Sunwing Foundation gives back by delivering school supplies to Jamaica schools

TORONTO – A Canadian supermodel helped Sunwing Foundation’s latest venture get off to a ‘Flying Start’ last month, hand delivering essential school supplies to kids in need.

Stacey McKenzie, a Kingston-born, Toronto-based model and former runway coach on ‘America’s Next Top Model’, worked alongside the Sunwing Foundation as part of its new ‘Flying Start’ initiative. After flying with Sunwing Airlines, McKenzie arrived in Jamaica to visit with schoolchildren across the island, including those attending Hastings Infant School, Kinloss Basic School and Salt Marsh Infant School.

“It was so important for me to support my country, the Jamaica that made me who I am today,” said McKenzie. “I always said that if I made a name for myself, I would give back. Being able to get involved physically as well as meet the kids brought back memories of growing up here.”

Sunwing Foundation gives back by delivering school supplies to Jamaica schools

Stacey McKenzie in Jamaica

In addition to handing out 250 backpacks filled with gently-used children’s books, school supplies and other necessities for learning, Sunwing Foundation also made a donation to the students at Spicy Hill Early Childhood Institution in Trelawny, a school it constructed and funded in partnership with Helping Hands Jamaica & Food for the Poor Canada in 2015.

The school donation was the second to take place following the launch of the Flying Start program. The first, made in partnership with emergency response charity GlobalMedic, sent 43 boxes of school supplies and donated reading books to the island of Barbuda in late March. The donation assisted more than 400 local school children at the only elementary and secondary school on the island of Barbuda, which was impacted by Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

“The Sunwing Foundation has always been committed to support the youth and education projects in the destinations we serve,” said Stephen Hunter, CEO of Sunwing Travel Group. “Since launching Flying Start not even two months ago, we’ve been pleased with the support from our employees and partners and are proud to be making a difference.”

For more go to sunwingfoundation.com.