PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten/Saint Martin Christian Council and St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation were able to collect US $21,500 during their "Help Haiti" radio-thon on PJD2 on January 24, surpassing their $20,000 target.Foundation representatives handed over a symbolic cheque for the amount collected to local Red Cross representative Robert "Bobby" Velasquez. Velasquez will ensure that the funds are channelled through the Red Cross to facilitate the primary relief efforts in Haiti.
He said the local Red Cross would surpass the $150,000-plus already collected, as monetary contributions were coming in continuously. "I'm proud of the way we as a little community and island have reached out to help our neighbours, our people in need," Velasquez commented.
Having visited Haiti recently, where he was brought face-to-face with the extent of the situation, Velasquez said contributions from the local community were still very much needed, because the devastation was far from over. "Words cannot explain how devastating it is there," he said.
Pastor Wycliffe Smith of St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation, who assisted in hosting the radio-thon, suggested this contribution was a demonstration of community love in action. He said he was pleased with how the community had come together and pledged.
He said those who were not aware of the radio-thon when it took place still had come on board after the programme and had made considerable contributions. He said churches on both sides of the island and of different denominations all had supported the programme. "It was a demonstration of how churches can work together," he said.
Reverend Stephane Brooks of St. Maarten/Saint Martin Christian Council, noting the necessity to assist Haiti in its relief efforts with already half a million people said to be dead, thanked everyone for individual and organisational contributions.
Monetary donations can still be deposited in St. Maarten/Saint Martin Christian Council Scotiabank account number 111-82 or handed over to Pastor Smith at New Testament Baptist Church.
