The spirit of Christmas was brought to life across several communities in Saint Lucia as the Sandals Foundation partnered with local organizations to distribute food vouchers and gifts to hundreds of families in need, offering both practical assistance and a message of care during the festive season.
The annual outreach, which has become an anticipated source of relief for many households, was made possible through the commitment of the Sandals Foundation and its regional leadership.
Managing Director of Sandals Resorts Saint Lucia, Winston Anderson, said the decision to proceed with the initiative was clear from the outset following discussions with the foundation’s leadership.
“When I made the call to our executive director, Heidi Clarke, about this event, her exact words to me and I quote, she said, you know what Winston? We have to do this. We have to do this,” Anderson recalled. He added that Clarke was resolute in ensuring that communities across the region remained a priority. “She went on to say that despite the things that happened in Jamaica, is that we cannot and will never forget our other communities and our people in the region.”
Representatives of RISE Saint Lucia, one of the beneficiary organizations, welcomed the continuation of the programme, noting the impact it has on vulnerable groups during the holidays. Dr Venus Cherry expressed gratitude for the effort, saying the initiative has become something many families look forward to each year.
“I’m really happy to see that they found a way to make it happen,” he said. “I don’t want to stay long, I just want to let them know that we are extremely grateful.”
Dr Stephen King of RISE Saint Lucia underscored the deeper meaning behind the assistance, emphasizing that even modest support can make a significant difference.
“Because a small gift to somebody, small gift that puts an extra piece of meat on the table, an extra cake, maybe something special for a single mother with her children or an elderly or a disabled as Venus said,” King explained. “That small gift says you matter, you’re important, there are people that care, and you are not alone.”
Organizers say the outreach reflects the foundation’s broader commitment to community development and social support, particularly during times when financial pressures are heightened. As families prepare to celebrate Christmas, the initiative has helped ensure that many can do so with dignity, reassurance and a renewed sense of hope.