As part of our outreach programme, the Foundation recently entertained some of the elderly persons from the communities surrounding the Harrison’s Cave.  On February 14th, under the theme ‘Love up the Elderly’, six (6) persons ranging from ages seventy to ninety-one were entertained.  They were transported from and to their respective homes, and treated to a tour of the Cave, refreshments & gift baskets.

Spokesman for the residents Mr. Chesterfield Mayers, said that they were delighted and appreciative for the kind gesture.  He thanked the Foundation for the opportunity to view the facility, and complimented the company on the new developments so far, while wishing Chukka much success in their endeavours.

A special thank you goes out to Tropical Luxury Tours for graciously providing transportation for the residents, as well as the staff members who readily volunteered to assist with this venture.

On June 15th, 2023 Chukka Foundation and Hanover Charities held our official Handover Ceremony at Round Hillte Hotel and Villas for the funds raised at our Annual Polo Event 2023!

Thanks your support and the support of our sponsors we raised a gross income of over $52,000.00USD. With part of the proceeds raised, a grand joint project will be undertaken at the Sandy Bay Basic School to include new classroom equipment, a brand-new school sign and the installation of perimeter fencing for the the grounds this summer. 100% of proceeds benefit the outreach project managed by Chukka Foundation and Hanover Charities

It was our pleasure to partner with Carnival Cruise Line and American Friends of Jamaica for our Labour Day 2023 project at the St Ann’s Bay Hospital. The day was spent planting trees with Rada (The Rural Agricultural Development Authority) on the Hospital grounds, painting the Children’s ward, providing gifts of gratitude to their amazing Nurses and Doctors and donating new fans to the ward! We were thrilled to be a part of such an impactful initiative. A big thank you to our Chukka volunteers who assisted for the day.

Last week we visited Salt Spring Primary/Basic and Hartfield Basic School along with members of the St James Police Divison to assist with serving meals to students and to check in with Principals on progress of our ongoing Breakfast feeding program.

We were thrilled to see that the program continues to bear fruit, making an impact not only for the schools, but the surrounding communities.

High attendance rates which keeps children in schools, increased enthusiasm from both parents and teachers, and key steps towards reparation of police-citizen relations.

A big THANK YOU to our partners for 2022-23, the St James Police Division, Gore Family Foundation, Margaritaville Jamaica, Barnett Limited and Matmar Investments Limited to name a few, who see the vision and purpose behind this initiative, and continue to help us to keep it going!

Chukka/Harrison Caves Barbados representatives photographed with the graduating class of community school, Holy Innocents Primary. Prizes were donated to students awarded for helpfulness, most improved, good academic progress/behaviour, consistent good work, artistic talent – congratulation to the graduating class!

Chukka’s Ocean Outpost location in Sandy Bay hosted the Ms Hanover Festival Queen contestants for a fun filled day. Their coronation show is set for Saturday, June 25th, eight ladies vying for the crown!

Together with the Montego Bay Animal Haven, we had the opportunity to speak with the Students of Sandy Bay Basic in Hanover about compassion towards animals. MBAH is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 to raise awareness of the plight of stray and abandoned animals, and to try to tackle the problem in north west Jamaica.

Naji, dubbed their “canine school ambassador” came along for the visit with his adopted human Sue to share stories of love and compassion. The students and teachers were all treated to ice cream and face painting in celebration of their upcoming graduation.

This year we spent our labour day assisting two of our community schools, Steer Town Academy and Newstead Primary in Ocho Rios. A productive day painting schools walls and planting trees around schools grounds with the help of Volunteers from Chukka’s White River Valley location.

Team work makes the dream work!

In celebration of Women’s Month, our Belize Jaguar Paw Outpost location was honored to host the Officers of the Tourism Unit. We extend our gratitude and admiration for their ongoing service and protection.

Women are consistently highly rated within the Police Force, and undoubtedly continue to serve as role models for gender equality.

In recognition of tree planting day on the 1st of October, the Chukka Foundation with the generous support of tree donations from the Forestry Department planted 20 trees throughout our Chukka Cove & Cliffs at Llandovery, Ocean Outpost at Sandy Bay and Good Hope Eco-Adventure Outpost locations.

With the increasing urgency to restore/maintain our eco-systems, we are, and will continue to do our part to ensure the sustainability of our environment for future generations.”

