Showing posts with label Make a Difference. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Make a Difference. Show all posts
Stylish Sandals for a Cause by Sseko Designs
Meet Sseko Designs, a company created to help bright young women in Uganda continue their education. Read their story here and if strappy sandals are on your list for your next Caribbean vacation, consider these:
We love shoes that give back... remember this post about TOMS Shoes wedding line - perfect for Destination Weddings.
Order here.
Help for Haiti
This is Haiti:
This is also Haiti:
So is this:
This week's news images showing the aftermath of the terrible Earthquake are for many people, the first images they have seen of Haiti. Yet, Haiti is as lovely as any other Caribbean island only with a fledgling tourism sector. I hope you will keep these images in mind and one day visit Haiti to see all the splendor firsthand.
Haiti needs our help. Yele Haiti is a great place to start. The organization was founded by Wyclef Jean, Grammy Award Winning Artist and native of the island. You can click the logo below to donate or text "Yele" to 510 510 to charge a $5 donation on your cell phone bill. 100% of donations to Yele Haiti go directly to those in need.
This is Wyclef Jean:
Haiti is a rich and colorful dive destination. Recreational dives are minimal in the area and the sea life is flourishing:
Oxfam International is a non-governmental consortia of agencies working together to help poverty worldwide. They immediately launched a Haiti Earthquake campaign and are in need of donations.
Not all beaches in Haiti are deserted crescents of paradise. Welcome to the Barefoot Beach Bar at Labadee Beach:
Doctors without Borders was already active in Haiti before the earthquake. They operate multiple hospitals on the island, all of which have been flattened. Many of their own staff are unaccounted for and yet they have already sprung into action setting up clinics to help the injured. Donate here.
The path less traveled... Haiti has many:
These beautiful photos of Haiti are from Epic Trip, a new and unique travel guide site driven by real travelers.
Here is a twitter roll call of organizations and folks keeping us informed of the recovery efforts: @CaribbeanTrips, @MSF_USA (Doctors without Borders)@Wyclef,@YeleHaitimy {heart} is breaking...
for Haiti
follow @wyclef (Wyclef Jean) and Help Haiti Earthquake Relief Donate $5 by texting YELE to 501 501 right now! Go to http://www.yele.org/ for more info.
UPDATE: The easist way to help is to text "yele" to 510 510 and pledge $5 to Wyclef Jean's organization. Also - Oxfam, Unicef, American Red Cross, Ben Stiller's Stillerstrong, & Mercy Corp.
5 months ago... mid-August. The phones in our little office were quiet and the stifling Atlanta humidity had drained the last drop of motivation from me and I could no longer remain at my desk. I closed up shop early, grabbed the kids, towels, cool drinks, and my most recent issue of Conde Nast Traveler and headed down the street to the cool relief of the pool. To the back drop of laughter, rounds of Marco Polo, and constant splashing, I read the story that made me think I love Haiti too...
"You can call Haiti the Cleopatra of countries—its ravishing natural assets, thrilling history, and magnetic culture have long made select visitors swoon. Its tortured past, however, has made it the Caribbean nation that tourism largely forgot... more"
I read CNT and most other travel magazines from cover to cover every month. Not a one has shown Haiti in this light, if at all. Publications avoid it like the plague. Perhaps no one wants to sponsor a press trip to a destination that doesn't sell. Who goes to Haiti, after all? Amy Wilentz didn't care. She went and she loved and her story is incredible... so delicious that I've revisited it countless times. When I closed my magazine that day, rolled onto my stomach and stretched out on my towel, I was thankful. Thankful of the view of my happy, healthy children, cool and hydrated, doing what all children deserve to do - be kids. I was smitten with this place... a new place I had to visit, a place I knew I too would fall in love with... a place maybe I could help. I could picture myself sitting at my desk and breathing my excitement into the phone, convincing a few well qualified clients to take the same trip. {stay tuned}
And now, today... the earthquake. 7.0! I know this is serious. I found myself 6 miles from a 6.9 earthquake in 2004 and to this day, I'm still spooked. Help now.
Meet JoJo - Turks & Caicos Resident Charmer
If you've been to Grace Bay on the isle of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos you've likely met Jojo and if not, you have certainly heard of him.JoJo is male, wild and free. He is intelligent and curious and can majestically imitate the movements of a great Manta Ray or perfectly mimic the songs of whales. He brings back treasures from the ocean such as turtles, lobsters, starfish and even sharks. He is keen on searching for glass objects that Dean (his human companion) hides for him. Or listening to the sound of Chinese chimes.
