By Shiu Ling Wu, Sandra Chu |Central America
"I'm very happy to be a volunteer," said Gassant, dressed in the gray Tzu Chi uniform. "After losing my job and struggling with hunger, it's fulfilling to now help others in need." Her story mirrors many within Tzu Chi Sint Maarten, where helping others has transformed lives.
On May 30, Theona Victor reached out for urgent financial help. Tzu Chi volunteers quickly responded, providing ongoing support and food packages. They also assisted institutions, shelters, and communities, ensuring everyone received care and warmth. Inspired by the volunteers’ compassion, many recipients chose to give back and join the effort to help others.
Timely Lifesaver in an Emergency
In early May, Theona's son suffered severe injuries in a car accident and was sent to Guadeloupe for treatment. As his condition deteriorated, Theona, financially strained and with an expired passport, was unable to travel. Her 17-year-old son, Emilien Jervon, was too young to travel alone, leaving only her daughter, Jermeria Emillien, able to care for him.
On June 3, Tzu Chi’s Sint Maarten coordinator, Sandra Chu, and volunteer Abraham helped Jermeria at the airport, buying her a ticket and providing extra cash for her trip on June 4.
"Though my brother is conscious now, his severe head injuries may lead to permanent disability," Jermeria reported on June 23. Such tragedies highlight life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing and helping others while we can.
Care Without End
On June 15, volunteers braved the scorching sun to deliver life packages to long-term care recipients. Jimmy, one of the recipients, was deeply grateful, saying, "The food arrived just in time; I really needed it." Inspired by the support, he decided to join Tzu Chi as a volunteer to give back. The volunteers were heartened to see this seed of goodness take root, hoping it would transform his life.
LEFT: Volunteers delivered life packages to long-term care recipients. Jimmy (second from the right) was deeply grateful, saying the food arrived just in time and was greatly needed. RIGHT: Ms. Arlette (left), who cannot walk, expressed deep gratitude for Tzu Chi's continued support. | Photos courtesy of Martin | Sint Maarten | 2024/06/15
Another recipient, Ms. Arura, was saddened by her inability to return the bamboo bank due to her struggles. Volunteer Neville reassured her, "Don’t worry about the money; just give your love." Hearing this, her smile returned.
Ms. Arlette, who cannot walk, expressed her deep gratitude for Tzu Chi’s continued help. Volunteers thanked her sincerely for giving them the chance to be grateful, reinforcing their belief in the power of giving.
Respecting the Elderly Like Family
On June 11, eight volunteers visited the Hope Estate Recreation Senior Center, delivering 10 kilograms of rice, cooking oil, and dried peas to benefit 50 elderly households.
"We are so grateful that Tzu Chi volunteers have always been here for us," said one elderly resident. The high cost of living on the island is a significant challenge for the elderly, but with the support of volunteers who treat them like family, they no longer feel abandoned in their later years.
On June 22, volunteers visited the Belvedere Redcross Residential, delivering food packages to the elderly. These visits are among the volunteers’ most cherished moments.
For many seniors, coming downstairs to meet the volunteers and collect supplies is difficult. Thus, volunteers visit each room, providing care and companionship along with the food packages. They express Tzu Chi’s love and gratitude, and the elders respond with blessings, filling the bamboo banks with love.
When volunteer Daisy delivered a package, a newly arrived elderly woman was both surprised and moved, her joy evident. Volunteers understand the importance of respecting and caring for the elderly, ensuring their later years are filled with dignity and comfort. Their radiant smiles are the volunteers’ greatest reward.
The next day, on June 23, the distribution team visited ALEFPA - Le Manteau de Saint Martin, a shelter, bringing essential supplies like rice, pasta, and dried peas. These basic items provide a glimmer of hope to those struggling to survive.
"The shelter aims to care for the homeless, who leave in the morning for work or to manage their affairs, and return at night for food and sleep," explained Ms. Audrey Gil. She warmly welcomed the volunteers and expressed deep gratitude for Tzu Chi’s continuous support. The aid is vital for the homeless, offering them comfort and warmth amid life’s challenges.
Nurturing Seeds of Kindness
On June 9, twenty dedicated Tzu Chi volunteers gathered at Cay Bay Community for their eighth poverty relief distribution. They provided 109 households, benefiting 345 people, with rice, cooking oil, noodles, and dried peas.
"I am thankful to the volunteers for dedicating their weekend to the Cay Bay distribution. The event went smoothly and harmoniously," said Sandra Chu, appreciating the team's courage and dedication in serving the community.
At 74 years old, volunteer Luis showed incredible energy, carrying supplies and offering gentle reminders to be cautious around the rocks, which touched many recipients.
Volunteer Clarel, moved by Tzu Chi’s values of gratitude, respect, and love, took time off work to participate. Wearing his volunteer vest, he guided participants and shared in the joy of the distribution.
Volunteer Abraham reflected, "Every volunteer is grateful for the chance to serve. The event was seamless, with everyone working together like family."
Certified volunteer Marilyn, handling on-site registration, expressed her gratitude, saying, "Tzu Chi helps everyone, ensuring every family has food." Her love for all beings motivates her to continue with diligence.
Sint Maarten’s Islands newspaper extensively covered Tzu Chi’s efforts, showcasing the volunteers’ compassionate dedication. Volunteers hope their work inspires more people, amplifying the strength of giving.
Happiness in Helping Others
On June 15, eight volunteers hosted a distribution at the Church of God, providing 35 families with 10 kilograms of rice, cooking oil, pasta, and dried peas.
LEFT: Volunteers dedicated themselves courageously and proactively to assist with the monthly Cay Bay distribution. | Photo courtesy of Martin | Sint Maarten | 2024/06/15 RIGHT: Clarel (right) has volunteered in several distribution events, taking time off work to serve. Wearing the volunteer vest, he guided participants, maintained order, and his heart was filled with joy. | Photo courtesy of Martin | Sint Maarten | 2024/06
Pastor Masson Romulus expressed heartfelt gratitude, noting, "Receiving these relief items is a blessing, especially with food prices so high." Tzu Chi’s support brings hope and light to struggling families, embodying Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s teaching: "The joy of giving is the joy of contributing one's efforts." Both recipients and volunteers find happiness in the act of giving.
On June 30, the eighth monthly distribution took place. Early in the morning, the venue buzzed with activity as care recipients arrived. Twenty-three volunteers served 175 households, benefiting 525 people, forming a human chain to distribute rice, oil, pasta, and peas.
A resident, holding a bamboo bank, shared, "This isn’t my first time here. Tzu Chi provides essential supplies and encourages us to contribute love. Even spare change can go toward helping more people." His happiness from both receiving and giving was evident.
For nearly twenty years, Tzu Chi has been carrying out charity work in Dutch Sint Maarten. Volunteers, guided by the "Three Goodness"— speak good words, do good deeds, and think good thoughts —embrace the teachings of Master Cheng Yen, " unconditional loving-kindness, universal compassion." They bring light to the darkest places, spreading love where it is needed most.
