WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — In a heartfelt gesture of appreciation and community spirit, Sandals Negril Beach Resort and Spa recently hosted a back-to-school event for its team members and their children, helping them prepare for the upcoming school year in style. The event highlighted Sandals’ commitment to supporting its staff by easing the financial burdens often associated with back-to-school preparations.
The day was filled with fun and joy as children enjoyed a variety of activities, including bouncing gleefully on vibrant bounce-a-bouts and lining up eagerly for colorful snow cones and freshly made popcorn. The atmosphere was lively and festive, underscoring the resort’s focus on family and community.
Each attending family received a sturdy backpack filled with essential school supplies, such as books, pencils, sharpeners, and rulers, providing the children with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom. This thoughtful gesture not only supports the education of the children but also alleviates some of the financial stress on their parents.
Garfield Blake, the Human Resource Manager at Sandals Negril, emphasized the importance of the annual 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 success of the event was evident in the smiles and laughter of the children and the heartfelt gratitude expressed by the parents. The initiative is clearly appreciated by the team members, who benefit greatly from the support provided by Sandals.
Tavia-Shea Bernard, the resort’s Environment, Health, and Safety Manager, praised the initiative, saying, “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.”
Dondrea Malcom, a Front Office Supervisor, echoed these sentiments, appreciating both the organization of the event and the support it symbolizes. “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,” Malcom noted.
This annual event not only helps Sandals Negril team members prepare for the new school year but also fosters a sense of community and mutual care within the Sandals family. By supporting its staff in such meaningful ways, Sandals Negril continues to strengthen its reputation as a company that values and cares for its employees, creating a positive and supportive work environment.
