The Couples Resorts Negril Charity Golf tournament is this year making a more positive shift as part proceeds from the recently concluded 10th anniversary of the annual event will be donated to the Haiti Relief Fund.

Glenn Lawrence, chief executive officer (CEO) of the resort, made the revelation after another successful staging of the event which took place at the Negril Hills Golf Club.

The tournament, which has become a staple of the golfing calendar, attracted 56 participants and raised $1.5 million for its charities on Sunday.

Lawrence noted that through an appropriate donor, they will channel funding to assist in the relief efforts of Caribbean neighbours Haiti following the devastation resulting from the recent passage of Hurricane Matthew, which claimed over 800 lives.

Additionally, the proceeds will also benefit local charities such as the Negril Health Centre, Grange Hill Primary School and the Montego Bay Animal Haven.

Lawrence extended gratitude to the participants who played an integral part in the event, raising $300,000 more than the $1.2 million last year.

“Most of you would have seen the devastation in Haiti and we are going to find the right charity and ask them to donate directly to the Haitian people. So 100 per cent of the money goes directly to charity, we are hold nothing back, so thanks everyone for being here and being a part of this cause,” he said while addressing those in attendance at a presentation party.

Lawrence pointed out that the event, which has grown significantly due to the increasing support of guests locally and in the Diaspora, added that though the sum is not substantial, it has had a far-reaching impact on the respective charities.

“Last year we actually built a music room for the boys’ home, and the other charity that we have been able to help is the Grange Hill Primary School, which is another school that we support. and we have been doing many evening projects for the last year and we intend to do some more,” Lawrence pointed out.

Meanwhile, Clayton Smith, principal of Grange Hill Primary, was elated after receiving the symbolic cheque.

“Let me first thank the organisers and in particular, Couples Negril as they have been really instrumental in assisting Grange Hill Primary School. I am a new principal and there are many things that need to be done at our school; the last labour day project Couples assisted us in doing some electrical repairs and fixing up some classrooms.

“We don’t have any control over how the money is spent, but we thank Couples Negril because they are the ones who put in the labour and come up with the money to assist with our development, so I am expecting that this funding will go towards that effort as well,” said a grateful Smith.