PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation, American University of the Caribbean (AUC), School of Medicine Asian Medical Students Association (AMSA) and the Diabetes Foundation received a heart-warming response to their joint activity held at All Children's Education Foundation (ACE) school on Saturday, October 25.
A total of 108 persons attended the event, including 41 members of the public who sampled the various activities; 28 ACE pupils who attended the health workshops and participated in other activities and volunteers from the three groups that partnered for the exercise.
The 12 AUC, ASMA doctors-in-training, who volunteered their time for the health workshops, were busy throughout the event checking the blood pressure, weight and height of ACE pupils as well as members of the public who attended. They also provided information on dental hygiene and other health issues in several workshops.
The six upbeat Diabetes Foundation volunteers checked the blood glucose and cholesterol levels of the many persons who visited their table. They also took time out to explain the results to persons, who were checked and offered guidance on how persons whose blood glucose and cholesterol levels were high, can follow up with their medical providers.
The fundraising flea market, vegetarian food sale and general coordination was handled by, amongst other persons, the 21 Tzu Chi volunteers. A range of items such as clothing for children and adults and jewellery were on sale at the flea market.
Two popular aspects of the event were the Thai Massages done by Roger Yee-Fong and the face portraits by artist Penka Petkova.
For a US $5 contribution, visitors were treated to a 15 minute Thai massage and for any donation persons were able to get their portraits sketched on the spot by Petkova.
Although the event officially ended at 1:00pm; a number of persons remained at the venue up until 2:30pm to get their massages done and their portraits sketched.
All proceeds from the flea market, food sale, massages and portraits were in aid of keeping ACE pupils in school. A total of US $277 was raised from these activities.
Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung is grateful to all partners who were involved in the joint initiative; all the volunteers who assisted in the exercise and the members of the public who supported the event in one way or the other.
Tzu Chi Press Release
