PHILIPSBURG – Opening up its 1000 Smiles Project, NAGICO Insurances began its October activities by supporting St. Maarten Development Fund’s (SMDF) Senior Project. NAGICO identified SMDF’s Senior Project, which has already repaired and constructed 70 homes, as an ideal project to support as it focuses on St. Maarten’s elderly community. The insurance company’s support for the project will provide twenty of the most affected seniors with funds to purchase furnishings and fixtures for their newly repaired homes.

“SMDF has focused its efforts on stretching every guilder to repair as many homes as possible, in doing this we have not spent a great deal on furnishings,” said SMDF Managing Director Franca. “NAGICO’s support covers these additional costs that many elderly home owners may not be able to finance,” he continued. Explaining the desire to reach the elderly via SMDF, NAGICO Managing Director Eric Ellis said that NAGICO wanted to ensure that it was reaching the right persons in a transparent way, citing SMDF’s assessment and validation process for all seniors assisted. 

In a small gathering with the senior recipients, Ellis shared NAGICO’s pledge to give back to St. Maarten. “NAGICO is committed to St. Maarten and we will continue to support this community; this is just one of the many ways we wish to bring our commitment to life,” said Ellis. Sharing the same sentiment, NAGICO Marketing Manager Lisa Brown spoke of the company’s unwavering promise to give back. “Our Corporate Social Responsibility work is about being a good corporate citizen, it is not about one’s insurance provider – for us, it is about giving back to this community that we are a part of,” said Brown. 

The desire to give back and make a meaningful impact is at the core of NAGICO’s current 1000 Smiles Project, particularly for those most in need. Speaking with the senior recipients, NAGICO Chief Risk Officer Kyria Ali said that it only made sense to seek our seniors first. “You all have likely endured the worst since the hurricane, you have given so much throughout your lives and now we are grateful to be able to give to you,” said Ali.

NAGICO’s support of SMDF’s senior clients is just one component of its larger community engagement activities. Throughout the month of October, NAGICO will be hosting a range of activities to positively impact the lives of 1000 persons through its 1000 Smiles Project.

In photo: A group of recipients along with NAGICO Marketing Manager Lisa Brown (left), SMDF Managing Director Keith Franca (third left), NAGICO Chief Risk Officer Kyria Ali (second right) and NAGICO Managing Director Henry Ellis (right).