JoJo is a lone and sociable Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops Truncatus) weighing 400 kg and is approximately 3 m in length.
JoJo is a lone and sociable Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops Truncatus) weighing 400 kg and is approximately 3 m in length.
Want to know more? Read about the Dean & Jojo Story. A true-life, one-of-a-kind story. The Dean & JoJo Story is about a unique and special friendship between a wild dolphin known as JoJo and his human companion, Dean Bernal.
Secrets Resorts helps save the Sea Turtle
Check out this cute little guy! Secrets Silversands tiniest guest! Now through the early fall, mother Sea Turtles will visit the beach at Secrets Silversands to lay eggs. We take every measure to ensure the continued safety and protection of the turtles through involvement with local protection agencies... Read More Make a Difference - AA's Miles for Kids in Need
How Your Miles Can Help!American Airlines is one of the top producers of flights to the Caribbean. Their Miles for Kids in Need program provides worldwide support for children and their families, as well as for organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with needs for medical, educational, social services issues and/or for those that heighten public awareness of children's issues.Since 1989, AAdvantage members have donated miles to help kids in need. Last year alone, members generously donated over 30 million of their unused AAdvantage miles to help provide transportation to over 500 kids through this program. If you can help us replenish some of these miles, we (and the kids) will really appreciate it. Please check your mileage balance and consider making a donation today. More details...
Make a Difference - The Sandals Foundation
Its been a while since I featured a "Make a Difference" campaign, but now more than ever, Caribbean charities need our help. So take a look at all that is good about the Sandals Foundation.The Sandals Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International. It is the culmination of three decades of dedication to playing a meaningful role in the lives of the communities where we operate across the Caribbean.
By definition, our responsibilities to family reflect our corporate social responsibilities. We believe things can be better and we want to make them better. We believe we have contributed much to the Caribbean over the years but we want to do more. We know that as World’s Best it’s our plans, hard work, skills and innovations that put us there – but we have a responsibility to put them to work beyond our resorts too.
The Sandals Foundation is our way of better enabling us to take on more of what needs to be done in the islands where we operate by making the Caribbean the best that we can be. It is not just about gathering and spending money. We also harness our passion, energy, skills and brand power to tackle issues under three broad headings; Community, Education, & Environment.
Caribbean Whale Friends
Yesterday, I read an article mentioning Whale Watching as a $300 million industry. This sparked a few hours of research into how much of this leisure activity is taking place in the Caribbean and any known harm it might cause. Look what I found: Caribbean Whale Friends.A handful of Caribbean countries have, as recently as 2006, been in support of commercial whaling, but it seems the majority of Caribbean-ites would rather watch the whales than harm them, and for this I am proud.
"Visitors can now go whale watching in a number of Caribbean countries including: Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines. "
"Whale watching is a growing industry in the Caribbean, in fact it is the fastest growing sector of the region’s tourism industry, and brings much-needed financial revenue to the region. By 2007, the industry was generating an estimated US$22 million annually."
Organizations such as this need our support. Visit their website and make a difference!
Photo is a Caribbean Humpback Whale from here.
New Green Globe Digi-Brochure
The Green Globe Organization, one I have long supported for their stringent certification process of Green Hotels, has a new digital brochure and their website has a brand new look! Check out all the Caribbean hotels that made the cut!
Make A Difference - Integrity Children's Fund
This one is close to my own heart. I love children... and if it weren't for the realistic reminders from my husband, I would adopt as many as I could fit in my house. So this charity for the children of Jamaica is special to me and I hope it will become so to you too.Many of my clients ask me for ideas on ways to help, ways to give back to the island nations we all enjoy. We are all touched by the poverty that is evident outside the gates of the pristine resorts. There are dozens, if not hundreds of charties but it is often hard to know who to trust and where to give. Well, I give you my word your dollars will make a difference with the Integrity Children's Fund. My word because I am lucky enough to personally know the president, Mr. Karl Chambers, and his family.
While I was only introduced to the works of Integrity recently, I have heard of their stellar reputation for many years. Funded primarily by donations, the group does put on a few benefits a year and most recently hosted one in the Atlanta area headlined by the lovely Ms. Judy Mowatt. (Yes, I was star struck when meeting her. She has the voice of an angel! And yes, I did feel very blessed to sing Christmas Carols with her at Mr. Chamber's party... I didn't really sing though - not good at that - but none of this is the point. The point is to please give to this GREAT organization!)
