~1,645 Cay Bay families helped, seeking volunteers~
PHILIPSBURG:--- The St Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation spread some holiday cheer in Cay Bay on December 8, when it provided 115 families with essential food items as part of its monthly poverty relief charity mission in the district on December 8.
The December 8 relief is estimated to have benefited a total of 345 individuals. Each of the 115 families received packages containing 22lb bags of “Love Rice; 1 litre bottles of cooking oil; 16oz packs of dried peas and 10lb bags of flour. A total of 23 volunteers participated in the relief program, including 14 community volunteers, three commissioners and 6 commissioners in training.
During the event, volunteers shared the story of Tzu Chi’s origin, showcasing how the collective efforts of individuals saving small amounts can make a significant impact. This philosophy has fueled Tzu Chi’s ability to extend its reach to 139 countries worldwide, inspiring a cycle of kindness that transforms communities.
Guided by the teachings of Tzu Chi Founder Master Cheng Yen, the Foundation emphasized the transformative power of small, consistent acts of kindness. Master Cheng Yen reminds us: “Why is the world worsening? Because there are too few good people. If everyone commits to one good deed a day, even as small as saving $0.50 or a few coins daily to help others, it can create a ripple effect of positivity.”
Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung said the Cay Bay Poverty Relief mission not only aids recipients but also empowers them to contribute to the cycle of giving. Many beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude for the support and took the initiative to create their own “Plastic Bamboo Banks” to save small amounts of money for donation. These coin-saving practices symbolize the belief that “small money can do great things.” During the relief, Tzu Chi received US $124.20 in donations in its “Bamboo Bank” (recycled donation containers).
Some recipients have become community volunteers themselves, helping distribute aid and inspiring others to join the mission. Their involvement highlights how acts of kindness can multiply, fostering a stronger and more compassionate community.
One such person is Clarel Felissaint. He said he was inspired by the volunteers while he picked up his first package. After a while, he signed up to become a volunteer. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve others and expressed hope that through Tzu Chi he can help more families in need.
Tzu Chi Commissioner Cheung is grateful that with the December 8 relief, the foundation was able to mark the culmination of a year of monthly support to a total of 1,645 Cay Bay families, which is estimated to have benefitted some 5,169 individuals assisted since October 2023. For the year, the foundation has distributed a total of 1,680 22lb bags of “Love Rice”; 1,680 1 litre bottles of cooking oil; 1,800 16oz packs of dried peas and 1,800 10lb packs of pasta to Cay Bay families.
The year of relief missions in the district were made possible thanks to the dedication of 347 volunteers including 235 community volunteers, 46 commissioners in training and 30 commissioners. Over the course of the year, the total Bamboo Bank donations in the area totaled US $1,767.12.
The Tzu Chi Foundation invites everyone to join this mission of love and compassion by joining the foundation to help sow seeds of love. Cheung said “by saving as little as $0.50 a day, you can contribute to a global movement of kindness. Your generosity—big or small—can bring relief and hope to those in need, proving that small money can indeed achieve great things.”
She urges everyone to get involved. “Let’s work together to make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.”
Persons interested in joining Tzu Chi can contact Cheung at tel: +1 721 586 3019. Those interested in making donations can do so directly on Tzu Chi’s Bank Account: WIB Relief Account #219 322 01; Account Name: Buddhist Compassion and Relief Tzu Chi Foundation St. Maarten. Alternatively, donations can be taken directly to the Tzu Chi Foundation located next to Cake House Supermarket on the LB Scott Road. “Every contribution counts, and together, we can make a difference!” stated Cheung.
