Tag: Charity Run/Walk

180 benefit from proceeds of Team Sangster Charity Run/Walk

The elated Commercial Department Team which initiated and coordinates the MBJ Team Sangster Charity Run Walk annually, from left, Sharon Hislop-Holt, Commercial Manager, Nadia Anglin-Nolan, Statistics & Air Service Coordinator, Mellissa Bernard, Commercial Coordinator, Shanice Sampson, Commercial Advertising Clerk, and Shanelle Grizzle, Business Development Analyst, all present at the MBJ Charity Run Walk Grant ceremony, held recently.

Approximately 180 students are set to benefit from academic grants from the Team Sangster Charity Run/Walk organised by MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ), operator of the Sangster International Airport (SIA). 

At the awards and handover ceremony, which was hosted on the grounds of SIA, students from across western Jamaica proudly clad in uniforms were feted to an inspirational evening of activities and entertainment. The recipients ranged from the primary education level to those pursuing tertiary studies at both local and international universities. 

Through their many sponsors, MBJ Airports was able to raise J$11 million during the third staging of the charity run/walk, held on September 11. This is a remarkable increase from the $4.5 million raised in 2022, when 50 students were direct recipients of academic grants.

An impressive 87 individuals and four community groups consisting of 90 youths are beneficiaries of this year’s grants. 

For Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports, this initiative is a testament to the positive impact that can be made when corporate entities join hands and hearts to make a difference in the community. 

Recipients of MBJ’s Team Sangster Charity Run/Walk Grants could not contain their excitement after an evening of inspiration and entertainment. At right is Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited.

“Two words stand out today – unity and purpose. Today we are here for this special award ceremony where we have a chance to contribute towards a brighter future and that is made possible through education and community support,” Munroe said during his address on Monday. 

The CEO further underscored MBJ’s commitment to supporting the educational pursuits of students who need financial backing. 

“MBJ is not just a gateway to Jamaica, our beautiful island, but also a cornerstone of this community. We believe that it is essential that we all thrive so we must ensure that the community develops and grows as well. This 5K/10K fund-raising event is a testament to our commitment and every step taken is a step towards a dream, a step towards an aspiration and a future leader,” he said.  

Manager of commercial, business development & marketing at MBJ Airports Limited, Sharon Hislop-Holt, was elated as she was greeted with the smiling faces of recipients and their parents during the ceremony. She reiterated MBJ’s drive to impact Jamaican youths through education – a pillar to success. 

“We are excited to be here another year celebrating this event. MBJ celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and we have always had a commitment to education and as we grew over the years, that commitment has only grown and strengthened,” she said. 

Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited speaks with twin recipients of Team Sangster Community Grants Daniella (left) and Deandra Irving after Monday’s award ceremony.

“We know people are in need and we are here to help to ensure that students are able to get the education that they require,” Hislop-Holt added. 

Delivering an inspiring keynote address was the principal of St Mary’s Preparatory School, Dr Anthony Taylor, who emphasised to the recipients the importance of obtaining a solid education. 

“I am imploring you to make the best of your education journey and at some stage in your life, relive the same kindness that would have been vested in you to someone else,” said Taylor. 

“The grant is just telling you that someone believes in you. You have to show them that you believe in yourself and that you are going to be that beacon in your life so that someone can speak of your kindness 10 years from now,” he charged.

Taylor also commended the team at MBJ Airports Limited and their many valuable sponsors for organising this initiative to positively impact the lives of these youths. 

“I want to commend the team who initiated this programme and I commend you because you are doing something good,” he said. 

Before the evening was brought to an end, members of the Jackie Norman Youth Empowerment Programme’s (JNYEP) band brought the roof down with their rendition of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song and Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers. They were also a recipient of the Inclusivity Grant during Monday’s ceremony. 

Source: OUR Today – https://our.today/180-benefit-from-proceeds-of-team-sangster-charity-run-walk/

MBJ Airports Ltd 5K/10K Charity Run/Walk raises $11-m for academic grants

Sangster International Airport (IATA: MBJ, ICAO: MKJS) is an international airport located 3 mi (4.8 km) east of Montego Bay, Jamaica. The airport is capable of handling nine million passengers per year. It serves as the most popular airport for tourists visiting the north coast of Jamaica. The airport is named after former Jamaican Prime Minister Sir Donald Sangster.

ST JAMES, Jamaica – MBJ Airports Limited, operators of Sangster International Airport (SIA), has hailed their third staging of the annual MBJ Team Sangster Charity Run/Walk, held on September 11, at Sangster International Airport, as a resounding success.

The event raised an impressive $11 million for academic grants, a significant increase from the $4.5m raised in 2022.

This achievement underscores MBJ’s commitment to supporting the education of the most vulnerable students in their community, MBJ Airports Limited said.

Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, expressed immense joy at the substantial funds raised during the charity run/walk, as he emphasised the event’s significance.

“We are very pleased to witness the incredible success of the charity run/walk, which not only brought our community together but also raised an impressive amount for academic grants. This event showcases our commitment to supporting education and making a meaningful impact on the lives of students in the community in which we exist,” he commented.

Munroe further added that the funds generated from the charity run/walk extend beyond mere monetary contributions, pointing ou that “they symbolise a shared dedication to advancing education and enriching the local community.”

“With this substantial sum raised from this event, MBJ Airports Limited is well-positioned to effect substantial changes in the lives of budding scholars. This financial support opens doors for them, enabling them to chase their academic pursuits and, in turn, foster a brighter future for the entire community,” he added.

Audley Deidrick, CEO and president of Airports Authority of Jamaica, also expressed his appreciation for the remarkable outpouring of support for the event and the funds raised through the charity run/walk while reflecting on the impact the contributions will make in the lives of deserving individuals within the community.

“Participating in this year’s charity run was an incredible experience. Knowing that our efforts directly contribute to academic grants makes it even more rewarding,” Deidrick said.

Manager of Commercial Development & Marketing at MBJ Airports Limited, Sharon Hislop-Holt emphasised the event’s role in supporting education and the overwhelming support it received.

“I am elated with the overwhelming support we’ve received this year. This event has gained recognition for being an excellent event that the airport community and corporate Jamaica look forward to. All the funds raised will be awarded to students for education, a cause we know is greatly needed,” Hislop-Holt stated.

The success of this event is attributed to the generous contributions of sponsors, donors, and over 2,000 participants. All proceeds from the event will go directly towards enabling students to access much-needed academic grants at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. The grants will be geared towards airport employees, their children and dependents, individuals from the surrounding communities, as well as community-based organisations targeting the growth and development of persons with special needs.

In 2022, over 50 students benefited directly from the proceeds of the event and with more than double the funds raised this year, MBJ Airports Limited intends to make an even more significant impact on the lives of more students.

To apply for these grants, students are encouraged to submit their applications by the extended deadline of October 20, 2023.

Source: Jamaica Observer – https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latest-news/mbj-airports-ltd-5k-10k-charity-run-walk-raises-11-m-for-academic-grants/