The work the Integrity Children's Fund has done for Jamaica is outstanding. With a focus on education as THE necessary tool to further a nation, a people, and to provide hope for the children behind the smiles... Please, please read more about this wonderful group and donate to their amazing cause!
Enjoy these pictures from the Joytown School located in Trench Town - the impoverished area of Kingston, Jamaica made famous in the songs of reggae artists:
And from Peter's Rock Preperatory in the hills above Kingston:
Both school receive funding from Integrity! So please donate and help a very worthy cause! Donation page is here... and waiting!HUGE Air Jamaica Sale! Buy by December 11!!!!
CaribbeanJourney.com is offering great CARIBBEAN VACATIONS including the following sale on Air Jamaica! Book by December 11 for travel January 9 to March 31, 2009! Rates are ONE WAY and exclusive of TAXES - but still a GREAT deal!
From Baltimore & Philadelphia
$123 to Jamaica
$167 to Barbardos
$167 to Grenada
$176 to Curacao
From New York
$123 to Jamaica
$167 to Barbados
$167 to Grenada
$182 to Curacao
From Miami/Fort Lauderdale
$47 to Jamaica
$137 to Barbados
From Orlando
$77 to Jamaica
From Atlanta
$93 to Jamaica
$161 to Barbados
$161 to Grenada
$167 to Curacao
From Chicago
$133 to Jamaica
$190 to Curacao
$218 to Grenada
From LA
$157 to Jamaica
$208 to Curacao
Contact ME to book your Caribbean Vacation and take advantage of this great sale!
A Rotten Person Travels the Caribbean
Gary Buslik claims to be a rotten person. But I don't think so. After reading his self-titled book, "A Rotten Person Travels the Caribbean". I think he is just human and humorous. The book details his chance encounters with Idi Amin and Princess Diana and his persuasive quest to encounter the ghost of Ernest Hemingway to his severe Cuban Cigar induced panic attack all to the backdrop of the glorious Caribbean. Mr. Buslik has seen it all. (If I really believed that, I would have to stop trying to convince him to take another trip and that, of course, is my job.) From gruesome cock-fights in Grenada to pre and post volcanic eruption on Monsterrat and many of the touristy places in between. When Mr. Buslik isn't island-hopping through the tropics he can be found teaching literature and creative writing at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
His favorite souvenirs? Letter from aforementioned Princess... and well, I had to ask what else:Laura: Aside from Cuban Cigars, what are your favorite items to bring back to Chicago from the islands?
Gary: Local newspapers. On some smaller islands, these can be a hoot. In one, there is an advice column written by an "island man," Love Vibes, and here is one of his actual letters and answers:
Dear Love Vibes:
I have got a serious problem. I love my boyfriend with all my might, but he has one "shortcoming" that I have tried to ignore but now find it's really starting to bug me. As much as I've tried, I find that I'm not being satisfied totally in bed.
Mind you, I love him with all my heart, and he is sweet and handsome. He treat me with respect and generosity and would never bite me with another woman, but I'm beginning to think I might need something more. What should I do? Should length really matter?
-- SaraFina of High Ground
Dear SaraFina:
Dump him. Here is why. Take our cruise-ship port. When the massive boats that look like God is on board come to island, they can tie right up to jetty? No. Why so? Because they too big. Jetty can't handle them, so they have to park way offshore and God have to take dinghy to town, which is undignified. And the farther these gigantic vessels are from dock, the smaller they appear to the human eyeball. So tell me, what good all those restaurants and jewelry stores and luxury suites and such on board if you look tiny to poor island people, the very souls you trying to impress? So here they are on jetty, thinking, Who is this coming to our quay in that miserable little skiff, God's cleaning lady?
Now, continuing with my splendid nautical analogy, imagine taking a Caribbean cruise in a rowboat. What you think? You ain't eating in restaurant with steak and wine and sorbet. No, gal, you going to be eating raw jellyfish and flossing with tentacle. The luxury swimming pool is over the side, and the only Lido deck you going to jog around is in you brain when it start to hallucinate.
You see what I am getting at? Moderation. Luckily, here comes a nice ship around the bend, just the right size, name of SS Love Vibes, sleek and handsome in the sunlight or under a full moon, it don't matter, just the right girth to slip into any dock nice and snug, and which will give you smooth ride and never make you puke. Plenty of onboard recreation, don't worry. Full speed ahead!
