From left: Geddes Smith of Elite Development Team, Milano Diamond Gallery Regional Manager Vick Makhija and SMDF Programme and Development Manager Makhicia Brooks at the contract signing.
PORT--Milano Diamond Gallery has partnered with the Home Repair Programme of St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) to repair six hurricane-damaged homes. The project was put on public bid and Elite Development won the job. Work on homes in South Reward began this week.
Milano Diamond held a silent auction featuring dinners, hotel stays, cruises, leather goods and jewellery, at the grand opening of its location in Port St. Maarten a few months ago. Milano donated 100 per cent of the funds raised in the auction to SMDF. That organisation has committed the full amount to the repair of six homes.
“From the onset, we wanted to use our store opening as an opportunity to give back. We are happy to be able to work with the community organisations and SMDF to help those still recovering from the hurricane,” said Milano Diamond Gallery Regional Manager Vick Makhija.
For SMDF, having more partners means more home repair projects can be executed.
“St. Maarten is still recovering. There are still hundreds of people living in uncomfortable and unsafe circumstances and for this reason our work is not done,” said SMDF Programme and Development Manager Makhicia Brooks. “Through partnerships such as this one with Milano Diamond Gallery, we’re able to continue our works throughout St. Maarten.”
Since the passing of Hurricane Irma, SMDF has repaired 80 homes and constructed 16 new concrete homes. With its partnership with Milano Diamond, the fund will have executed 102 home repair and reconstruction projects.