The Chukka Foundation and Hanover Charities have continued their commitment to support their communities especially since the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, the organizations purchased much-needed medical equipment for the Noel Holmes Hospital in Lucea, Hanover. Thanks to the support of their sponsors and attendees at the Polo Charity affair held in February 2020, the charities managed to raise over US$ 44,000. With part of the proceeds raised, a Vital Signs Monitor and Suction Machine were donated – both being deemed as essential medical devices for patients.

The two charities recognize the importance of assisting the WRHA healthcare system by helping with the care for Covid-19 patients as the virus continues to spread. Hospitals are in need of funds to purchase necessary equipment and support frontline health care staff. The two charities gave support last year to the Cancer Care Centre at Cornwall Regional Hospital.

The Noel Holmes Hospital team expressed appreciation for the medical equipment and that the charities took the time out to recognize their needs.

The Chukka Foundation and Hanover Charities appreciate the nurturing and strong relationships they

have built over the years with supporters of their annual February events, laying a solid foundation to weather the pandemic.

Whilst the charities face challenges with fundraising, Sheona Muschett, Chukka Foundation Manager noted “it is even more important now to communicate to our sponsors and supporters, letting them know how help has been provided and how donors can assist. It is important to generate awareness for our advocacy groups during the pandemic and highlight our missions so that we may make a meaningful impact.” Katrin Casserly, Chairman of Hanover Charities concurs and adds “too many students, children, schools, elderly and sick depend on the annual efforts and assistance of our charity organization; it is now more than ever we need to work as teams to help those who need us most.” Both feel positive that the charities will rebound, pulling together to face the challenges of fundraising in the future and provide the help that is needed. Plans for a future joint fundraising event will be announced in the near future.

CHUKKA Caribbean Adventures is the largest nature adventure tour operator in Jamaica and the Caribbean; we have implemented a program dubbed “Chukka Checked” – health and safety protocols ensuring the well-being for our team members and guests throughout their nature adventure experiences.

For the past year, the Chukka Foundation has partnered closely with other charitable organizations to secure the purchase of a PACS System for the Radiology Department at the Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny.

Through the generosity of donors, the following organizations assisted with donating funds:-

The Issa Trust Foundation (the non-profit arm of Couples Resort)

The American Friends of Jamaica

National Health Fund

Tourism Enhancement Fund

We Care FPGH Ltd

Private Donors

Together , the target of USD$100,000 was raised to purchase  an Evo View PACS System with two Fuji CRs and Diagnostic Viewing Stations.  Last week, The Issa Trust Foundation delivered, installed and provided training for the new System.

The present system in our hospitals for x-rays, image storing and chemicals used to develop film is extremely outdated. Companies that provide chemicals to develop films are scaling back on the chemicals they offer with a warning that production will soon end.

Hospitals are moving to a system called the Picture Archiving and Communications System, or PACS, which allows them to store and transmit a patient’s imaging records in real-time. Instead of using outdated traditional-based radiology, PACS is digital.  The system’s benefits are greatly needed, as it allows organizations to share images with radiologists and physicians at other locations quickly, helping to save time and money, and improve patient care. The benefits of the shared system are significant. Prior to PACS, large jackets of film were needed to be moved from organization to organization at a significant cost.  Picture Archiving and Communication System enables radiologists to read, dictate, diagnose and report from a digital system. It facilitates zoom (for more precise images), improved data management, easy and quick access to patient reports, chronological data management and user-friendly software.  Transmission of electronic images and reports taka place digitally so that radiologists and doctors can seek other’s opinions through simultaneous viewing.

The Falmouth Hospital is the only secondary care facility in Trelawny. Falmouth and its vicinity have had a population growth of 25% with the boom of housing units over the past five years. The number of hotels rooms in the parish also continues to grow along with the cruise ship passengers from the Falmouth port. This growing population of residents and visitors has put pressure on the Falmouth Hospital’s facilities and staff, emphasizing the hospital’s need for upgrades and purchases of new equipment.

Working closely together with The Issa Trust  Foundation , The Chukka Foundation partnered in raising funds and finding donors to purchase the PACS System.

The donors are gratefully acknowledged for their support.

The Radiology Department and Falmouth Hospital are grateful for the arrival of the medical equipment, and the vast improvement it brings. Mr. Orville Anderson from the Radiology Department expressed special thanks and noted that the Pacs System will improve the efficiency of the department, reduce radiation exposure, save money and modernize the facility.

