PHILIPSBURG, SINT MAARTEN – FREEGAN Foundation has been selected as one of the 66 winners of the 2026 National Volunteer Awards in the Netherlands. The Sint Maarten-based organization was chosen from 322 entries submitted by volunteer organizations and community initiatives from across the Dutch Kingdom.
All 66 nominated organizations are guaranteed to receive a prize of at least €1,000. Five organizations will receive €3,000, while one organization will be awarded the grand prize of €10,000. The final results will be announced during the national awards ceremony in Ede, the Netherlands, on Friday, September 18.
The National Volunteer Awards recognize organizations that demonstrate how volunteers make a meaningful difference in society. This year, participating organizations were asked to show how their work creates social impact and why that contribution matters.
FREEGAN Foundation was selected for its work supporting families and individuals on Sint Maarten through its client-choice food market, food rescue activities, weekly meals, thrift store, coaching, classes, workshops and community programs. Much of this work is made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers who give their time, talents and energy to support the community.
“To be selected from 322 organizations is already an incredible honor,” said DJ de Jong, Managing Director and co-founder of FREEGAN Foundation. “This nomination belongs to every volunteer who has stood beside us, sorted food, prepared meals, welcomed families, worked in our thrift store, taught a class or simply offered someone a listening ear. Their commitment is the heart of FREEGAN.”
The nomination is especially meaningful because it brings national recognition to volunteer work taking place on Sint Maarten.
“Small islands are sometimes overlooked, but the challenges our community faces are real, and so is the difference our volunteers make every single week,” De Jong added. “We are extremely proud that the work being done on Sint Maarten is now being recognized on a national level.”
Regardless of the final result, FREEGAN Foundation is already confirmed as one of the prize-winning organizations. The foundation will receive at least €1,000 to further support its work in the Sint Maarten community.
The National Volunteer Awards are organized by Vereniging VrijwilligerswerkNL. The 2026 prize fund is made possible by the Dutch National Postcode Lottery.
