Guardian Group’s annual SHINE 5K and 10K Charity Walk and Run has demonstrated remarkable philanthropic impact through its eighth edition held on November 29, 2025. The event, which originated in 2015, has evolved into a significant movement benefiting numerous organizations dedicated to children’s welfare across Trinidad and Tobago and beyond.
During a December 15 ceremony at Guardian Group’s Westmoorings headquarters, over thirty child-focused organizations received substantial funding from the $780,000 raised through this year’s initiative. The distribution ceremony highlighted the sustained commitment of corporate Trinidad to social development through athletic philanthropy.
Ayesha Boucaud-Claxton, Group Head of Marketing and Communication at Guardian Group, emphasized the transformative nature of the initiative. “SHINE has transcended beyond a mere event into a genuine movement characterized by generosity, unity, and collective care,” she stated. “Our dedication to community development remains sustained, deliberate, and deeply embedded in our organizational identity.”
This year’s edition introduced a regional humanitarian component, with portions of the proceeds allocated to support Jamaican children affected by Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in October 2025. The storm particularly impacted western Jamaica, prompting Guardian Group to extend its philanthropic reach across the Caribbean.
“Our assistance extends beyond national borders this year,” Boucaud-Claxton explained. “This allocation demonstrates our recognition of Caribbean unity—when one territory suffers, we collectively respond as a single family.”
Corporate partners including One Caribbean Media, Liberty Business, and SM Jaleel received special recognition for their sustained support in amplifying the initiative’s impact. Beneficiary organizations spanned diverse focus areas including the Autism Support Network, Dyslexia Association of Trinidad and Tobago, Playable Caribbean, and Just Because Foundation, all providing essential services in safety, mentorship, education, and counseling for vulnerable youth.
The funds will primarily strengthen existing programs, expand service capabilities, and create new opportunities for children facing significant challenges. Guardian Group officials encouraged continuing the “yeoman service” provided by these organizations in transforming obstacles into opportunities for the next generation.