Helping to strengthen our social ties, the Chukka Foundation has endeavored to be socially responsible and to extend help to our staff and community as best possible. Covid 19 has had a huge impact on the tourism sector, where staff have unavoidably been laid off, and we are aware of the great need for support at this time.

Families in our communities are cooped up at home, and with the support of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, local partners and Hanover Charities, we have  reached out with the distribution of food packages to those most in need. Our scholarship program continues to help our sponsored students with their education for the prospective term. The health and wellness of our staff and clients is also paramount. Extensive training has been conducted in the protocols of hygiene, creating a positive impact on self efficacy and providing hope, resilience and optimism for our team members towards reopening our tours and welcoming back our visitors.

Superintendant Vernon Ellis and his team from the St. James Police Division distributed food packages provided by the Chukka Foundation to families in the Salt Spring community.The response was greatly appreciated and overwhelming.

Inspector Yvonne Whyte Powell of the St. James Police Division seen handing a food package to a young resident from the inncer city community of Salt Spring , St. James

Inspector Yvonne Whyte-Powell and Superintendent Vernon Ellis from the St. James Police Division assisted with the distribution of food packages to families impacted by Covid-19 in St. James. The packages were provided by the Chukka Foundation to help families during these challenging times.

AMCHAM Jamaica hosted their 10th Annual Business & Civic Leadership Awards at the Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday, January 28th2020.

The Chukka Foundation was honoured to be nominated for awards in the categories of Civic Leadership and Corporate & Social Responsibility (small organizations) under the distinguished patronage of AMCHAM’s Honorary Chairman, His Excellency Donald Tapia US Ambassador to Jamaica.

The AMCHAM Business & Civic Leadership Awards held annually, recognize and celebrate inspirational leaders, businesses and non-profit organizations for their vision, achievement and philanthropy in Jamaica.

Marc Melville and John Byles, Directors of Chukka Caribbean Adventures (CCA) have both been passionate in the creation and development of The Chukka Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Chukka, striving to be responsible to the communities in which the Chukka locations live and work. Extending philanthropic support since 1983 and creating the registered Foundation since 2008, CCA has taken great pride in the aid they have extended to their communities – recognizing that as a large organization, they have a great capacity to make an effective difference in their communities.

Marc Melville was nominated in the category of Civic Leadership for his role as the Chukka Foundation’s foremost advocate and visionary, aiming to support community involvement and to motivate his staff in taking leadership roles towards philanthropy. From scholarships, assisting schools and health care institutions, environmental awareness, volunteer groups, supporting local artisans, to community projects and animal welfare – the support that has been extended towards making a difference in lives has been significant. It is also important to Marc that communities seek sustainability, engage the local community and develop partnerships with other stakeholders.

For the Corporate & Social Responsibility category, the efforts of The Chukka Foundation for the recently joined  initiative launched by the St. James Police Division to partner with corporate stakeholders and start a School Breakfast Feeding Program for the children of the disadvantaged inner-city Salt Spring Community in St. James was recognized. This was an initiative of Superintendent Vernon Ellis to reduce crime by integrating the police into the community. The objective was to have the police looked upon as a part of the community instead of an opposing force. The two schools that are benefitting from this program are the Hartfield Basic School and Salt Spring Infant and Primary Schools. Children of primary school age are being targeted for this program as they are most open to learning and thriving with positive support extended to them.  Since the inception of the program, a sense of peace now exists in the community, incidents of violence have been greatly reduced and there has been a marked improvement with the children’s attendance and learning in classes. The success of this breakfast feeding program has spurred the authorities to consider its replication in other communities throughout Jamaica.

Chukka’s business is sustainable tourism. We recognize that our organization has an important role to play on the protection of the environment and educating our communities. Through a team of dedicated, motivated and environmentally aware professionals, we are committed to providing quality nature tours and services in a clean, sustainable environment. We attach a premium to our human resources being among the most environmentally responsible and community friendly groups in the tourism industry.

Some of the Chukka Foundation’s most recent projects dedicated to health facilities, spearheaded by Sheona Muschett (Foundation Manager) included partnering with the Issa Trust Foundation, American Friends of Jamaica, National Health Fund, TEF, We Care – FPGH Ltd and private donors, jointly raising USD$100,000 towards the purchase of a Pacs System for the Radiology Department at the Falmouth Public General Hospital in Trelawny.

