‘Labour of love’ - Sandals serves up good food for street people

Twice each month, residents of Ocho Rios and adjoining communities in St Ann, who live on the streets, receive the gift of a hearty meal from the management team at Sandals Royal Plantation.

"This is our labour of love," noted Arnold Nugent, general manager of Sandals Royal Plantation, during a recent feeding exercise in the heart of the tourism capital where he helped to serve lunch to a number of residents.

"We do so many community activities, but this is the one which is most dear to our hearts. Helping the less fortunate and sometimes forgotten members of our society is one of the hallmarks of our company, and we are very happy to do so," added Nugent.

He said the meals offered to the street people are specially prepared with love and attention to detail by the executive chef and packaged and distributed by members of the management team.

"And not only do we serve meals but we also take time to interact with these persons who have now become like a part of the family. We take our role as good corporate citizens very seriously, and this is why we are so active in our community, embarking on several efforts each month. Our mandate is to give back as much as we can," said Nugent.

Forty-year-old Karl Francis, who resides on the streets of Ocho Rios, says he is thankful for the efforts of the Sandals Royal Plantation team and that he looks forward to their presence every month.

"A lot of people forget about us," said Francis. "So we are really glad when we see the way the hotel people treat us; it makes me feel very special."

Another street resident, who lists her name as Patricia Morgan, says that while she isn't always around to benefit from the meals, she is also appreciative of the care and affection with which it is served. "We really feel special," she said.