Two families from the area who have been holidaying there for the past 12 years have become friendly with many of the staff — and decided to hold two events to raise funds for them.
Jacqui Matheson said: “We’ve organised a fundraiser for the Island of St Martin following the hurricane.”
She added: “Our husbands have hosted a golf tournament at Southerness, and my friend, my daughter and I are doing a family fun day on Sunday at the former St Andew’s School in Brooke Street, Dumfries.
“Nonalou’s are supporting us because they’re going to serve the teas and coffees in the restaurant, and we’ve got pilates happening, reflexology, a craft stall, children’s activities, a raffle, etc.
“And local business have been really generous in contributing raffle prizes and tombola prize donations.”
Kevin Farish has provided the use of the school, while Southerness Golf Club provided use of the course for a Stableford competition played by 33 on Tuesday.
Explaining what prompted the Matheson and Grant families to set up the fundraising, Jacqui said: “We’re frequent visitors to St Martins; we’ve been going for the last 12 years, at least once a year, and because we always go to the same place we’ve got to know quite a lot of the local people.
“And we know the devastation that has been caused in the island, but the local people live in wooden structures with corrugated island roof and a high proportion have lost their homes and lost everything.”
The fun day at The Old School takes place this Sunday between 10 am and 12.30 pm.
