Harlequin's mission is to be a responsible and positive presence
in the Caribbean. This aspiration is evident from the many jobs and
work created for the people of St Vincent by Buccament Bay Resort,
typifying Harlequin's commitment to making a positive impact on the
local economy and community. There is also Harlequin's
environmental impact to consider, so it insists upon implementing
an environmentally responsible approach to sourcing the materials
and technologies that create and maintain its hotels and
resorts.
But there are some things that cannot be addressed from the
confines of a luxury resort, which is why Harlequin is also
involved with a number of charities around the Caribbean.
In August of 2011, following the purchase of a hotel in Barbados
that will become one of Harlequin's "H" boutique hotels, the
company donated 47 rooms' worth of furniture and equipment to the
St Philip South Foundation for Education in Barbados. This young
charity supports the youth of the St Philip Parish, who may not
have access to the basic resources that many take for granted.
Numerous items were provided directly to the youths' homes, whilst
some items were used for a public sale that raised significant
funds for the charity and its work.
In St Lucia this February, Harlequin also made an initial
donation of 60 rooms' worth of furniture and equipment from a hotel
on the island to two local charities, New Beginnings and
Ciceron, that help homeless and abused children. The
charities also work with the children's families in the hope of
rehabilitating them and facilitating the child or children's return
home.
The company has also been heavily involved with a number of
initiatives in the region, including one that will be announced for
St Vincent this week… but that's for another blog!
Although Harlequin will always strive to provide paradise
escapes for its customers, the company will remember there are
always others far less fortunate who also need an escape.