MBJ Airports Limited, the operator of the Sangster International Airport (SIA), said the hosting of the 2024 MBJ/Team Sangster Charity Run Walk underscores its commitment to support educational pursuits.

The MBJ/Team Sangster Charity Run Walk will take place on Sunday, September 8, commencing at 5:30 am at the Sangster International Airport.

“MBJ Airports Limited is committed to garnering the support of corporate Jamaica and individuals to raise funds which will go directly to students for their education,” the airport manager stated, inviting the public to support the “worthy” cause and participate in the event.

The Charity Run Walk initiative was conceptualised to raise funds to support the educational pursuits of children in need in St James, but was extended to Western Jamaica. This year the grant will also be open to students from the parish of St Elizabeth due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl on the parish.

Last year the MBJ/Team Sangster Charity Run Walk raised over $11 million with the support of its partners, donors, and over 2,000 race participants. With the proceeds, it provided academic grants directly to 180 students across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels from surrounding communities, as well as support for four community organisations dedicated to persons with special needs and assisting underprivileged youth.

“We are excited by the support of our partners who have come on board for our 2024 Charity Run/Walk towards Education,” Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, stated.

 “The support signifies that corporate Jamaica sees that there is a need to ensure that every child has access to education, and through this initiative, we are taking the steps together to provide children with the support they need to reach their full potential,” he added.

According to MBJ, the initiative has become an integral part of its community efforts and is critical in providing crucial financial assistance to support education. So, with the fourth staging of the MBJ/Team Sangster Charity Run Walk, it plans to expand its impact and reach even more beneficiaries, hoping that eventually the proceeds will be distributed to students all over Jamaica.

“It is in this spirit that MBJ extends a special invitation for persons to participate in this event to amplify efforts to be able to assist even more children in need,” the company expressed.

Over 70 corporates have partnered with MBJ for the 2024 MBJ/Team Sangster Charity Run/Walk to ensure that children in need have access to the necessary financial resources required for a quality education.

 Sharon Hislop-Holt, manager, commercial business development and marketing, MBJ Airports Limited states, “The support of corporate Jamaica underscores the impact of collective efforts in ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to receive a quality education, which will lead to better outcomes for individuals and communities alike. We have seen the positive impact that this initiative has had on the lives of the recipients.”