TORONTO — In celebration of its sixth anniversary on March 18, the Sandals Foundation is launching ‘Celebrating 6 Years Together’, a six-week, online fundraising campaign with the aim of recognizing the years of making a difference with the support of valued guests staying at Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts and industry partners.

‘Celebrating 6 Years Together’ captures the essence of partnership, which is the driving force behind the Sandals Foundation and their efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of people residing in the Caribbean communities the organization serves.

Over the past six years, the Sandals Foundation has provided ongoing support for 55 schools in the Caribbean through educational initiatives such as Project Sprout and the partnership with Hands Across The Sea, as well as infrastructural upgrades. More than 940 teachers received access to teacher-training initiatives, 63 computer labs were outfitted at schools and free healthcare was provided for over 155,000 people.

“Together, we make a difference and together, we are making a difference,” said Heidi Clarke, director of programs for the Sandals Foundation. “These aren’t just words; they speak to our mission of working with our guests to have a meaningful impact on the Caribbean, where so much promise and positivity exists. The sustainable and holistic work we have undertaken, and the results we have achieved, would not have been possible without our guests believing in us and the support from our team members. One thing we all have in common is our love and deep appreciation for the Caribbean; giving back through the Sandals Foundation means that you play a role in providing education, facilitating development and preserving our beautiful environment,” she said.

The Sandals Foundation also offers the Reading Road Trip, in partnership with Island Routes Adventure Tours, which allows guests to visit local schools and engage in literacy activities with the children; and the Turtle Watching Tour from which proceeds go towards turtle conservation in Jamaica and Antigua.

“We are extremely grateful for the donations over the years that have made our progress possible,” Clarke said. “Each year is a big milestone for us and we’re inviting as many people as possible to celebrate with us and the Caribbean by making a US$6 donation online. One hundred per cent of donations go directly into programs benefitting the Caribbean.”

Throughout 2015, the Sandals Foundation will maintain its focus on: Project Sprout – a program that supports early childhood education; marine conservation, which includes promoting stewardship in schools and establishing coral nurseries; supporting women’s empowerment and positively impacting lives through skills-training, education and support for mental and physical health; the Game Changer Program – a youth development initiative that engages young people through a holistic sports program; and the support of the SickKids-Caribbean Initiative, which aims to build the Caribbean’s capacity in improving the outcomes for children with pediatric cancer and extending the partnership with Great Shape, Inc., to Saint Lucia.

To donate, visit the Sandals Foundation’s website sandalsfoundation.org. For guests staying at any Sandals resort, Beaches resort or Grand Pineapple Beach resort, donations can be made directly at the front desk.