SANDALS Foundation volunteers from the Sandals and Beaches resorts in Negril brought cheer to 18 new mothers and 23 children on the Savanna-la-mar Hospital’s maternity and paediatric wards during a recent treat.

The volunteers handed over baby clothing, which were donated through Sandals Foundation’s partnership with the United States-based Victoria’s Children’s Boutique, to the mothers.

Wards, their visitors, and hospital staff members were also treated with refreshment, toys, colouring books and an appearance from Beaches Negril’s Sesame Street educational partner, Elmo. The children later shared in story time with the volunteers.

“This is definitely something different and I think it is a good gesture because some of the children become sad after being here for long periods,” Trishauna McIntyre, acting sister-in-charge of the paediatric ward stated. We are always happy for anything that makes them smile.”

One parent, Natasha Bush, expressed her appreciation.

“My son has been here for three weeks and some of the children are here up to a month. I feel so happy; today feels like Christmas.”

Sandals Foundation has supported the development of Jamaica’s communities through healthcare initiatives such as eye-care, dental and general health clinics for more than 62,000 people to date; medical equipment donations; and facility upgrades such as the extensive refurbishment of the St Ann’s Bay Pharmacy and the addition of two examination rooms at the Negril Health Centre.

Sandals Foundation also recently committed to the Caribbean-SickKids Paediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Project, which falls under the Global Child Health Programme and aims to improve diagnoses and outcomes for children affected by paediatric cancers and serious blood disorders in the Caribbean.