Tzu Chi volunteers distributing the sandals to residents.
POND ISLAND–When St. Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation noticed that the residents of Pond Island were heavily affected by Hurricane Irma, that many of their homes had been badly damaged and they were without electricity and water, the foundation decided to coordinate one of its “three goods” relief effort for them.
The three-goods relief effort signifies the importance of thinking good, speaking good and doing good.
The foundation noticed the situation in the district during a visit on Tuesday, November 14, and immediately coordinated a relief, which was held on Sunday, November 19, from 3:00 to 5:00pm.
Rice being given to residents.
A total of 18 volunteers got together to assist during the exercise. During the activity, Tzu Chi donated 1,000 pounds of rice, 200 pairs of comfortable sandals and 200 polo shirts to residents of the area.
The need for the relief items was so great that scores of residents began showing up from as early as 2:00pm. Some residents cooperated with volunteers and the foundation managed to execute the effort peacefully, with some recipients even joining the foundation in helping to set up the donation stations. A “Think Good” station was set up for the activity to distribute the polo shirts, a “Speak Good” station to distribute the rice and a “Do Good” station to distribute the sandals.
Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung (left) with volunteers who assisted in the exercise.
Volunteers demonstrated the “three goods” philosophy during the event and recipients were very grateful to receive the foundation’s assistance, expressing appreciation as they received the items.
One recipient said he was very thankful to Tzu Chi for coming into their neighbourhood to distribute relief items at this time after the devastating Hurricane Irma. He said residents were still without light and water, were in dire need of assistance and were very thankful and grateful to Tzu Chi for coming to their aid.
Residents queue up to receive the relief supplies
Another recipient said residents in the Pond Island area really needed the assistance provided. He lauded Tzu Chi for having an open-door policy, noting that the Foundation offers assistance to any- and everyone.
“We thank you for coming in this area, because we really needed the assistance,” the recipient said.
Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung said the foundation is grateful for the opportunity to assist and thanked residents for accepting the items donated.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/71199-tzu-chi-donates-relief-items-to-residents-of-pond-island
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