Great Shape! Inc. (Jamaica)

This Sandals partnership with Great Shape! Inc. has expanded beyond the 1000 Smiles Program to include the SuperKids Literacy Program, and the new iCare Program  rolled out in 2009. The 1000 Smiles program saw over 19,000 persons benefiting from oral educational services and free treatments. Over 1,800 community residents received free eye-care services and glasses in the iCare Program.  The SuperKids Literacy program was again a success with 11 schoo

ls receiving computer equipment valued at over US$25,000. With the three separate programs already confirmed for September and October 2010, it is anticipated that over 20,000 persons will again benefit this year.

QUOTES FROM VOLUNTEERS:

~ “I didn’t realize I was SUPPOSED to be here this year. I am so grateful I followed the calling. The impact on my life and the lives of the students is amazing.” – Virginia Sibowitz, SuperKids volunteer

~ “I don’t want to go home,” – Tiffany Rinaldi (crying…), SuperKids volunteer

~ “For the rest of my life, I can’t imagine not returning. I’ll be back every year,” – Marie Curry, SuperKids volunteer.

~ “It’s so beautiful to go into communities that have so little access to health care and education and ‘big them up’. The children and adults are so grateful for our service. I’m grateful for THEIR service,” – Kate, 1000 Smiles volunteer

~ “We’re not even finished with the project yet, and I can’t wait to come back next year. Do you think they’ll let me work on the dental-education team instead of in the clinics?” Dr. Jim Alchemier, 1000 Smiles volunteer, (Dr. Jim apparently wants to teach prevention instead of treating the problem).

~“A-MAZE-ING! The volunteers are rockin’, the media is embracing our stories with open pens, the families we serve love-love-love us. I’m so grateful my mama and aunties founded this non-profit so we all have such an incredible opportunity to serve the world,” – Lucinda Kay, Great Shape! Inc. PR volunteer.