MONTEGO BAY — Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has launched a new year-long campaign to celebrate the 15th anniversary its non-profit arm, the Sandals Foundation.

Titled ‘Empower 15,’ the campaign will include ‘The Power of 15’ project, which will harness the power of the Caribbean sun to bring sustainable solar energy to local schools.

To kickstart the campaign and in tribute to Caribbean Heritage Month, for every donation of US$15 or higher made to the Sandals Foundation during the month of June 2024, Sandals Resorts will donate US$15 to The Power of 15 project. 

To donate, click here. 

“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,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. “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.”

Through this effort, the Sandals Foundation will raise the funds needed for the installation of solar panels on school buildings in under-resourced Caribbean communities. On average in the Caribbean, one kilowatt – the amount of electricity consumed in one hour – costs more than double the average price in North America. And because many Caribbean countries are subject to fluctuating global oil prices that directly impact the cost of generating electricity, the price can reach over $0.51 cents per kWh. The installation of solar panels in schools will help combat these challenges.

Since its inception in 2009, the Sandals Foundation has impacted more than 1.5 million lives across the Caribbean and embraced the help of 33,000 volunteers. All administrative costs of the Sandals Foundation are covered by Sandals Resorts International, allowing 100% of every dollar donated to go directly towards funding initiatives under the Foundation’s three core pillars: Community, Education and the Environment.

On the impact the Foundation has had on Caribbean lives, Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of SRI and President and Founder of the Sandals Foundation, said: “It’s a proud moment as we celebrate the work of the Sandals Foundation and the direct impact on so many. The reality is that this work dates back long beyond 15 years, to when my father founded Sandals Resorts in 1981. Long before philanthropy was considered fashionable, my dad tapped into the needs of our community and carried that torch because it was the right thing to do. He adopted local schools – from the provision of books to leaky roof repairs – he saved land crabs and so much more. It was just part of his DNA.

“Today, our commitment to education has never been stronger; it’s the empowering force that lifts communities, which is why we are so proud to make The Power of 15 the centerpiece of these 15th anniversary celebrations.”

To further commemorate the anniversary, a resort retail line will offer guests apparel with a purpose. Graphic tees, totes and tumblers will be available for purchase, with a portion of sales going towards the project. Throughout the year, Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts guests can also support the Sandals Foundation by engaging in programs like Pack for a Purpose, Reading Road Trips, sea turtle watching experiences and more, during their Caribbean vacations.

To donate to The Power of 15 project, click here. 

To learn more about the Sandals Foundation and the project, go to www.sandals.com/sandals-foundation-the-power-of-15.