PHILIPSBURG – This year The Rotary Club Mid Isle chose to give a Rotary Vocational award to Eddie and Sally Benjamin of “The New Start for Children Foundation.”
Eddie and Sally have been opening their home and hearts to St. Maarten children for more than 30 years while raising a family of their own. “Aunty Sally,” as she is affectionately known is the base upon which the New Start for Children Foundation is based. Sally came from a family of 28 children and a home where there was always room for the neighbor’s children as well. They presently have 18 children at their home, 16 from the Court of Guardianship and two otherwise. Twelve of the children are in high school, the other six are toddlers.
They have been dealing with the Court of Guardianship for 12 years. They believe education and discipline are the two most important fundamentals for raising children besides teaching them life skills. Thanks to many hours of counselling, guidance, feeding, clothing, housing, assisting with homework, and a host of other activities over the years, Eddie and Sally have given a new lease on life to many children, who are now productive members of St. Maarten’s Society.
They are very thankful for the help they have received from the Earlyactors, Interactors, Rotaractors and Rotarians. Eddie and Sally were also guest speakers this week.
Mid Isle will be holding their Fundraising Motor Treasure Hunt on Sunday, March 19, at the Kim Sha Beach. Call any member of Mid Isle for more information or call 520-1052 or 520-1899.
The Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle meets Tuesdays at 7:00pm at Mary’s Boone in Simpson Bay. For more information contact rotarysxm.mi@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle
