MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, is teaming up with American Airlines and its regional carrier, American Eagle, to fund the delivery of much-needed supplies to earthquake victims in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
As a result of this partnership, the Sandals Foundation will underwrite the cost of 10 Humanitarian Relief Flights from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Haiti. American will coordinate the relief supplies for these flights. The missions will commence on Tuesday, Feb. 2, and will continue three times per week through Tuesday, Feb. 23.
The flights will be flown on American Eagle ATR-72 aircraft, each with a capacity to transport 10,000 pounds per mission. The relief items sent will include water, medical and emergency supplies, food and shoes. The flights will also carry medical personnel and relief workers.
American Airlines has received donated materials from a diverse group of companies and organizations including:
Archdiocese of Puerto Rico
Boys Scouts of Puerto Rico
Caritas of Puerto Rico
Coca Cola Puerto Rico Bottlers
Conscience International
Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Puerto Rico
Food for the Poor
Fuller Group Puerto Rico
Hospice of Saint Joseph
J. W. Marriott Hotel, Miami
Johnson & Johnson, Puerto Rico
Josefita Monserrate de Selles School
Love a Child Foundation
Miami Rescue Mission
Panaderia Espana
Project C.U.R.E.
Project Medishare
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Share Your Soles Foundation
Yele Haiti
“We salute Sandals for initiating this partnership that will assist the people of Haiti tremendously,” said Peter Dolara, American’s Senior Vice President for Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America. “The need for relief supplies and medical personnel in Port-au-Prince continues to be urgent. Through this effort the Sandals Foundation is once again demonstrating their commitment to communities throughout the Caribbean by helping their brothers and sisters in need.”
Immediately following the earthquake, the Sandals Foundation mounted a Caribbean-wide campaign to raise funds and collect clothing and linens for survivors in Haiti. Employees and guests have given their overwhelming support, as have worldwide marketing and reservation representatives, Unique Vacations Inc., together with other tour operators across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Europe.
“I am humbled by the assistance our team and loyal guests have provided in supporting this initiative,” said Adam Stewart, CEO of Sandals Resorts International. “Haiti needs our help in this time of crisis and in the foreseeable future. We are committed to assist our neighbor during this difficult time.”
