Four hundred families across Saint Lucia will benefit from Sandals Foundation’s vouchers this Christmas season.
At a short ceremony at Sandals Halcyon on Wednesday, representatives from various communities and groups received the vouchers on behalf of those families.
This year, Sandals Saint Lucia, through the Sandals Foundation, is spreading Christmas cheer across 24 communities and advocacy groups. Each of the 400 families in those communities will receive a voucher.
Last year, 350 vouchers were distributed and Sandals Resorts Managing Director Winston Anderson said he had challenged his team to increase that number this year.
“What is truly amazing is that everyone involved in this initiative has had no hesitation whatsoever when we suggested it and encouraged us to continue,” he said, pleading Sandals’ continued support to communities in Saint Lucia.
He explained that the voucher distribution began due to the onset of COVID-19 in 2020.
“I must admit that we do many community initiatives as a company, as a foundation and I try to take as much of my limited personal time to spend time in all the various communities. But the truth is, with all the work that we do I would say, no event is as special and means as much to me as this one,” Anderson said.
He added that the smiles and warmth emanating from recipients and their families meant a lot to him.
Speaking directly to the residents in the room, Anderson said: “Never let your address define you and who you become. Never let where you start determine where you end.”
He then wished everyone a Merry Christmas and added a special appeal.
“We can have fun, we can enjoy the festive season, but we don’t have to do it to hurt each other. I really want to send that message out and to encourage everyone, let’s continue to work together, let’s continue to build a stronger Saint Lucia together, let us stop killing each other, let us stop going after each other, let’s build with love because love truly can make a difference,” he implored.
Mr Anderson, can you give us the green light to unionized. We are tired of this treatment we are receiving. I am calling on the government to pass a piece of legislation that any company who has 20 or more employees should seek union representation.