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At the night market held on Saturday, July 11, Toplipop Art and Ouanala'hospital raised more than 1,900 euros in donations for the victims of the earthquakes in Venezuela.
On Rockefeller Quay in Gustavia, the night market—held as part of the Nuits de Saint-Barthélemy festival—drew large crowds on Saturday, July 11. The crowd gathered in front of one stand in particular—the one run by Toplipop Art and Ouanala’hospital, where a Venezuelan flag was flying. With a giant Stitch mascot, face painting for kids, and treats, there was something for everyone. The goal of this booth was to collect donations for the victims of the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24.
“I felt the need to take action”
With a big smile, Marge Franquiz Marrero hands out cotton candy to the children. She pulls out a small box painted in the colors of the Venezuelan flag to collect donations. She knows how to bring joy to children—that’s the mission of her company, Toplipop Art. “ “I wanted to partner my business with Ouanala’hospital to provide even greater support,” she explains. It’s a cause that’s deeply close to her heart, as she’s originally from Venezuela: “I felt the need to take action, to do my part. ” Throughout the evening, people approached the booth to offer their help. “Some children even came with their own savings—a few coins they’d set aside—to contribute to this wonderful cause,” Marge says, visibly moved. Having lived on the island for nine years, the Venezuelan woman cherishes fond memories of that moment: “This event is the most beautiful experience I’ve had since I arrived, and that’s thanks to the solidarity, energy, and generosity of everyone who was there.”
Donations for a Local Organization
Through the sale of food, activities, and voluntary donations, Marge and the Ouanala’hospital organization raised 1,980 euros by the end of the evening. This amount will be sent to the Venezuelan organization Formando vidas, which distributes meals on-site (JSB1673). At this time, it is not possible to donate clothing or physical goods, as the organization lacks the necessary logistics to ship supplies. Marge does not intend to stop there and hopes to organize new initiatives to continue helping her country.