-- Yours in Spirit and Flesh, "Love Vibes"
It's also interesting to see, from our years of taking home local newspapers and comparing the old ones with the new, how small-island culture has changed over the last couple of decades. In the 1980s, the most serious crimes reported on police blotters were things like, "Mrs. Sanders' goat wandered into Mr. Gerard's yard and was found eating his dasheen." Now, even on out-of-the-way islands, we frequently see reports like this:
Miss Lilly Weatherbottom, cashier of Happy Shop Grocery Store at Cane SettlementVillage, reported being hit over the head with a cinder block and being robbed of EC $3.15 and a bag of salted pumpkin nuts. When asked by police if she got any kind of description of her assailant, she replied, "Yes, man. It was my cousin Ronal Henderson, who live up the road. When I get me hand on him, I will thump the devil out him. Then you will have a damn report."
Laura: You've had many strange encounters with animals of the islands—cock fighters, stray dogs…what's up with the animal magnetism?
Gary: This is a terrific question, because it lets me promote one of my favorite causes, saving island stray dogs. We've all seen these friendly, hardy, "beach dogs" wandering around town or on the sand. Did you know these strays actually are an officially recognized sub-breed? They are called potcakes (supposedly from their habit of eating crud from the bottoms of dishware) and they all have similar features because of their many years of in-breeding. Their presence at beachside bars and restaurants are as much a part of island culture as cocktail umbrellas and coconuts. The problem is, West Indians (perhaps understandably) don't embrace their dogs and cats in the same member-of-the-family way we do in North America and Europe, so they more or less leave it up to animal-loving expats to round up these sweet strays, neuter them, and try to find them good homes. On a couple of islands now, these loving and dedicated volunteers can actually send your new pet back home with you. Check out a few of these terrific Internet sites:
http://www.potcakeplace.com/
http://www.potcake.org/
http://www.potcakefoundation.com/
Or just google "Potcakes," and you'll learn tons about these happy, love-deserving pups.
Ditto with stray cats. Most of the smaller islands don't have animal-control officers and shelters we take for granted up north, so it's up to caring volunteers to round up feral or abandoned felines, neuter them and either release them or find them good homes. Check out:
http://www.pawswatch.org/
http://www.caribbeananimaltourismsupport.org/
http://www.pegasusfoundation.org/
As far as I'm concerned, helping these little guys is more important than helping ourselves to more tan lines, carved coconut heads, and piña coladas.
Laura: Who would you like to take to the Caribbean with you?
Gary: My cat, Babs. Because I miss her so much when I'm gone, I don't travel nearly as much as I used to. I would love to take her overseas with me, but she would never be able to pass a visa background check. She has a criminal record a mile long, mostly for soliciting prostitution. When I found her, she had set up shop in my garage with a sign that said something I can't repeat here but, as a hint to your readers, involved the color black and a slang word for both cat and a female sex organ. I've since taken her into the house proper, surgically removed her obsession for intercourse—a rehabilitation requiring not only an expensive operation but years of intensive psychotherapy—and have taught her how to type, in order to start paying me back.
Laura: Where will you be going next?
Gary: To the bathroom. I drink a lot of tea when I'm writing. I recommend Tazo brand Earl Grey. This is a no-charge public service announcement for your readers, so they can't complain about wasting their lives on the Internet.
Laura: Any future books or article in the works?
Gary: I'm considering a Rotten Person sequel: A Rotten Person Does Vegas. I just came back from there and am now sitting in abject terror, trying to figure out a way to cover the check I wrote to the casino. Speaking of which—another public service announcement—I was forced at gunpoint to see Phantom of the Opera, whose audience exit featured every guy slapping the back of his wife's head. Also, at dinner one night, who should sit at the table next to us but O.J. Simpson, holding court, whooping it up, apparently believing that no one in his right mind would ever deprive the world of his magnificent presence. This was three days before a jury decided he should spend the rest of his life pooping into stainless steel.
Maybe your readers would return my no-charge tea recommendation by writing to tell me what they think of the Rotten Person sequel idea. They can reach me at arottenperson@earthlink.net.My advice? Buy this book before your next Caribbean adventure! Enjoy!
Product Review - Sea Bags
My love of travel long surpassed my first love - fashion. Perfect timing too. While I could never give up traveling, regardless of how low the economy tanks, spending $400 on shoes just doesn't make sense right now. (So, carry on fellow vacationistas and chunk that $400 towards your depleted travel fund!)I love finding objects d'travel that combine my two loves. Sea Bags are just that, and GREEN to boot! Cushy day bags with flexible rope straps and cool nautical graphics, perfect for the beach or the market, and made from recycled sails. Sea Bags offers bags made from newer sails and a very chic vintage collection too.
