St. Martin/Sint Maarten – Welcoming a new baby should be a moment filled with joy, love, and hope. Yet, for some expectant mothers, preparing for childbirth can bring financial challenges and uncertainty. Recognizing this need, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset and the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten-Mid Isle joined forces to distribute 50 maternity baskets to vulnerable expectant mothers across the Dutch and French sides of the island.
The initiative reflects Rotary International’s commitment to Maternal and Child Health, one of its seven Areas of Focus, and its motto, Service Above Self.
Working in collaboration with the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital on the French side and St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) on the Dutch side, the Rotary clubs relied on the respective hospital teams to identify vulnerable expectant mothers who would benefit most from the initiative. This partnership helped ensure that
the maternity baskets reached mothers in need on both sides of the island.
Made possible through the generous support of the Park Foundation and Lucky Cosmetics, together with contributions from Rotary members, sponsors, and donors, each basket was thoughtfully prepared with essential
items for mothers and their newborns. These included baby onesies, diapers, baby wipes, baby bath wash, shampoo, baby lotion, rash creams, pacifiers, bibs, breast pads, sanitary pads, washcloths, receiving blankets,
and towels. While these items may seem simple, they represent something much greater: relief, encouragement, kindness, and the reassurance that these mothers are not alone. For a mother preparing to welcome her child, knowing that someone cares enough to lend a helping hand can make a world of difference.
In a joint statement, Jade Maccow, President of the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset, and Grace Linger, President of the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten-Mid Isle, shared: “Every mother deserves to feel supported as she prepares to welcome her child. Through this initiative, we wanted to do more than provide essential supplies; we wanted to remind vulnerable mothers that they matter, that their community cares, and that they are not alone on this journey. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, hospital teams, partners, and fellow Rotarians
who helped make this possible. When we come together in service, even the smallest gesture can bring comfort, restore hope, and touch a life.”
Both clubs extend heartfelt appreciation to the Park Foundation and Lucky Cosmetics, the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital, St. Maarten Medical Center, the respective hospital teams, community partners, Rotary members, and all donors whose generosity helped bring this initiative to life. Fifty baskets, 50 mothers, and 50 reminders that kindness makes a difference. Through this partnership, the two clubs reaffirm that supporting mothers means investing in children, strengthening families, and building a more compassionate and caring island community.
Chartered in 2018, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset is a member of Rotary District 7020. The Club is committed to serving the community through meaningful projects aligned with Rotary International’s Areas of Focus. The Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Carl & Son’s Conference Room in Cole Bay, Sint Maarten. For information about membership, partnerships, and community
initiatives, the Club can be contacted at rotarysxmsunset@gmail.com or through its Facebook and Instagram pages.
