During the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
No less than a 150 Food Hampers were distributed to families on the island under the leadership of Community Service Director Fred Van Der Peijl. With the help of many who provided the names and addresses of those in need of assistance, Fred and his team of Rotarians maneuvered their way through often challenging roads during the past rainy weeks to spread some "thanksgiving". Bearing Food Hampers filled with non perishables, made possible with the help of Prime Distributors, Rotarians joined numerous organizations in helping many families in need this year.
But food was not the only thing that filled the spirit of giving, as Santa made his annual visit to the Rotary Children’s Christmas party at the St. Maarten Zoo. Assistant District Governor James Ferris, President Rebecca Low, organizing committee Rotarians Henna Budhrani, Maria Buncamper and many other Rotarians welcomed over 70 children, primarily from the Belvedere area, guided by the very capable leaders of the Belvedere Community Center, who were treated to Domino’s Pizza, Cake House cup cakes and drinks, provided by Prime Distributors.
After touring the St. Maarten Zoo in Madam Estate the children enjoyed the playground, had some treats while anxiously awaiting the highlight of the party, which was Santa of course, who came with his Santa bag filled with gifts for all the children.
The Rotary Club of St. Maarten would like to thank the many donors and volunteers who made it possible for the club to realize the many community service projects it carried out during 2011. Rotarians would also like to wish the community of St. Maarten a Merry Christmas and may the Rotary Four Way Test guide our island and its people in 2012 and beyond: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?