Also, part of the proceeds from the Chukka Foundation and Hanover Charities annual Polo Charity event are used towards assisting community hospitals with medical equipment:

• 2019 a Cardiac Physiological Monitor Machine for Cornwall Regional Hospital’s Cancer Care Centre in Montego Bay. St. James
• 2020 a Vital Signs Monitor and Suction Machine for Noel Holmes Hospital in Lucea, Hanover

AmChams are affiliated with Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America (COCUSA), Washington, DC – the largest federated business organization in the world – with offices in 65 countries. Amchams work closely with the government of the host country to facilitate investment and trade between the host country and the United States.

The non-profit arm of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, The Chukka Foundation, recently partnered again with Hanover Charities, Lets Ltd and Neveast Supplies Ltd with providing back to school assistance to the children of the Pumpkin Bottom community in Hanover.

The partners were pleased to provide back to school supplies to 130 children ranging from early childhood up to the secondary age group to start their new school year on a positive note.

The back-to-school season is an ideal time to consider partnering with local communities, particularly at the beginning of a new academic year to provide support to students.

In today’s educational landscape, there is an ever increasing need for businesses to partner with local communities and schools. When students achieve their goals in education, everyone benefits. Businesses should be vested in education because of their need for a strong pool of local potential employees to choose from. There is evidence that business’ involvement in education is linked to fewer dropout rates in schools. When students see the relevance for pursuing a career in a specific industry, they are motivated to not only to stay in school, but to excel in it. This creates positive growth in the community over the long term.

It was a relaxed morning; the children arrived with parents to receive their supplies and mingled afterwards with the sponsors for refreshments. The support was appreciated by everyone.

Cooling Community Classrooms with Wall Mounted Fans

The Chukka Foundation is also providing assistance to thirteen community schools at all the Chukka locations across the island with the provision of wall mounted fans for classrooms. One of the most common concerns that the Chukka Foundation discovered while visiting schools was the dire need for fans, as classrooms are often very hot and stuffy, even in the cooler months of the year. Due to some classrooms holding as many as 40 children, a lack of air circulation makes it difficult for them to concentrate and learn due to being tired and dehydrated by the heat. By providing fans, the learning environment can be improved dramatically, thereby improving children’s health and motivation, making it possible for them to achieve higher grades.

The Chukka Foundation partnered with Bascho Trading Co. Ltd with providing the fans to the schools. It was a beneficial and rewarding venture for everyone.

We wish all the teachers and students a great start to the new academic year!

The Chukka Foundation and Chukka Caribbean Adventures recently joined the initiative launched by the St. James Police Division to partner with corporate stakeholders to start a School Breakfast Feeding Program for the children of the challenging inner-city Salt Spring Community in St. James. This was an incentive of Superintendent Vernon Ellis to reduce crime by integrating the police into the community. The approach was to have the police looked upon as a part of the community instead of an opposing force. The two schools that are benefitting from this program are the Hatfield Basic School and Salt Spring Infant and Primary Schools. Children of the Primary Age School’s age group are being targeted for this program as they are most open to learning and thriving with positive support extended to them.

The Chukka Foundation started the ball rolling by paying for the first month of the program. Since then other companies in the private sector have joined – Tourism Enhancement Fund, Rainforest Seafood’s,  Margaritaville Caribbean, Barnett Estate Limited, Gore Development Limited and Cascade Group Jamaica. With the support of the private sector helping to contribute towards the program by paying for a month each, this helped to make the program sustainable and a great success.

The Breakfast Feeding Program started in May. The initiative continued throughout the summer months for a four week period during July and August for 120 children.  The children were positively impacted and they engaged in educational and fun extra-curricular activities. Since the inception of the program, a sense of peace now exists in the community and incidents of violence have been greatly reduced.

With the start of the new academic school year, the Breakfast Feeding Program will continue into 2020 thanks to the support of the sponsors.

Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson stated “We at the Jamaica Constabulary Force appreciate the sort of commitment the community has made to peace, and building the relationship that we have over the past few months.”  It was also noted that this program would be replicated in other communities throughout Jamaica.

Thanks to our partners in the private sector for their support!

Summer Campers enjoy day out at Chukka

The Chukka Montpelier team recently hosted a group of 65 students attending a summer camp at the newly opened Hopewell Sports and Community Center to their location in Hanover for a day of fun filled activities.

The Chukka Foundation was pleased to provide assistance to the Hanover Charities and the Hanover Hope Foundation, offering the children the opportunity to experience zip lining and river tubing at Chukka Montpelier.

The Hanover Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization, was created to provide under-privileged children and youth in Hanover greater social exposure and awareness while reviving the spirit of volunteerism in the youngsters.

