About

Learn about the story, people, and purpose behind RebuildSXM and the community-driven effort to help Sint Maarten recover and rebuild.

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The Story

When Hurricane Irma hit St. Maarten, Saba & St. Eustatius, John and Cyriel knew they had to act. Fueled by love for their islands and the people affected, they joined forces with friends to launch RebuildSXM, a heartfelt movement that grew into a non-profit foundation.

Together, they raised awareness, gathered donations, and united efforts to help restore daily life and bring hope back to the communities they hold dear.

Together,
We Rebuild

A Great Cause

RebuildSXM served as a platform for individuals and companies to contribute to rebuilding daily life on the islands. No matter the size, every contribution made a meaningful impact.

Transparent Fund-Raising

Our fundraising is now closed, but transparency remains at our core. We openly share how funds were raised, where they went, and the impact they made.

Centralized Platform

RebuildSXM remains a central resource for highlighting local initiatives, sharing updates from the islands, and connecting people with those offering help.

The Faces
of RebuildSXM

Cyriel Pfennings-Richardson

Founder / Treasurer
I was born and raised on Sint Maarten. Although I'm not currently residing there, this event had an enormous effect on me because my family and friends reside on the island. Together with John I look forward to helping the people of Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius.

John
Sandiford

Founder / Chairman
Born and raised on Sint Maarten and I'm an interaction designer in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. A lot of my family and friends live on Sint Maarten and that's one of the reasons I started this campaign together with Cyriel. We believe that if we unite, together we can make a difference with this campaign.

Shurendy
Martina

Secretary / Team Member
Raised on St. Maarten and currently a Registered Nurse residing in ’s Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands. Realising that I was unable to help and take care of my family and friends after the recent event, was the main reason I joined this initiative. We want the people of St. Maarten to know that we haven’t forgotten them.

Jisk
Goslinga

Team Member
Emigrating at the age of two to Sint Maarten from a small town in the Netherlands, I got to experience my Childhood as no other. From the 37 beautiful beaches, to the abundance of friends, to the vast amount of sports practiced on the island.

Andy
Samuel

Team Member
I was born and raised on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten. Because I experienced the devastation that Hurricane Luis left behind in 1995, I did not have to think twice to join together with these other amazing individuals to contribute in relieving the situation on the affected islands.

Michel
Williams

Team Member
Born and raised on Sint Maarten, I have deep love for these islands. I have many family, friends and loved ones on Sint Maarten, Sint Eustations and Saba. Being away from our home at this time of great need is truely hartbreaking.

Lancelot Thompson

Team Member
Although I've been living in the Netherlands for quite some time now, St. Maarten is still where my heart is. Seeing the destruction and the devastation Irma has caused not only to my friends & families homes, but the entire island has deeply sadden me.

Shannakka Cannegieter

Team Member
Born on St.Maarten and partly raised there till my 8th before moving to Amsterdam. My goal is to rebuild the islands and allow the communication and relationship with the Netherlands to be of value for all concerned.
We thank you from
the bottom of our hearts.

RebuildSXM Team

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