SXM DOET, which is the largest yearly volunteer event in the Dutch Kingdom, is coming up on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17. Volunteering is a great way for people to help each other and build bonds.
Today, we’re highlighting one of the many projects that will be happening this year – a project by Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation. The KIDS Herald interviewed Ms. Donna Morrison-Wilson to find out more about this specific project, which brings the younger and older generation together.
1: Tell us about the project.
Our SXM Doet project this year is on Saturday, May 17. It is our Intergenerational Games Day at the Emilio Wilson Historical Park on LB Scott Road, Cul-de-Sac, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
This project will see the coming together of our seniors, youths and volunteers. The aim is to execute an event where the seniors and youth will come together for an interactive Games Day with food, drinks and lots of competitive fun.
The desired results of this project are for the seniors to enjoy a fun-filled day and the youth to enjoy interacting with the seniors. The games, food and drinks will definitely make it a memorable day for all.
2: Tell us about the Foundation’s projects with SXM Doet.
Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation has been in existence from December 2020. This will be the fifth year we are participating in the SXM Doet projects. The first and second year, we did an intergenerational gardening project with the seniors and the youths, along with a visit to the bird park in year-one and an island tour in the second year. The following year, we did an interactive sip & paint project along with an island tour; and last year we did just one project, which was an exciting candle-making project with Sensational Candles.
3: How many people are expected to join; and what type of skills will they need?
We are looking at around 100 people, which would include both the seniors and the youths along with our internal volunteers. There will be no need for skills. Our participants just need to be persons who love to interact with the seniors, know to play some fun games, help to serve them. Normally, when we do our intergenerational projects in the park, it attracts a large number.
4: How are the seniors and teens benefiting from the project?
The seniors look forward with anticipation to each time our foundation is hosting an event for them. There is always excitement in the air whenever they are invited. This is a time when they get to dress up and leave their homes to go see their friends and fellow seniors. On the other hand, the youths take pleasure in serving and spending time with the seniors; they gain insight and knowledge of what it was like back when the seniors were younger.
5: Is there any similar initiative that takes place during the rest of the year?
We have done and continue to do these types of projects even outside of SXM Doet. Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation has an Adopt a Grandparent Experience (AGE) program where we bridge the gap between the seniors and youths. The aim is to eliminate loneliness from our seniors by having the youths interact with them. This intergenerational program has yielded much fruit on both sides, with the seniors being overjoyed with the visits and interactions, which lead to lasting relationships; and at the same time, the youths receive historical information along with being taught to sew, cook and bake while being given tools to navigate life’s challenges.
6: If someone enjoys the project, how can they stay involved?
To learn more about SXM DOET, have an adult with you and visit www.sxmdoet.com, where you can browse projects, and sign up. For more information on Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation, find them on Facebook, call +1 (721) 523-0901 / 586-9035, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