Laska Boldgett, camp coordinator from the USA stated, “ We wanted to send a huge thank you to everyone at Chukka. The campers had the time of their lives. It was amazing to see the children take risks and step out of their comfort zones by going zip lining and tubing. Best part of all, they loved it! Thank you again for making this possible!”

Record Breaking Success for Polo Charity Event in 2019!

The Chukka Foundation and Hanover Charities were delighted to announce that their 10th Polo Charity Event, held this past February, was a record breaking success! The event included a beautiful neon coloured theme, surrounded by entertainment and fun, thrilling polo matches, a delicious high tea, flowing bars, elegant ladies modeling hats, lively music, glamorous car displays. We welcomed our philanthropic guests, sponsors, and volunteers who came to celebrate a wonderful purpose!

Thanks to our Polo Charity Event, the Chukka Foundation and Hanover Charities are able to support our communities by implementing projects in our schools, healthcare facilities, and by providing scholarships from the proceeds. We will continue to be able to make a positive impact, and assist our community members in reaching their full potential.

The Polo Charity event is recognized as the signature charity polo match of the season. This year, we had the distinct pleasure of hosting the Newport RI team alongside our local players, making this signature event a global affair.

However, none of this would have been possible without the support of our sponsors. Thank you ever so much! It was the most successful of our charity events, as we had the most sponsors, volunteers and funds raised to date. We grossed US$75,000.00, ($35,000 more than last year) which will make a large impact on the quality of life of our communities. We recognize that our increased focus on sponsorship played a large role in our ability to reach these goals. As charity foundations, we both recognize the power of a group effort in making a considerable difference in the world, as well as the mutual benefits of sponsorship.

As everyone has become more connected and has access to more information than ever before, our charities can more easily engage the public with our missions. The accessibility of information has raised awareness around the world about social, political, and environmental issues, has educated more people about the nuances of these issues, and has helped consumers to recognize the power of their dollars in this corporate and capital driven world.

In fact, recent studies have suggested that millennials have driven the social responsibility movement, with 70% of them reporting that they’ll spend more with brands that support causes. Given that millennials represent $2.45 trillion in spending power, the notion of “giving back” may be very powerful for company’s sales, not to mention, its overall purpose.

Corporate donations are a great way to help nonprofit organizations that matter to you, your employees, and your community. They allow companies to take an active interest in their communities, which results in a boost of employee morale, increased employee involvement in the company, and a positive general attitude amongst co-workers. Charitable sponsorship is a great way to do good in your communities. Donations to events and charities which mirror your own company’s goals show your current and future clients that you really care about your business and community.

Chukka Caribbean Adventures has always had deep roots in our local communities. Through the Chukka Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Chukka, our community involvement extends far and wide. We have partnered with Hanover Charities in the shared cause of helping our communities, schools and health centres. Across all three countries (Jamaica, Belize and Grand Turks), we are dedicated to achieving immediate and lasting changes to the lives of children, youth, the elderly and families in their local communities. As the largest nature adventure tour operator in the Caribbean, we have developed a unique capacity to integrate our communities into our guest experiences in a meaningful way.

We hope that all of our sponsors continue to feel positive about the impact of their contributions. Today, we are pleased to announce that the Chukka Foundation and Hanover Charities are making a joint donation to the Cancer Care Centre at Cornwall Regional Hospital. This donation is inspired by the life and memory of Roy Ten Fah who dedicated his time and effort to the success of Hanover Charities, and all of our many loved ones who have been affected by cancer. The CRH Cancer Care Centre needs support to provide patients with the highest quality care, and we are pleased to be making our contribution through essential life-saving equipment.

A heartfelt thank you to our team of volunteers, our sponsors, and our supporters. We are looking forward to an even more successful Polo Charity Event on Sunday, 16th 2020!

Police Stations selected as Labour Day 2019 Projects

The Chukka team members made the painting of their community Police Stations a priority for their Labour Day projects this May. Jamaicans celebrate Labour Day by volunteering their time and energy towards the beautification and enhancement of communities. This National Holiday has been officially recognized in Jamaica since 1960.

The Chukka volunteers were spread across the island carrying out painting duties at the Police Stations of St. Ann’s Bay, Ocho Rios, Ramble and Montego Bay Freeport, focusing on outer walls and other much needed areas.

Police officers were pleased with the show of support and volunteers were happy to lend a helping hand to those who protect and serve our communities.

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