Hope For Healing 2020

Today, it should be all about hope.

To that end, the Sandals Foundation and Island Routes have teamed up to offer a message of hope and healing in a new, online campaign to mark Earth Day 2020.

The ‘#HopeforHealing2020’ Campaign, launched by both companies on their social media platforms, invites people to light a candle as a symbol of healing and share a message of hope for the planet and each other.

Over the last 50 years, the world has come together on April 22 to mobilize support and action for environmental protection.

This year, in light of the unique reality of the COVID-19 pandemic which has infected more than 2.4 million people in 213 countries, Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation says the campaign honours Mother Earth even as people stay home to stay safe.

Said Clarke:

“Right across the globe, people are sharing in the emotions of fear, anxiety and concern. We may not be able to meet each other outdoors and take part in the usual group conservation projects, but we can pay homage to the gifts of the earth and create a global chain of gratitude.”

The partnership is the perfect alignment of both organizations’ mandates which is for the Sandals Foundation to “Inspire Hope” by implementing sustainable programs that improve the lives of Caribbean people and for Island Routes to connect people to the outdoors through immersive experiences unique to each destination.

Since the introduction of the novel coronavirus on the shores of the Caribbean, Sandals Resorts International and the Sandals Foundation have been executing a number of projects to strengthen local healthcare systems and support some of the most vulnerable groups in the region. Additionally, Island Routes has directed proceeds from their tours to support the elderly in local infirmaries. This campaign is an additional way to show solidarity for those working to contain the virus and those who are serving on the frontlines as essential workers.

To take part in the campaign:

• Record a video with a message of gratitude, and light a candle as a symbol of healing, OR upload your best nature photo, with a message of gratitude and your hope for the world.
• Post video or photo on social media today on Earth Day – Wednesday, April 22, 2020 – using hashtag #HopeForHealing2020 and make sure to identify what geographic location of the world you are in quarantine.
• Tag friends to help spread more words of hope. Persons can also tag the Sandals Foundation (@sandalsfdn) and Island Routes (@islandroutes), who will in turn share the personal messages on their official platforms.

Ryan Terrier, VP of Operations at Island Routes says this campaign provides the perfect opportunity for people to travel across national borders and celebrate the outdoors.

Said Terrier:

“Although we cannot be outside right now, we can share in the beauty of the outdoors through photos and send messages of gratitude and love for each other in anticipation of the time when we can once again meet and enjoy nature’s beauty.”

For more, go to www.sandalsfoundation.org or on social media @sandalsfdn.

And to connect with Island Routes, go to www.islandroutes.com .