The Sandals Foundation, the Jamaica-based philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, launched a Haiti Relief Fund to support two non-profit organizations in Haiti, Salesian Missions and Popular Services International.
"The events that took place in Haiti this week are unspeakable. As a member of the Caribbean community and a neighbor with the means to help, we are drawing upon every possible resource to deliver immediate action and relief to Haiti," said Adam Stewart, CEO of the foundation.
To streamline donations, the Sandals Foundation is tapping into Sandals Resort's network of more than 10,000 employees as well its resort portfolio on five Caribbean islands to offer staff, guests and others the opportunity to donate to the Haiti Relief Fund.
Monetary donations can be made on-site at any Sandals, Beaches, Royal Plantation or Grand Pineapple resorts. Online donations can be made at www.sandalsfoundation.org; checks also can be mailed to The Sandals Foundation/Haiti Relief Fund, 4950 SW 72nd Ave., Miami FL 33155.
Salesian Missions has operated in Haiti since 1936, providing schools and services for 25,000 of Haiti's poorest children. Currently, there are at least 500 students and missionary workers believed to be buried in the rubble of the complex that houses the National School of Arts and Trades and other schools operated by Salesian Missions in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Popular Services International provides products to clean and sanitize local water supplies along with general humanitarian relief.
This week, Sandals offered the use of its private jet to Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who landed in Port-au-Prince on Jan. 15 with supplies to aid in the mobilization of the Jamaica Defense Force in Haiti.
In the weeks ahead, additional jet service will be donated to transport resources and supplies to Haiti as needed, Sandals said.
