Fleur Hermanides, Melanie Choisy and LauraBijnsdorp have been busy for the past months coordinating the fourth annual SXM DOET event. Thousands of volunteers will come out to lend a hand this Friday and Saturday as together they complete more than 100 community-minded projects in just two days. This is your chance to get to know a bit more about SXM DOET and the team behind the largest volunteer event on the island!
Meet Fleur Hermanides
When you are not DOET-ing, what do you do?
I’m the local representative for the social funding agency Samenwerkende Fondsen (Cooperating Foundations for the Dutch Caribbean). I’m also involved in some NGOs, e.g., I’m on the board of EPIC (Environmental Protection in the Caribbean), sometimes I give trainings and/or advice on health, environment, nature and/or social projects as well.
What is your favourite DOET project this year, and why?
That’s a tough one, there are so many! I do really love the “Cat Palace”. It’s a project that was started by a little seven-year old girl who started taking in stray cats after Irma, fostering them and trying to find good homes for them. Now she’s teamed up with Animal Defenders to help build these cats a proper home until they are adopted. It’s such a super endearing project!
Who funds SXM DOET?
Oranje Fonds in the Netherlands; this is a fund that was gifted to the King and Queen on their wedding day from the people of the Netherlands. It has grown into the largest national social fund there, donating about 30 million euros yearly in the Netherlands and the Dutch Caribbean alone.
Why do you think volunteerism is important?
Volunteers can be referred to as the beating heart of society; without them, we’d be nowhere. Look at how many selfless persons, with or without belonging to an organization, took it upon themselves to go out there and help others after Irma, even if they themselves were actually in need. This speaks greatly of what type of people we are, and that’s pretty amazing. And this was ongoing before Irma as well, many people go out and do great things for others ensuring that no one is left behind.
Why should persons sign up to volunteer for SXM DOET?
It’s a great way to get involved, to give back, to meet new people, new organizations, network, make someone happy, learn new skills and most importantly right now – help SXM get back up on its feet. And this is all possible with just a few hours out of your whole year; there’s no real reason not to!
Meet Melanie Choisy
When you are not DOET-ing; what do you do?
When I’m not DOET-ing, I am busy in my role as president of Be The Change Foundation; I also manage my mother’s fashion accessory boutique in Philipsburg – Maleona’s.
Tell us a bit about SXM DOET.
SXM DOET is our national version of a kingdom-wide volunteer event, organized by Be The Change Foundation along with some very awesome individuals – Fleur and Laura, a.k.a. the lifesavers.
What is the hardest part of organizing SXM DOET?
It actually gets easier every year, but at the same time, as we grow more in the number of projects, it gets difficult to micro-manage the projects as we were once able to do. Thankfully, though, we have the assistance of volunteer project managers this year, which is making everything a bit easier when it comes to communicating with projects and their volunteers.
It’s SXM DOET’s fourth year; what can we expect?
This year, we are up to 114 projects – up from 74 in 2017 and around 30 in our first year back in 2015. The island can expect tons of movement on Friday and Saturday and probably a total SXM DOET nuclear bomb on their social media timelines as we are expecting more than 2,000 volunteers to participate this year!
What kinds of projects are done during SXM DOET?
We have multiple projects in so many different categories: Beautification projects like the painting of murals, the rebuilding of small structures, and gardening; social projects and activities; animal welfare and nature projects – there’s really something for everyone! Volunteering your time and effort to people and organizations that already do so much for our community is really one of the most admirable things a person can do. Some would assume that a little bit of donated time couldn’t make that much of a difference, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth, especially with an event like SXM DOET where thousands of people come out to make a difference!
Meet Laura Bijnsdorp
When you are not DOET-ing; what do you do?
The whole SXM DOET team does many other things! That’s why we have dubbed ourselves “Team No Sleep”. I am a freelance writer and communications manager. Most of the work I do at the moment is for Kingdom Relations, Caribbean Network, EPIC and The Daily Herald newspaper! I also volunteer for the Foundation Judicial Institutes St. Maarten (SJIS) on a weekly basis. Besides work, I am also always up for a fun night out of dancing with friends on the weekend!
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
That it helps you grow into a well-rounded and better person. I truly believe that –thanks to volunteering – I also have many of the good things in my life. Lending a hand once in a while has allowed me to become a more social and empathetic person. Some of my career-opportunities have come from volunteering! Last but not least, who doesn’t like to be part of contributing something good to this world?
Why is SXM DOET an important initiative?
In just two days, you are helping dozens of community-minded organizations. The impact is huge as you strengthen those that help the most vulnerable in our society year round. Besides this, you also encourage volunteerism on St. Maarten, which is important within any country. Every time someone volunteers, we are one step closer to a better and stronger St. Maarten!
What is the most rewarding part of organizing SXM DOET?
Seeing more 100 projects completed due to the hard work of thousands of caring individuals. During SXM DOET, I feel extra proud to be a St. Maartener seeing how many persons make the time and effort to help our community.
Who can sign up for SXM DOET?
Everyone can sign up! Your kids, wife, boyfriend, mom, grandfather, neighbour, colleague and the guy you buy your coffee from every morning. With more than 100 projects to choose from, there is sure to be something that fits your interest! Just surf to www.sxmdoet.com and check it out for yourself!
