The non-profit private institution is dedicated to develop and promote programs to benefit the underprivileged people of the Dominican Republic. A part of Elliot, a company that manages and operates the largest Canadian-founded resort company in the Dominican Republic, Sun Village Resorts, the Elliott Foundation has been working hard to help give children of the region a chance for change.

Derek Elliott, originally from Carlisle, is the co-founder of the Elliott Foundation and Chief Executive Officer and President of Elliott. Elliott made the move to reside full-time in the Dominican Republic three years ago.

"My father and a few select investors, almost 20 years ago, came to the Dominican Republic," said Elliott about his father Frederick, founder and chairman of Elliott and co-founder of the Elliott Foundation.

"We have been building a company here and have really become ingrained in the Dominican society," he added of the originally Canadian based company.

In February, City Council President Frank Salvador and Public Affairs Director Manuel Emilio Gilbert presented Frederick with the honorary title of Adopted Son of Puerto Plata. The honor was presented to publicly acknowledge Frederick's tremendous contributions in transforming the local community into a vibrant and upscale market for real estate and tourism.

Elliott explained that the Foundation employs four full-time staff members who work to achieve the organization's goals, which include the funding of local schools, orphanages and other relief projects related to the protection and welfare of children.

"Three hundred thousand USD worth of medical supplies are coming into the country," said Elliott, with a tone of excitement.

As part of the Foundation's new partnership with CitiHope International, a global Christian humanitarian relief and development service agency, the Elliot Foundation will distribute the medical supplies, including anti-bacterial drugs, to local medical institutions and physicians in the Puerto Plata region.

In addition to its partnership with CitiHope, Elliott explained that the Foundation has received substantial support from the Canadian Embassy, the local authorities and vacationers.

Between fundraising events, the Elliott Foundation has started selling wristbands, similar to the Lance Armstrong rubber bracelets, said Elliott. The bracelets are woven bands that are made in the Dominican Republic.

"It has really caught on," explained Elliott about the success of this fundraising tactic.

"In Canada," he added, "there is a huge middle class, but in the Dominican Republic, the people don't have things that you and I are used to.

"We are definitely making a huge impact here because of the support and energetic leadership that everyone has."

Fundraising events for the Puerto Plata community extends right into the Flamborough area, with some events located at the Elliott family farm in Carlisle. Many Ontarians are looking to donate to the Elliott Foundation, noted Elliott.

"I identify with Canada and the US," he said. "When you are born, you hit the lottery right off the bat. You have such a chance to do what you want to do, but when you go to a different country, they don't have that. We are trying to give back to the community."

The dream of creating an international company stems back to the days when Derek Elliott and his brother, Drew, attended Waterdown District High School and played hockey at the Carlisle arena. "We always remember where we came from, and people should feel proud that someone from their town is doing this," he said.

"We are just a very thankful company," added Elliott. "We have overcome incredible challenges in the Dominican Republic and it's through the support and strength of everyone that has been involved with us that we can really give back and assist with the community."

Back on the sandy beaches, Elliott said, "there's lots of interesting, cool stuff happening here."

With two resorts in the Dominican Republic, and one more on the way, the Elliott Group has produced motion pictures, including the recently-released Lovewrecked, featuring Amanda Bynes and Man About Town featuring Ben Affleck. Sun Village Resort will also be hosting the Dominican International Film Festival in November.

For more information on the Elliott Foundation's efforts to help the children of the Dominican Republic, contact Reta Keeler, Executive Director of the Elliott Foundation, via email at reta@sunvillageresorts.com.