KINGSTON — The Sandals Foundation is inviting everyone to light a candle and share a message of hope as part of its new Earth Day campaign.

Launched in collaboration with Island Routes, the leading Caribbean attraction company, the #HopeForHealing2020 Campaign was launched on both companies’ social media platforms to commemorate Earth Day, which takes place today, April 22.

This year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, says the campaign honours Mother Earth even as people stay home to stay safe.

“Right across the globe, people are sharing in the emotions of fear, anxiety and concern. We may not be able to meet each other outdoors and take part in the usual group conservation projects, but we can pay homage to the gifts of the earth and create a global chain of gratitude,” she says.

To take part in the campaign:

• Record a video with a message of gratitude and light a candle as a symbol of healing OR upload a nature photo with a message of gratitude and your hope for the world
• Post the video or photo on social media today (April 22) using the hashtag #HopeForHealing2020, making sure to identify what geographic location of the world you are in quarantine
• Tag friends to help spread more words of hope; you can also tag @sandalsfdn and @islandroutes who will in turn share the messages on their official platforms

Since the pandemic reached the shores of the Caribbean, Sandals Resorts International and its philanthropic arm, Sandals Foundation, have executed a number of projects to strengthen local healthcare systems and support some of the most vulnerable groups in the region. In addition, Island Routes has directed proceeds from its tours to support the elderly in local infirmaries.