This one would make a super cute goodie bag for Destination Weddings:
One from their vintage line:
Make a Difference - Caribbean Volunteer Expeditions
Caribbean Volunteer Expeditions is an organization built around giving back with a tagline of: "Preservation in Paradise". Having conducted their first do-gooder trip in 1990, they continue to plan 4-5 trips a year independently and another 3-4 in conjunction with the international Elderhostel program.Who participates in these trips?
CVE accomplishes it’s mission by recruiting volunteers from the US and Canada. These people are often architects, architectural historians, people in the preservation field, or people generally interested in preservation. The CVE volunteer is a person who enjoys the Caribbean, but also wants to contribute and be involved in an island’s culture. Our volunteers meet the preservationists, scholars, and historians involved with Caribbean preservation.
2008 Project, Falmouth, Jamaica:
2008 Project, Hamilton, Nevis:
Here is a sampling of the trips planned for 2008-2009. Visit their website for full details and to see how you can help! SAN SALVADOR, BAHAMAS: Mapping at plantation site Dec 13- 20, 2009
San Salvador Island, Commonwealth of the Bahamas, is one of the eastern most islands of this archipelago off the southeast coast of Florida, and was the first landfall of Columbus in 1492. The island is pristine, ringed with beautiful beaches. We will be working with archeologist, John Winter, who has had over 25 years experience working in archeology on San Salvador. The island was first inhabited by Indians who migrated from South America, and later by Loyalists, fleeing the US after the revolutionary war. Archeological finds have included Indian, Spanish, and other European colonists artifacts. Accommodations are double occupancy, motel-type rooms at the Gerace Research Center. Contact: ahershcve@aol.com or srice@stotac.com
San Salvador Island, Commonwealth of the Bahamas, is one of the eastern most islands of this archipelago off the southeast coast of Florida, and was the first landfall of Columbus in 1492. The island is pristine, ringed with beautiful beaches. We will be working with archeologist, John Winter, who has had over 25 years experience working in archeology on San Salvador. The island was first inhabited by Indians who migrated from South America, and later by Loyalists, fleeing the US after the revolutionary war. Archeological finds have included Indian, Spanish, and other European colonists artifacts. Accommodations are double occupancy, motel-type rooms at the Gerace Research Center. Contact: ahershcve@aol.com or srice@stotac.com
JEWISH CEMETERY INVENTORY, Orange St. Elliston Rd. Hunt's Bay, Jamaica Mar 22-28 2009Caribbean Volunteer Expeditions will continue with its historic Jewish cemetery inventory again this year in the Kingston area surveying two smaller cemeteries, and well as checking inventory work, done last year at Hunt's Bay. Jews escaping from prosecution in Europe settled in many Caribbean islands, and were instrumental in sugar plantation technology. Volunteers will be conducting an inventory, photographing, and mapping of the site. Contact: ahershaia@aol.com
CookBook Reivew - Morgan Freeman & Friends Caribbean Cooking for a Cause
An important fact about me, if I wasn't in travel, I would be in food!
This is an excellent cookbook! It is a collaboration by celebrities with a Caribbean connection who came together to support the cause of the Grenada Relief Fund after Hurricane Ivan devastated the island in 2004. Originally, $5.00 from the $35.00 cover price were donated to the fund along with all of the author's proceeds. However, I have not been able to find any current information on the Grenada Relief Fund, and since most repairs from Hurricane Ivan have already been completed, it is likely now a defunct campaign and hence the reason why online booksellers are able to sell the book for as low as $23. Regardless, it is an excellent cookbook. The recipes I will touch on in a second, but the personal stories of why such celebrities as Kenny Chesney, Michael Douglas, Tom Hanks, Orlando Bloom, and Terrance Howard are tied to the Caribbean is a source of excitement for a Caribbeanophile like myself. It has a varied collection of Caribbean staples such as Miss Pam's Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Lobster Curry a la Chez Bamboo on Virgin Gorda to pleasure palates like Coconut French Toast and Pineapple Tarte Tartin from The Restaurant at the Cove in Eluethera. Not to be overlooked are the Chocolate Port Wine Sorbet from the Ocean & Vine on St. Barths (sidenote - many of my yachting clients add St. Barths to their itinerary simply to dine... oh la la) and the Classic Conch Civeche from the Caymans... enjoy!
