PHILIPSBURG:---- The shore coordinator of the Silverseas Cruise line reached out to Rainforest Adventures and the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise seeking assistance in organizing a community service project for a group of their passengers wishing to contribute towards the rebuilding and recovery process on the island. The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise proposed the project of repainting homes of senior citizens who suffered severe damages due to the passing of Hurricane Irma. Mr. Drae Douglas who was recently awarded by the club for his humanitarian work which he displayed by repairing roofs of various homes on the island free of charge after the passing of Hurricane Irma, was approached for assistance. Upon recommendation by Mr. Douglas, three homes located in Philipsburg were selected for the project. Once the homeowners agreed to the project proposal, the cruise line was notified. There was an immediate interest which led to over 70 passengers registering for the project. All necessary arrangements and prep-work were executed by Mr. Douglas and the members of the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise
Upon arrival at the port, the group of enthusiastic volunteers was greeted by the Rotary club members who transferred them to the project sites. Everyone worked diligently on priming and painting of the homes which were completed within two hours. The homeowners who are all retired citizens were very appreciative of the initiative and thanked the visitors for their assistance, we had no idea how we would be able to repair our roofs much less repaint our home, we feel blessed to be selected for the project stated one of the homeowners.
