Sandals Resorts International through its philanthropic arm – Sandals Foundation has collaborated with several corporate entities and supportive individuals to host the upcoming Island Challenge, which is designed to raise funds for healthcare treatment for minors.
The Sandals Foundation partnership involves Unique Vacations UK Ltd , Sandals Resorts Saint Lucia, Island Routes and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA)
From October17 to 20 , the 3rd edition of the Island Challenge will involve local and international athletes competing in Saint Lucia, to raise 100,000 pounds (sterling) for life-saving paediatric healthcare equipment at the Millennium Heights Medical Complex.
SRI’s Managing Director for the Eastern Caribbean , Winston Anderson affirmed that the event is dedicated to enchaining health care in the region. He acknowledged the input of several corporate entity partners and individuals who support the initiative.
“This extraordinary challenge has brought life-changing improvements to the islands of Antigua and Barbuda…and most recently, St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) . And now, we have the privilege and responsibility to create history right here in our beautiful island of Saint Lucia,” Anderson asserted .
He added, “It will leave a lasting legacy for our families and most importantly, our children.”
Anderson stated that this initiative is more than promoting an event , “it is about celebrating the power of Partnership and Collaboration…(and) a testament to the dedication of Sandals Resorts , Sandals Foundation and other corporate entities to invest in the sustainability and development of the healthcare sector.”
He added that the venture also seeks , “To empower Caribbean communities and most importantly, to improve the lives of future generations.”
Anderson underlined the significance of this venture to raise vital funds to cater for the healthcare of the younger ones, and particularly the more deprived persons in society. He revealed that the project includes acquiring new equipment for the Special Care Baby Unit , at the MHMC and “creating a foundation for generational health.”
Outlining the course of the event , he explained : “Over four exciting days …athletes will run, hike, and kayak through some of the most breath-taking areas and marine landscape across Saint Lucia.”
Organsiers and participants of the Island Challenge are chanting one refrain : Four days of exciting races over terrain and courses…and Giving back to paediatric care through the Sandals Foundation.
The SLTA representative affirmed that the event “perfectly embodies” the spirit of SLTA’s Play Saint Lucia tag line and marketing strategies, adding : “It is more than just a tagline; it is our invitation to the world to discover this island through movement, adventure and connection.”
It is : Wellness with a Purpose.
Ernest Norbal, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, recognized the crucial nature of pre-birth care, and thus , the need to safeguard mothers in this crucial stage of life. He said the upgrades and provision of equipment to the Special Care Baby Unit at MHMC is a most welcome and worthwhile venture.
MHMC’s CMO Dr Damien Greaves is grateful for this gesture of goodwill led by SRI and enthusiastic participants, to cater for the most vulnerable in the population- the new born.
“We are also looking at the powerful example of tourism, health and sports as they join hands for a shared purpose ,” he said, while noting that the equipment “will give our new-borns the very best chance at life.”
The Mission : Better Health for All.
An official noted that last year , the health facility catered for 180 new born from birth to 29 days. The supply of equipment includes the donation of an incubator, warmer, treatment for jaundice and breast feeding apparatus and other equipment.