WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – In a heartwarming gesture of community and care, Sandals Negril Beach Resort and Spa recently held its annual back-to-school treat, providing scores of team members and their children with essential supplies and a day of fun to prepare for the upcoming academic year.
The event, orchestrated with meticulous attention by the resort’s management, saw an outpouring of gratitude and joy from the attendees. It underscored Sandals’ commitment to its team members, aiming to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with the back-to-school season. Human Resource Manager Garfield Blake articulated the essence of the event, stating, “Our annual back-to-school treat is important to us as it is a time of the year when, as a company, we assist our team members with preparations for the new school year. This goes a far way in reducing some of the school expenses which we know can be quite burdensome on our team members.”
The day was filled with delightful activities and treats for the children. They bounded with joy on the vibrant bounce-a-bout, eagerly lined up for colorful snow cones, and munched on freshly made popcorn. But the highlight for many was undoubtedly the durable backpacks, generously stuffed with essential school supplies like books, pencils, sharpeners, and rulers.
Front Office Supervisor Dondrea Malcolm was among the many smiles captured during the event. She was photographed receiving a backpack from Garfield Blake, her smile a testament to the event’s success. Reflecting on the day, Malcolm shared, “The back-to-school treat was well-organised and enjoyable. The children had a lot of fun, the bags are durable, and we appreciated the food. Knowing that Sandals looks out for us makes us, the team members, feel valued.”
Environment, Health and Safety Manager Tavia-Shea Bernard echoed the warm sentiments, highlighting the positive impact on the team members and their extended families. “The team members are truly appreciative as this initiative reduces the out-of-pocket expenses for much-needed back-to-school supplies for our children. Even nieces, nephews, grandchildren can benefit from this thoughtful gesture. I can attest that this is something that the team members look forward to each year, and it is truly a blessing to be a part of a company that consistently has the team members’ best interest at heart,” Bernard expressed.
As the sun set on the event, the smiles on the children’s faces and the expressions of gratitude from parents reflected the deeper sense of community ingrained within the Sandals family. It was a day filled with fun, laughter, and a reaffirmation of Sandals’ commitment to fostering a supportive and caring work environment, ensuring that their team members feel valued and appreciated.
