St. Maartener pays it forward with donation to Rise Foundation

AMSTERDAM--Devon “Guilda” Stapleton, the St. Maartener whose heartfelt appeal for support following a devastating apartment fire in Amsterdam drew swift and widespread attention, has announced that he has successfully surpassed his fundraising target and is now giving back to the community that lifted him up.

Stapleton’s original GoFundMe campaign set a modest goal of €3,000 to help him rebuild after a fire and explosion in his Reigersbos apartment left him with extensive losses and no insurance coverage for his personal belongings. The response, he said, was “tremendous.”

“In less than an hour, I had already met my goal,” he shared. “The final amount raised was €6,500. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.”

Thanks to the overwhelming support from friends, family, and strangers alike, Stapleton is able to restore the basics of his living situation in the Netherlands, purchasing clothing, furniture, and essential household items lost in the incident.

True to his word, Stapleton donated the remaining funds to the RISE Foundation in Sint Maarten, a nonprofit that supports vulnerable individuals and families across the island. He contributed US $700 specifically to RISE’s “Back to School” drive, fully covering all items listed on the organization’s flyer.

“You gave in abundance to me, and that allowed me to give in abundance to RISE,” Stapleton said. “I want to thank everyone who found it in their heart to give so generously. Your kindness not only helped me get back on my feet, it helped children and families back home prepare for the new school year.”

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