Jamaica carnival revellers invited to give back before taking to the road

COURTLEIGH HOSPITALITY Group ‘Pack for a Purpose’ programme enables Carnival guests to donate to local Jamaican charities.

Carnival in Jamaica counts as more than just a party for revellers staying at any Courtleigh Hospitality Group property this year.

Kingston’s leading hotel collection is inviting guests visiting for carnival in Jamaica to donate needed supplies to local charities through its ‘Pack for a Purpose’ programme. The effort is being organised in conjunction with a United States-based nonprofit organisation aimed at having a positive impact on communities around the world by assisting travellers who want to make meaningful contributions to the destinations they visit.

“Carnival in Jamaica is all about fun, and, certainly, our hotels are ground zero for all the action here in Kingston,” said Nicola MaddenGreig, group director of marketing and sales, Courtleigh.

“At the same time, though, we’re always mindful of the needy within our community who struggle to enjoy even the basics in life. We’re asking guests staying with us over the carnival period to save a little space in their luggage to bring down supplies benefiting some truly wonderful local charities. Even the smallest donations can help a lot and make the carnival in Jamaica experience more meaningful and rewarding.”

All three Courtleigh Hospitality Group properties – The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites, The Knutsford Court Hotel, and the Jamaica Pegasus – are participating in the Pack for a Purpose programme. Beneficiary charities include The Alpha Boys’ Institute, Missionaries of the Poor, the Open Arms Development Centre, and the Marie Atkins Shelter.

“Several of the charities we sponsor offer care and temporary housing for the homeless, so basic grooming items like soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, and toothpaste are highly valued,” said Madden-Greig. “School supplies for the Alpha Boys’ kids are also always appreciated.”

Donations can be made at the front desk of any of the Courtleigh Hospitality Group properties.

CONTRIBUTED The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites, sales and Reservations Manager Maurice Bryan (second right) and Knutsford Court Hotel Front Desk Supervisor Duane Phillips collecting donation of shoes from a guest at the hotel for the homeless.