A $4.5 million dollar lifeline . . . Sandy Lane Charitable Trust raises funds for ongoing causes

Following another successful annual fundraising Golf Tournament and Dinner, The Trustees of the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust (SLCT) announced today that the organisation’s 2020 event held on Friday, January 17, raised in excess of $4.5 million dollars with donations still flooding in. All proceeds from the event will go towards providing assistance to the underprivileged children of Barbados.

The gala which featured both live and silent auction items donated locally and from patrons around the world, was attended by the Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados and several Cabinet Ministers, four of Sandy Lane’s five owners, and the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust’s stalwart overseas donors along with a who’s who of local business and cultural leaders.

The auction led by Russ Abbott, famous British musician, comedian and actor, included eight coveted items donated by companies and patrons alike which featured several high-end jewelry pieces, a dinner cruise onboard a luxurious super-yacht, premium tickets for the world premiere of the musical, Cinderella and a Hyundai Grand i10 Saloon.

Grand Patron of the Sandy Charitable Trust Mr Derrick Smith and one of the owners of the Five-Diamond Sandy Lane Resort noted that at last year’s event, the Trust raised over $4 million. These funds were entirely distributed to over 90 worthy causes from supplying sports equipment and school uniforms to sustaining its flagship projects – The Sunshine Early Stimulation Centre and the John Payne School for Exceptional Children which both cater to special needs children under the age of eleven. Smith said that the Trust operates without salaries or expenses and therefore every single dollar raised goes towards providing for Barbadian children in need.

The fundraiser also allows The Sandy Lane Charitable Trust to assist in meeting the medical needs of numerous children across the nation every year. Smith announced that the SLCT continues its partnership with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) and the World Pediatric Project (WPP).

“I am pleased to report that with their help over the past three years, 106 surgeries have been completed at a fraction of the normal cost, virtually clearing the orthopaedic paediatric backlog on this island. We hope in future to work with the WPP on programs involving children with cerebral palsy and pediatric heart problems,” he stated.

Smith also spoke to the Trust’s responsiveness in answering the plea of the Corbin family late last year when their newborn son Matteo, at just three days old, was diagnosed with a terminal condition that was untreatable in Barbados and had to be transported on an air ambulance to receive medical attention in Martinique. The quick action of The Sandy Lane Charitable Trust to provide the funds and make the necessary arrangements saved Matteo’s life.

During a heart rendering film that highlighted The Sandy Lane Charitable Trust’s projects and impact on vulnerable children and families, Trustee Phillipa Challis reminded the audience that there are many children who need help in a variety of ways, from counselling to community programs, to back to school purchases of uniforms and books – vulnerable children that through no fault of their own, need our support.

To address these issues, the Trust annually commits to a number of community outreach programs including the first of its kind 24-hour Faith Marshall-Harris Sandy Lane Charitable Trust Helpline for abused children which was launched in 2019, the purchase and renovation of a building in Bridgetown to accommodate the Drug Education and Counselling Services which supports over 200 drug afflicted youth, in addition to over 60 community projects that with the help of local ambassadors reach the local families and meet their needs.

PM Mottley commended the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust for making a decisive difference in so many lives, especially during Barbados’ “lost decade” of economic instability. She said, “It is impossible for me to thank you enough because without your donation many people over the last decade would not have made it.” (PR)