Travel partners, along with guests of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, are contributing to community recovery efforts in Jamaica following the passage of Hurricane Melissa in October, delivering thousands of pounds of relief supplies through coordinated charitable initiatives.
Since the reopening of Sandals resorts in Ocho Rios and Negril on December 6, guests and travel partners have provided more than 7,000 pounds of supplies through the Sandals Foundation’s partnership with the United States-based non-profit Pack for A Purpose. The donated items are supporting children, families, and vulnerable communities still recovering from the storm.
The supplies—ranging from clothes, toys, school supplies, and stationery to sanitary products—have been systematically distributed to organisations, remote communities, and families across St. Ann, St. James, Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, and Trelawny.
“We have seen a growing number of guests respond to appeals to donate supplies through the Pack for a Purpose programme, a global initiative that enables travelers to bring up to 5 lbs of essential items for local communities in need,” said Regional Public Relations Manager in Negril, Ashley Simms.
Within her region, Simms said the donated items have been distributed to the Savanna-La-Mar Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation and the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation Poor Relief Department, both of which continue to support families nearly three months after the hurricane.
“We have collected quite a variety of products, including non-perishable food, hygiene products, school supplies, and other everyday essentials identified as priority needs by local stakeholders. The supplies are expected to assist hundreds of residents in the region who continue to face challenges related to housing repair, food security and basic necessities,” Simms said.
Mellisa Boothe-Anderson, a representative of the Savanna-La-Mar Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, affirmed the long-standing partnership with the Sandals Foundation.
“When it comes to Sandals and the Women’s Centre of Jamaica foundation, we can never be strangers because the partnership over the years has been phenomenal – whether it’s a celebration, wellbeing support, or relief, the Sandals Foundation has always been there, and we are thankful,” she said.
Sandals Resorts and the Sandals Foundation have, since the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28, played a central role in relief and recovery efforts, including supporting hospital and school restoration, coordinating assistance from local and international partners, and addressing the livelihood and well-being needs of affected families.
In December, as part of efforts to mark the Yuletide season, more than 300 travel advisors attending the ‘Back to Jamaica’ Showcase coordinated by Sandals Resorts also brought over 250 pounds of toys, which continue to be distributed to children across various schools.
As recovery continues, local leaders and residents have emphasized that sustained, coordinated support from both domestic and international partners remains critical to long-term recovery efforts.