Product Review - Guy Harvey Goods
I had the pleasure of meeting Guy Harvey at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show a few years back. Charming fellow. Having admired his artwork in homes of Caribbean friends for years, and loving his high quality T-shirt line, I am a fan. No other artist has captured the spirit of the ocean more than Mr. Harvey. The depth of detail on his originals, prints and tiles make us long for leisure days spent below the surface or quietly snorkeling from reef to reef. Guy's collection of goods has grown in recent years to include many fun items from dinnerware to towels and even wine. Raised in Jamaica and residing in the Cayman Islands, Guy stays in constant contact with the subjects of his talent, even going the extra mile to ensure conservation efforts are made to protect the species he loves. Visit the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation to learn how you can Make a Difference!Limited Edition Print "Breaking Away":
Fine Art Poster "Down Under":
T-Shirts for Little Boys too:
Make a Difference - Caribbean Conservation Corporation
The Caribbean Conservation Corporation is one of the oldest Caribbean conservation efforts in existence. Since it's inception in 1959, the CCC's team has worked tirelessly to improve the survival outlook for my favorite animal, the sea turtle.
Why Sea Turtles? "CCC has chosen sea turtles as the focus of its conservation efforts in part because these ancient creatures are among the most important indicators of the health of the world's marine and coastal ecosystems. CCC believes that whether sea turtles ultimately vanish from the planet or whether they remain a wild and thriving part of the natural world, will speak volumes about both the general health of the planet and the ability of humans to sustainably coexist with the diversity of life on Earth."
One of the best things the CCC does is help to enact protective laws and to establish sanctuaries for sea turtles. Through environmentally-sound tourism, visitors experience nature without harming it, and enhance the economies of local communities.
Visit their website or their page on Facebook to see what you can do to help!
Make a Difference - The Peacock Ball
The 4th Annual Peacock Ball was held Saturday May 10th, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton, Coconut Grove in Miami Florida. The annual event is hosted by the American Friends of Jamaica and includes a Gala and silent Auction. The American Friends of Jamaica organization consists of a group of Jamaican and American business persons, social sector leaders, political figures, and members of the diplomatic corp who come together to strategical connect resources from North American to Jamaica. To date, the organization has helped send over $11 Million in donations to Jamaican charities benefiting the educational, health, and economic sectors. In short, the AFJ helps to raise funds and overseas that they are deposited to the necessary recipients. The organization also honors extraordinary people with their International Humanitarian Award. One of this year's award recipients was Father Richard Ho Lung, founder of the Missionaries of the Poor based in Kingston. I was lucky enough to experience Father Ho Lung in his fundraising mission firsthand by attending a lovely concert of Jamaican musicians at a local church in Atlanta.
Past honorees have included Chris Blackwell, American fashion icon Ralph Lauren and his wife, Ricky, Rep. Charles Rangel of New York, Sandals' founder Gordon "Butch" Stewart, Canada's Michael Lee-Chin, the Jamaican-born billionaire, philanthropist, and high-profile investor, GraceKennedy, Former President Ronald Reagan and Diageo, to name a few.
Make a Difference - Issa Trust Foundation
The Issa Trust Foundation was founded in 2005 by Couples Resorts. (Couples Resorts are owned by Lee Issa.) The trust was established to make a difference in Jamaica. The trust operates by bringing medical teams to the island, accommodating them at Couples Resorts, and setting up clinics in more rural areas. The medical missions have saved lives and made medical care available to many who otherwise would not have access to any health care. The trust has also donated time and materials to refurbish and construct new buildings at local schools and orphanages. Get more info and make a difference!Make A Difference - Caribbean Hilton Charity Drive
I have the best clients! Many of them return from their luxurious vacations curious about helping the local inhabitants of their island hosts. I applaud this sentiment from the bottom of my heart as it was truly the people of the Caribbean that influenced my career choice of Caribbean Travel. Over the years, I have learned that many of the non-locally owned hotels do little to help their poor neighbors so when I come across one that does, it deserves recognition. I am very happy to announce that Hilton's Caribbean collection of hotels has raised over $1 Million with their KIDS program - Officially called Kindness in Donations and Services, K.I.D.S. is Hilton Caribbean’s way of helping non-profit organizations devoted to children on the islands where its’ resorts are located. Hilton Caribbean guests and team members play significant roles in raising money. Guests help by voluntarily adding $1 a night to their account when they check out. Team members contribute by donating the time and effort in organizing events that benefit the children and generate funds.Next time you visit one of the Caribbean Hilton Hotels, please donate!