring Christmas gifts for the children of Turks & Caicos. The agents from seven countries brought supplies and gifts for the children to present during the December 6 Christmas celebration. Children were served food, colors, played instruments and some had their faces painted. When Santa Claus arrived, the travel agent donated gifts were gathered with the Hasbro toys. Each child visited with Santa and received gifts. The children then took the stage and danced and sang with the volunteers and attendees.
The Sandals Foundation, a non-profit organization, gives back to the Caribbean in education, environment and community. 100 percent of all administrative costs are paid for by Sandals Resorts International so that 100 percent of all donations go to the Sandals Foundation. Sandals Foundation director Heidi Clarke works with her teams of volunteers, who are resort staff from each Sandals and Beaches resort, travel agents and visiting guests. Throughout the year cash and gift donations are donated by Sandals and Beaches Clients and travel agents during visits to the resorts and through the Sandals Foundation Travel Agent Giveback program “TAG”. Annual Christmas treat parties are held for children at every school through out the Caribbean, sponsored by the Sandals Foundation, with toys donated by Hasbro.