~ Distributed and Facilitated Maho Group and Le Grand Marche ~
MAHO BAY, Sint Maarten:--- On October 5, 2017 the first distribution of funds from the gofundme.com/sonestasxmstaff campaign, which was highly supported by past guests, family and friends to provide aid to employees of The Maho Group and Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten, has commenced and in progress this week. A central location for this distribution was graciously provided by the Belair Community Center making it a convenient location for staff with limited transportation.
Employees from Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and together with Sunwing, Sonesta Great Bay Resort; Casino Royale; Diamond Casino; Golden Casino; Maho Real Estate, Island Cleaning Services, and Resorts Cleaning Services each received $120 worth of vouchers applicable toward purchases at Le Grand Marché supermarket for food and essential supplies. This campaign is separate from the GoFundMe campaign created by timeshare members supporting the staff of Royal Islander Club.
After Hurricane Irma, the resorts’ management team received many requests from loved ones and past guests to create a channel where they can donate directly to staff and their families, so The Maho Group, together with Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten, has facilitated this and set up an official GoFundMe campaign: gofundme.com/sonestasxmstaff for the employees of Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten and the casinos operated under The Maho Group to help provide food, essential supplies, and household items.
“Many of these guests who have visited Sint Maarten and any of the Sonesta Resorts in our beloved island know that it is the team - the people of Sint Maarten who are the soul of our hotels and our destination,” posted Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten Management Team on the campaign story. “It is the people that make hotels beautiful; it is the staff who make you smile every day when you get up for coffee and see that incredible Caribbean Sea in the distance. You may be in a remarkable location in the world, but without these smiling faces, heartfelt, dedicated service and a genuine love for their work, hotels in the Caribbean simply would not operate without their staff. So please help us help them.”
As of this release date, the campaign has reached $95,137 of a $300,000 goal, and through regular updates posted, the campaign has encouraged donors to spread the news and share the link to their networks to obtain this goal. 100% of these funds donated are being distributed without any costs associated and there were no administrative fees deducted. The Maho Group, along with Le Grand Marché, also contributed 10% to cover the difference ensuring that its 900 employees received vouchers worth $120 during this first round of distributions.
All employees are requested to join a private Facebook group, Maho Group Team, a communication channel to receive more updates on employment assistance and upcoming schedules of distributions.
On behalf of the entire management team and staff, The Maho Group would like to thank all donors, Le Grand Marché for their contributions, Belair Community Center, and members of the local for making this happen. #StayStrongSXM
http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/27292-first-round-of-donations-of-the-gofundme-campaign-funded-by-guests-family-and-friends-to-aid-the-maho-group-and-sonesta-resorts-st-maarten-staff.html
