PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation gave Christmas shoppers an opportunity to donate some of their spending money to assist victims of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), which wreaked havoc in the Philippines in November.
A total of US $1,504 was raised in two collection efforts held days before Christmas. In addition to what was raised, Wing, the husband of Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung, donated the US $348 he received as his birthday gift on December 20 to the Philippines relief bringing the total amount to go to the Yolanda victims to US $1,852.
On December 22, eight volunteers went on Front and Back Streets to solicit donations from shoppers and stores. The two and a half hour action (from 2:30pm to 5:00pm) netted US $1,062.
Shoppers, shop owners and staffers donated to the drive. Some shop owners said they had been waiting for Tzu Chi to visit them so that they can donate. Tzu Chi usually holds street collection drives to raise funds for disaster victims.
Some persons said they were happy to see Tzu Chi still trying to help one month after the devastating disaster. Tzu Chi also used the opportunity to hand out updated information about the disaster.
A similar drive was held outside Le Grand Marche supermarket on Bush Road on December 21. Nine volunteers participated in this fundraiser where US $442 was raised.
Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung thanked volunteers and all who supported the effort with their compassionate donations.