Flight Centre & the Sandals Foundation Team Up for 3rd Straight Year.
Computer labs, school infrastructure upgrades among projects completed.
Flight Centre Canada and the Sandals Foundation joined forces for the third straight year continuing their legacy of providing the largest community outreach program of its kind in the Caribbean. Following the success of the program in Turks & Caicos in 2009 and Jamaica’s Beeston Springs community in 2010, this year the conference returned to Jamaica’s Ocho Rios region.
Over 500 Flight Centre employees attended their National Leadership Conference held at Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort and Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club. The conference again included community based volunteer activities in conjunction with the Sandals Foundation that would have a direct positive impact on a community in need.
With a donation of 70 computers, Flight Centre’s IT department created 3 computer labs for schools in need which included monitors, keyboards, routers, as well as internet connectivity. Air Canada Vacations very generously donated the delivery of the computers from Vancouver to Jamaica.
The list of projects also included painting, landscaping and fencing for local schools; installing new roofing on classrooms; constructing lunch areas with picnic tables for schoolchildren; and upgrading the local church. Flight Centre representatives raised money to cover the cost of materials, tools and transportation in order to make the projects happen. The company matched its staff’s fundraising efforts dollar for dollar which resulted in a cheque presentation for $50,000 to Adam Stewart, CEO of Sandals Resorts International, bringing the three-year program’s total donation to $150,000.
“Completing these projects each year has not only had a positive impact on the local community but also on our people.” said Flight Centre President Greg Dixon. “The program has become a highlight of the conference and an experience we put a lot of effort into with amazing results we’re truly proud of.”
“We are delighted to welcome Flight Centre back to the Caribbean to support the Sandals Foundation and continue the important work within our communities once again. Flight Centre’s leadership role is a beacon for the travel industry and signals what can be achieved with enthusiasm, determination and commitment,” said Adam Stewart, CEO, Sandals Resorts International.
Surrounded by Flight Centre staff, Flight Centre President Greg Dixon (second from Left) presents a cheque for $50,000 to Sandals Resorts CEO Adam Stewart (far right)
About Flight Centre
Flight Centre (Canada) is a leading retailer of travel products and services for the leisure and corporate markets. Flight Centre’s presence in Canada includes more than 180 shops & businesses and over 1,000 staff across the country. www.flightcentre.ca
About the Sandals Foundation
The Sandals Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International. It is the culmination of three decades of dedication to playing a meaningful role in the lives of the communities where the company operates across the Caribbean. www.sandalsfoundation.org
Media enquiries:
Allison Wallace Joan Haines
Media & Communications Coastal International
Flight Centre Canada for Sandals & Beaches Resorts
Tel: (604) 202 0872 T: (416) 253-5989
E: allison.wallace@flightcentre.ca E: jhaines@on.aibn.com