GREAT BAY--The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset and the Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle have partnered to provide 50 maternity baskets to vulnerable expectant mothers across both sides of the island, helping families prepare for the arrival of their newborns.
The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital on the French side and St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) on the Dutch side. Hospital teams assisted in identifying expectant mothers facing financial or other challenges, ensuring that the donated supplies reached families most in need.
Each maternity basket contained essential supplies for mothers and newborns, including diapers, baby wipes, clothing, blankets, towels, baby wash, shampoo, lotion, rash creams, pacifiers, bibs and personal care products. The baskets were intended to ease some of the financial pressures associated with childbirth while providing practical support to expectant mothers.
The project was made possible through contributions from the Park Foundation, Lucky Cosmetics, Rotary members, sponsors and other donors.
In a joint statement, Jade Maccow, President of the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset, and Grace Linger, President of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle, emphasized the importance of community support during pregnancy and early motherhood.
“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,” the presidents stated.
They also expressed appreciation to the sponsors, participating hospitals, healthcare workers and fellow Rotarians who contributed to the project.
The maternity basket initiative falls under Rotary International's Maternal and Child Health focus area, which promotes improved healthcare and support for mothers and children. By working with healthcare institutions on both sides of St. Martin, the clubs sought to ensure that assistance reached vulnerable families throughout the island.
The two Rotary clubs extended their appreciation to the Park Foundation, Lucky Cosmetics, Louis Constant Fleming Hospital, SMMC and all participating partners for helping make the distribution possible.
The clubs said the initiative reflects their continued commitment to strengthening families and supporting communities through practical service projects.
The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset, chartered in 2018, is part of Rotary District 7020 and carries out community projects aligned with Rotary International's areas of focus.
Photo caption:Members of the Rotary clubs and St. Maarten Medical Center staff during the official handover of maternity baskets for expectant mothers.
