Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
PHILIPSBURG:--- Ever since its beginnings, envisioned by a nurse in 1997, The Helping Hands Foundation (HHF) was born out of care for the Elderly and the Disabled. According to Ms. Lucille Jacqueline James (Founder), her inspiration grew out of the work she did, and the Elderly always weighed heavy on her heart. Too often, they would come to see the doctor and were left stranded and she started taking them home in her lunchtime and after work. Lucille Jacky James engaged with them and the rides home led to drives around the island, where they shared stories of their lonely lives, and not having much to do. As the work got harder, Ms. James established a Board with Founding Board members: Lisa Hart, Marjorie Richardson, Helena Richardson, Marva Bell, Xavier van Buren James, and Lucille Jacqueline James. The first wheelchair bus was acquired from SOFNA/WIB, then AMFO, Samenwerkende Fondsen (SWF) followed, and now R4CR /SWF who partnered so that this new wheelchair bus could be funded to the Helping Hands Foundation. It was a year ago (2020) when the Treasurer in his enthusiasm to get a new wheelchair bus for the Elderly and Disabled community approached REAL AUTO. It has been a year now that the Helping Hands Foundation was challenged to replace the current wheelchair bus but as of today February 11, Helping Hands will be driving out of REAL AUTO with the new Wheelchair bus thanks to R4CR and SWF. Many persons have been involved and have shown HHF the way to acquire this new wheelchair bus which costs $74,960.00.
Every year HHF helps over 300 elderly on our island. Our 60 plus need our transportation to get around considering the immobility of some of our elderly clients our wheelchair bus is very important, as our age group starts from 60 to 89 plus. HHF plays a vital role in taking our elderly to pharmacies, therapy clinics, and doctor appointments. We are specialized in transporting our elderly to the dialysis department. Our community can assist HHF by supporting the foundation with donations for gasoline and diesel for our busses. Some of our clients cannot walk or have trouble walking on their own. Our mental challenge clients also needs special help.
