As the Sandals Foundation celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, it was crucial to sit down with Heidi Clarke, the Executive Director of the foundation, to discuss the incredible work they have been doing and the significant impact they’ve made on communities in need.
Heidi, who has been with the foundation since its inception 17 years ago, reflected on the incredible journey she has had with the company. She highlighted the tremendous interest and conscientiousness of those eager to make a difference. Over the years, the foundation has seen remarkable growth, from small school projects that have expanded over time to scholarship recipients who are now positively impacting their entire communities.
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An essential aspect of their success is the involvement of guests, who play a crucial role in the foundation’s efforts. Remarkably, every dollar donated goes directly back into the community, creating tangible change.
The foundation’s projects focus on three main areas: education, the environment, and community support. In education, they work on building capacity for teachers, providing necessary supplies, improving infrastructure, and integrating technology in schools. Their efforts aim to fill the gaps that private centers, nonprofits, and charities might overlook. On the environmental front, they emphasize education about conservation, building resilience, and protecting precious resources. For community support, they focus on the health sector, providing training and equipment, especially for the most vulnerable groups such as young men and women. Their collaboration with governments ensures their work aligns with national agendas, amplifying their impact.
In honor of this 15-year milestone, the foundation launched its new project, “The Power of 15.” The centerpiece of this initiative, The Power of 15 project, aims to bring sustainable solar energy to under-resourced Caribbean schools, ensuring a reliable power supply for uninterrupted digital learning. This effort will involve the installation of solar panels on school buildings, significantly reducing the cost of electricity, which can be over $0.51 per kWh in the Caribbean due to fluctuating global oil prices. The project is expected to make a long-term impact on educational opportunities for Caribbean children by bridging the digital divide.
The project launched during Caribbean Heritage Month in June 2024, includes a matching donation program where Sandals Resorts will contribute USD $15 to The Power of 15 project for every donation of the same amount or higher made to the Sandals Foundation. Guests at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts can support the foundation throughout the year by participating in various programs such as Pack for a Purpose, Reading Road Trips, and sea turtle watching experiences. To commemorate the anniversary, the foundation has also collaborated with local Caribbean artists to create Sun Murals, vibrant art installations that inspire and empower communities. Additionally, a special resort retail line will offer apparel and accessories, with a portion of sales supporting the solar panel project. The Sandals Foundation’s dedication to community, education, and the environment has positively impacted over 1.5 million lives in the Caribbean, reinforcing the importance of philanthropy in lifting communities and providing lasting support.
Heidi shared this message about the project: “Providing access to a reliable and cost-efficient energy source puts Caribbean children at an advantage. Power is power in today’s world, where a digital divide is determining who succeeds and who may be left behind. We celebrate and lean into our 15 years of work empowering Caribbean communities combined with a donor initiative bringing forward the power of a $15 donation to light up schools in a way that limits carbon footprints through renewable energy sources.”
Also in June, the foundation received the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s Award for Social Responsibility – a distinction that is well deserved.
Looking to the future, the foundation aims to build on its successes. This includes supporting local artisans, some of whom now sell in Sandals’ gift shops, achieving a 33% increase in artisan growth. They are also focused on implementing renewable energy solutions like solar power and water catchment systems in schools. Moreover, they aim to ensure that the benefits of tourism extend far beyond the hotel doors, creating a broader positive impact on the communities.
For those looking to get involved, the Sandals Foundation offers several ways to contribute. By visiting their website, people can learn about ongoing projects in each island and donate to specific causes. Guests staying at Sandals locations can also participate in volunteer activities within local communities, directly contributing to the foundation’s efforts.
Heidi’s passion and dedication to the foundation’s work are palpable. As she reflects on the last 15 years, she remains focused on continuing to create opportunities and making a lasting impact on communities throughout the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation stands as a testament to the power of collective effort and the positive change it can bring to the world.
