Building on last year’s record-breaking success that raised $22 million for scholarships and grants, MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ), operators of the Sangster International Airport (SIA),last week opened the registration process for its 5th Anniversary Annual Charity Run/Walk event on Sunday, September 7, as well as the grant application process for students and eligible community-based organisations (CBOs).

The dual announcement signals a significant expansion of the impactful educational initiative, with grant applications now extended beyond western Jamaica to students and CBOs islandwide for the first time, marking a strategic shift towards broader educational impact.

“Five years ago, we started this journey with a simple belief that education is the most powerful tool for transforming lives and communities,” said Sharon Hislop-Holt, Manager, Commercial Business Development and Marketing at MBJ Airports Limited.

“Today, as we officially open our grant applications and registration for our fifth anniversary run, we’re amplifying that mission. The response to last year’s record $22 million achievement has been overwhelming, and it’s clear that Jamaica is ready to invest even more boldly in the future of our young people,” Hislop-Holt said.

The expanded reach represents MBJ’s response to overwhelming demand from educators, parents, and students across Jamaica who have witnessed the transformative impact of previous awards. While applications are now open to applicants across the country, MBJ has maintained the three distinct categories for support:

MBJ Community Grant: Supports the education of Jamaican students islandwide, particularly those who live in low-income communities;

MBJ Inclusivity Grant: Supports programmes/projects being implemented by registered local organisations that target the growth and development of community members who have a disability; and

Team Sangster Grant: Supports the education of current SIA staff or the children of Team Sangster.

“The growth we’ve seen year over year tells us something powerful about Jamaica’s commitment to education,” Hislop-Holt noted. “Corporate sponsors are stepping up, families are participating together, and entire communities are rallying behind this cause. We started in 2019 and raised $3.5 million which supported 40 students. Last year, we raised $22 million and supported 1,300 students directly, and we intend to surpass those numbers this year.”

Last year’s charity run attracted over 86 sponsors, had over 2,500 participants and achieved a fundraising record that exceeded all expectations. Grant applications are now available at www.mbjairport.com with a deadline of September 30, 2025. The application process includes detailed guidelines for each grant category.

Run registration for the Run/Walk is open on www.runningeventsja.com, and closes on September 1, 2025. The event features warm-up activities beginning at 5:30 AM and race start at 6:00 AM, with refreshment, entertainment and exciting prizes throughout the morning.

“Every student who receives a grant, every family that participates in the run, every sponsor that contributes – they’re all part of building a stronger Jamaica,” concluded Hislop-Holt. “Our fifth anniversary is really just the beginning of what’s possible when we unite to ensure a strong educational foundation for our future leaders.”