~Starting today, Monday~
PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation has joined the global effort to aid victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar and the surrounding regions recently. As part of this initiative, the foundation will hold daily donation drives throughout April to raise funds for the relief efforts.
The drives will take place every Monday through Saturday, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, on Back Street in Philipsburg. The public is invited to join in, with volunteers seeking to extend compassion and solidarity to the people of Myanmar, in line with Tzu Chi’s core values of love and unity.
The foundation was moved to act after witnessing the distressing reports on Da Ai TV.
Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung said that Tzu Chi Founder Master Cheng Yen’s teachings continue to guide the organization’s efforts, reminding everyone that “the greatest challenge today is the lack of good-hearted people.” St. Maarten volunteers continue to spread compassion by offering the public opportunities to do good, regardless of how small the gesture may seem.
In March 2025, Tzu Chi St. Maarten held eight fundraising activities to support local poverty relief efforts, benefiting approximately 1,000 families each month with food and care. The foundation focuses on the frequency of kindness rather than the size of individual donations. Volunteers believe that “goodness lies in the frequency of our kindness, not the size of our contribution.”
Over the course of these efforts, 38 volunteers visited 166 shops and received donations from 224 individuals, raising a total of $1,832.86 USD. One volunteer reflected: “When we go out, we are not just asking for donations — we’re sharing a chance for people to bring out the goodness in their hearts. More good people create more harmony in society.”
Tzu Chi St. Maarten is grateful for the ongoing support of the local community, particularly in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria. As Master Cheng Yen often emphasizes, Tzu Chi’s aid is made possible through the generosity of people worldwide, and in turn, it is our responsibility to help others in need.
The organisation calls on everyone to continue supporting their mission and join the global movement of compassion and giving. “Let’s come together and send our love to Myanmar,” Tzu Chi St. Maarten urges, upholding the spirit of “Great Love without Borders.”
Donations can also be made to Tzu Chi’s WIB bank account number 21932201.