St. Martin Day reminded us once again what makes this island special – our unity, laughter, and joy as one people. Across both sides, we came together not because we are the same, but because we share a deep love for this place and for one another. That sense of community doesn’t have to fade when the flags come down. It can guide us right into the Christmas season.
This year, the RISE Foundation is inviting everyone to carry that same energy of togetherness into action through its first Season of Light program. Under this pillar is the beloved Christmas Angels initiative – a simple yet powerful way for the community to give back to vulnerable youth, seniors, differently-abled persons, and families in need.
The Christmas Angels Program will be set up in two ways. From November 27 to December 1, volunteers will be stationed daily at the Government Administration Building, Super City, and Cost U Less, where members of the public can connect, pick an angel, and return with a gift within that five-day window. To make it easier for everyone to take part, there will also be self-service locations at TelEm and Princess Juliana International Airport from November 26 to December 8, allowing even more persons to participate at their convenience.
Each angel has been lovingly created by participants from more than a dozen organizations, including 721 Kids Foundation, Mental Health Foundation, Sister Basilia Center, Ujima Foundation, and public schools – ACE Foundation, Leonald Conner School, Marie G. De Weever School, Martin Luther King School, Prince Willem Alexander School, Ruby Labega School, and Oranje School. Together, they represent over 500 individuals across the island.
When we think about St. Martin, we think about joy, togetherness, and unity – the very traits we should carry all year round. Let us build on the Sint Maarten/Saint Martin Day celebrations and what we stand for as a people, remembering that each of us has a role to play – big or small. The Christmas Angels Program is one way every person can do their part to make Christmas a little brighter – not only for themselves, but for their neighbour. By staying connected and united, we strengthen a community where people feel seen, loved, and cared for, and that is the true spirit of St. Martin.
