Back-to-School Gifts for Every Stella Maris Student

The one hundred and ten students who attend Stella Maris School for children with special needs all received new knapsacks with stationeries for their first day back as an entire school since the COVID-19 interruption of classes. The gifts came from Belize and Me, Jungle and Sea Tours, and Alaia Resort. Jason Edwards from the tour agency and Anthony Johnson from the resort told News Five that their investment of over eight thousand came from the heart.

Jason Edwards

Jason Edwards, Owner, Belize & Me Jungle and Sea Tours

“On my fortieth birthday I decided that I did not want anything – no gifts. I wanted to give back, and so I decided to choose Stella Maris because I know that it is one of the most forgotten schools in Belize City, so-to-speak. And immediately I reached out to Alaia and they didn’t think twice to come on board and help to sponsor some of the school bags and the different stuff for the kids. So, we went out and we got a hundred and ten schoolbags with books, pencils, erasers, water bottles for the kids.”

Anthony Johnson, General Manager, Alaia Resort

“This is Jason’s project, so he came asking for donations, and when I heard of the project, I didn’t hesitate to assist him in giving back to the community. We at Alaia believe that it’s important to give back to the community. Alaia has donated to several organizations, it’s just that because of this presentation today, you are here but there are many other organizations that we give donations to.”