Sandals returning guests donate over 400lbs of supplies to Villa Primary School

Sandals returning guests Jeff and Aleshia Figgins from Maine, USA, have stayed true to a pledge of support made more than a year ago to students and teachers of the Villa Primary School in Antigua.
The couple recently donated over 400 pounds of supplies valued close to US$3000, having been inspired by their participation in the Sandals Foundation Reading Road Trip last year.
The couple spent months raising funds and purchasing the supplies outlined on a “wish list” from school principal Sandra Felix and the students. Items donated include over 300 pairs of sneakers and shoes, pencils, backpacks, stationery and personal effects.
“We bought as much stuff as we could for the children. That visit in 2014 totally changed our lives. We left Antigua a changed couple,” said Jeff Figgins, who has returned to Antigua with his wife for a three-week visit.
The couple had almost cancelled this year’s trip due to Jeff’s mother being ill. However, according to Jeff, his mother insisted that too much work and commitment had gone into honouring the wishes of the “little ones” to let her illness prolong the delivery of the items.
“This is the least we can do. It was not work for us,” Jeff said.
Director of Programmes for the Sandals Foundation Heidi Clarke expressed gratitude on behalf of the Sandals Foundation team.
“We are pleased to have served as a bridge between the school and the Figgins, whose support will undoubtedly have a positive effect on the lives of both the students and teachers of the Villa Primary School,” she said.
In the meantime, Principal of the Villa Primary School Sandra Felix, who was on hand to receive the donated items, said she was exceedingly grateful for the donation.
“We are still in awe here at the school. What they did for the children was not an obligation but still they put themselves out and kept their word. Tears came to my eyes when I saw them return, and when I saw the children’s faces at what was afforded to them,” Felix said.