As the anticipation of a new school year builds and families prepare for the return of early mornings, sharpened pencils and freshly pressed uniforms, three Sandals South Coast team members and Sandals Foundation ambassadors have been beacons of hope for students in their home communities.

With the support of the resort, their labour of love touched the lives of close to 300 of the almost 600 children who benefited from this year’s back-to-school treats supported by the resort and the Sandals Foundation. Their initiatives across Petersville, Beeston Spring and Bluefields communities prove that the spirit of giving is alive and well in Westmoreland.

Trio of change-makers

Kicking off the heart-warming initiative was Tiona Henry-Wynter, spa therapist at Sandals South Coast; her back-to-school treat held at the Petersville Moravian Church, welcomed students from the church and surrounding communities for a day of joy, fellowship and preparation for the year ahead. Children received essential school supplies, special prizes and enjoyed a host of activities, from games to fun rides.

“I know the back-to-school season can be stressful for many parents,” said Henry-Wynter. “If I can ease even a small part of that burden while putting smiles on the faces of these children, then it’s worth every ounce of effort.”

Meanwhile, Sushonie Clarke, from the resort’s front office department, turned her attention to students in the Beeston Spring community. Her treat featured school supplies, refreshments and a message of encouragement to face the school year with confidence.

“Growing up, I saw firsthand how a simple act of kindness could inspire a child to dream bigger. I want these students to know that their community believes in them and that their education is their ticket to a brighter future,” a beaming Clarke noted

Rounding out the trio was Mikada Brown from the resort’s butler department. Fresh from hosting her annual Lady Mikada Cricket Competition – also supported by Sandals South Coast – Brown shifted her focus from physical health and wellness to academic readiness. Her back-to-school treat provided students in Beeston Spring with much-needed supplies while reinforcing the importance of learning. 

“Education opens doors, by helping to equip our children for the classroom; we’re investing in the leaders, innovators and change makers of tomorrow. As a mother, I know the difference little acts of kindness such as these make,” Brown said passionately.

Resort-wide giving beyond the communities

In addition to supporting these three community-led events, Sandals South Coast extended its back-to-school generosity even further. The resort made donations to the Girls Do Good Foundation, providing clothing items, sanitary products and school supplies to support young girls in need. Contributions also went to the St. Elizabeth Health Department, which received school supplies and toiletries for families and children who rely on the hospital’s services.

The resort’s outreach also included a vibrant community treat for students in Bluefields and Whitehouse communities in Westmoreland and a donation to the Crawford Community Development Committee (CDC), ensuring even more children in the region stepped into the new school year with the tools and encouragement they need to succeed.

Community spirit in action

For many families, the start of the school year brings with it various financial concerns as parents work to secure books, uniforms, and other essentials. Recognising these challenges, Henry-Wynter, Clarke and Brown acted decisively, transforming concern into action and becoming instruments of change.

Their combined efforts, alongside the resort and Sandals Foundation’s wider outreach, have not only lightened the load for parents but also reinforced the message that it takes a community to raise and nurture the next generation.

“Philanthropy is at the heart of what we do, and it is truly heart-warming to see our team members and Sandals Foundation Ambassadors embodying this spirit, making a difference in their own communities just as we do across the region,” shared general manager at Sandals South Coast, O’Brian Heron.