Dutch visitor donates relief container to drum band

PHILIPSBURG–Dutch visitor Louise Grouwstra donated a container full of relief goods to local drum band Generation New Status this week.

Grouwstra has been visiting St. Maarten frequently for two years and fell in love with the passion of the youngsters who perform in the band and the foundation that is in charge.
“I love this island and its people. When Hurricane Irma hit the island I saw the devastation and wanted to do something for the youngsters and their families. I started asking my friends in the Netherlands for any type assistance and I started collecting goods. My girlfriend assisted me also and we got food items, household goods for the children of the band.
“Every time I come to the island I enjoy the music from the drum band and I applaud the resilience of the organisation in charge of the drummers. The container will be ready for pick-up on Sunday and I hope that those in need get the assistance they need with these items,” Grouwstra told The Daily Herald on Tuesday.
She will be heading back to the Netherlands this week and Generation New Status Director Urmain Dormoy is grateful for her gesture.
“People like Miss Grouwstra are what make the island great. The band and foundation appreciate the assistance and I will be targeting those who really need the assistance,” stated Dormoy.
Distribution will begin next week, according to the foundation. They plan to sort out the container first and package all items. “I am leaving the distribution of the goods in the capable hands of Mr. Dormoy and I am confident that the goods will get to the right people,” Gouwstra concluded.

Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/71811-dutch-visitor-donates-relief-container-to-drum-band