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Maho Group, Sint Maarten Launches 2nd Annual "Stronger Together"

Sint Maarten (November 2, 2011) – The Maho Group, Sint Maarten’s leading leisure, resort and real estate company, is launching its second annual Stronger Together Red Ribbon campaign, in collaboration with the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation and Scotiabank. The campaign launches on World Aids Day, December 1, 2011 and extends to March 1st, 2012.

Guests of Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino and Royal Islander Club’s La Terrasse and La Plage are invited to voluntarily donate $1 per room, per day, which the Maho Group will match daily.

“Our participation in the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation continues to grow and we hope this year’s Stronger Together campaign will be an even greater success,” says The Maho Group’s President & CEO Saro Spadaro. “We’re calling on all visitors, residents and staff to join on this year’s movement to boost HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention on our island.”

Last year, the Maho Group’s effort in the Stronger Together Red Ribbon campaign surpassed the initial target of $30,000, with a total of $51,480 donated to the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation.

“As one of our most esteemed partners, the Maho Group has showcased incredible efforts and support on the mission towards HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, fortifying our community and inviting its visitors to join in on the cause. We look forward to another successful season of giving as we grow stronger together,” President of St. Maarten AIDS Foundation Dr. Gerard van Osch said.

Stronger Together Red Ribbon funds will benefit the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation, now in its 20th year of providing care, treatment and prevention. The program returns at a significant time for the island, as the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation reports an increase this year in persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) needing assistance.

Funds raised through the Stronger Together Red Ribbon Campaign 2012 will be used for:
• Continued care and treatment of PLWHA, as well as support group HOPE (Helping Ourselves in a Positive Environment)
• Expansion and continuation of Girl Power, helping young women with self-esteem and healthy life choices. This program reached all secondary schools in 2011.
• Development and pilot study of the BAM (Be a Man) boys program
• Expansion of the education/prevention program for commercial sex workers
• Re-establishment of Junior AIDS Committee, the youth wing of the foundation
• Renewed collaboration and training of faith based leaders
• Training business leaders, implementing work place policies and introduction of a Business Coalition
• Rapid Testing Days, targeting at-risk populations with free, confidential HIV tests
• Targeted PSA media campaigns
• Increased use of ICT networking to reach persons living with HIV/AIDS, Youth, at-risk groups and the general public
• Encouraging insurance companies to provide life insurance to PLWHA

A youth KABP study (Knowledge, Attitudes, Behavior, Perception) in collaboration with Emory University in Atlanta (October 2011) provided valuable research data to further the Girl Power and BAM programs as well as development of the school curriculum.

For more information or to volunteer in future programs related to the HIV/AIDS awareness on Sint Maarten, please visit www.sxmaidsfoundation.org.

ABOUT THE MAHO GROUP
The Maho Group is based in Sint Maarten and is widely recognized as the destination’s leading leisure, real estate and resort company. With over 35 years of solid reputation in the region, the group owns and operates two hotel properties, two vacation ownership resorts, casinos and real estate ventures offering travelers from the world over a variety of resorts, lifestyle and luxury living options. The group’s current product portfolio includes Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino, Porto Maho, Casino Royale, Golden Casino, Diamond Casino, Aquamarina, BlueMarine, Maho Village, Royal Islander Club La Plage and La Terrasse.
www.mahogroup.com
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