One of the key things that helps to drive our teams forward is our passion to help
and serve the communities local to us. We pride ourselves on open communication,
breaking down barriers in both community and industry, treating everyone with the
same values of quality of service and respect.
We feel it is vital to put back into the communities where we operate, this takes many
forms from larger formal organisations such as The Princes Trust, through to low key
direct action such as shipping clothing to children in Grenada, a life boat to Tortola,
play equipment to Bequia, and much needed aid in the aftermath of disasters.
Corporate Social Responsibility Latest News
Helping out at grass roots
Kestrel Global Logistics have recently helped out the Grenada Football Association by providing 200 football kits for their grass roots football scheme.
Based in Miami, Kestrel Global Logistics (part of the Kestrel Group) specialises in LCL and FCL cargo from worldwide origins into the Caribbean and Latin America and strongly believes in supporting the areas that they ship to and “putting something back”.
The company has several ongoing charity projects in the Caribbean and this is a recent example of their dedication to the islands.
The grass roots football scheme works with children aged 6-14. Whilst coaching the children in football skills, they also learn important life skills such as improving discipline and self-worth.
“We are understandably very proud of the charity work that we do. The Kestrel Group began life over 20 years ago with just one shipping line to the Caribbean, since then the company has gone from strength to strength but we have never forgotten our roots. Schemes like this grass roots football programme play a vital role within a community and really make a difference to the children involved. We are delighted to be part of it.” Steve Keats, Vice President
Pictured here are just some of the boys that are taking part in the scheme.
The Prince's Trust
The Prince's Trust, founded in 1976, is one of the United Kingdom's
most successful funding organisations. We at Kestrel never fail to be
inspired by their ongoing efforts to uplift the younger generations.
In January 2017, we partnered with the Prince's Trust International, a new International arm
launched in 2015, to deliver their 'Get into Logistics' programme. The 'Get into' is an employability
scheme in Barbados with the aim of helping disadvantaged young people on the island gain vital
sector-specific skills. Our first wave of students on the 'Get into Logistics' programme all graduated
with flying colours.
Mark Davidian from Kestrel had the pleasure of giving the participants of
'Get into Logistics'
their graduation certificates.
He heard first-hand the benefits of the programme to the young people involved.
I was very honoured to attend the Prince's Trust International Event and to meet this first
wave of students – an inspiring group of enthusiastic, energetic young people looking to find
a start and hopefully building a career in logistics. As the future of their industry they
need to be given a chance. The benefits from this programme are already being realised in
Barbados and we look forward to seeing the programme expand across the Caribbean region.
Mark Davidian
One of the biggest success stories of the 'Get into Logistics' programme was our trainee Orian.
We were so impressed with her commitment and enthusiasm, we offered her a job in our offices in Barbados.
We're pleased to report that she accepted, saying:
Six weeks ago I knew nothing about shipping! In five weeks I have learnt so much. I am looking
forward to finding out so much more about the shipping and logistics industry. I am particularly
looking forward to seeing a product on the shelves in Barbados knowing that I played a part in
importing it.
We have also had the pleasure of working with the Prince's Trust International to sponsor their very
successful 'Get into Hospitality' programme. This is an intensive 12-week programme which supports
15 young people who are not yet ready to enter employment and works with them to develop not only
their confidence but also other key skills they will require through a residential week, community
project and work placements. This programme also boasts a high degree of success with helping young
people to find opportunities within the hospitality industry.
Here at Kestrel, we owe our success to the many different communities around the globe, so we are
proud to support those who support us. We remain aware of the many different issues that these
communities face, and are eager to help them however we can as it is part of the Mission Statement
that Kestrel is built upon.