Tzu Chi Foundation continues to bring aid to residents

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“three goods” relief distribution aid relief districts donations Tzu Chi Foundation

Philipsburg — The St. Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation continued its relief efforts to bring aid to residents in need by holding additional “three goods” relief distribution in four districts recently.

Relief efforts were done at the Good Samaritan Church in Sandy Ground on December 3, 2017; in Cay Bay on Saturday, December 9, 2017 and in Sucker Garden as well as at the L’ eglise de Dieu de Salvation Church in Cay Hill on Sunday, December 10, 2017.

The “three goods” relief effort is significant in that it encourages the public to “think, speak and do good” in all that they do. Volunteers also practice these three principles during the aid distribution.

The aid distribution on December 3, in Sandy Ground was very successful. It was organized and coordinated by a Tzu Chi volunteer, who wanted to assist members of the Good Samaritan Church, who are in need, as she is also a member of this church.

Three stations were set up at the church where clothing, rice, sandals and teddy bears were distributed to church members. Thirteen volunteers lovingly distributed the relief items to about 150 recipients. Children as well as adults were said to be extremely happy with especially the teddy bears as these were seen as nice gifts for Christmas.

For the relief distribution on December 9, a total of 20 volunteers came together to assist in giving out 200 1lbs spaghetti, 200 24oz cooking oil, 800lbs flour, 1,000lbs rice and 200 pairs of sandals to about 200 Cay Bay residents, who were happy and grateful for the items.

For the two relief efforts held on December 10, a total of 23 volunteers distributed similar relief items to about 350 residents in Sucker Garden and at the L’ eglise de Dieu de Salvation church in Cay Hill.

The Cay Bay event was a bit challenging as there were a limited number of Tzu Chi volunteers, but luckily on encouragement of Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung, 15 residents pitched in to assist in the distribution and to control the crowd. The resident volunteers did a wonderful job at their tasks and the event was a success and is testimony of how suffering and hardship can influence positive behavior in people and also an indication that Tzu Chi is reaching those most in need.

During the December 9 and 10 aid distribution, a total of 1,525 lbs of rice, 1,525 lbs flour, 350 24oz cooking old, 350 lbs spaghetti and 350 pairs of sandals were distributed.

Recipients were happy with the items received. “We are very happy to see you come to bring some joy in our heart. We are very happy,” one elderly recipient said.

During the various relief efforts, residents were also given an opportunity to give back to Tzu Chi by donating whatever they can to assist the foundation to continue its efforts to reach even more persons in need.

Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung said she is very thankful for the cooperation of residents and recipients in the districts visited, who gratefully accepted the relief items given and the many volunteers, who sacrificed their personal time to assist in the endeavor.

As the holiday approaches, she said Tzu Chi will continue its relief efforts to reach residents who are most in need at this time.

Tzu Chi Foundation aid to residents (1)