FREEGAN proudly announces that the organization placed 16th in the national online public voting round for the Appeltjes van Oranje 2026. Just like last year, FREEGAN once again became the highest-ranking organization from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
The Appeltjes van Oranje are prestigious awards presented by the Oranje Fonds to organizations that make an exceptional contribution to society. The online voting round formed part of the selection process, allowing the public to support organizations by casting their votes online.
FREEGAN would like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to vote. Despite the various difficulties many people experienced during the voting process, the support from St. Maarten, the wider Caribbean, and the Netherlands remained incredibly strong.
“We are deeply touched by all the people who still made the effort to cast their vote,” said DJ Jansen of FREEGAN. “The support, messages, and involvement from the community truly moved us. It shows how many people believe in a society built on dignity, choice, and caring for one another.”
As a part of this achievement, FREEGAN has been invited to travel to Curaçao in June to present a pitch to the Oranje Fonds jury. During this stage, selected organizations are given the opportunity to further present their work, impact, and vision.
FREEGAN works daily on St. Maarten to improve food security, reduce waste, and strengthen families and individuals through programs including the client-choice Food Market, coaching, education, and community support initiatives.
The organization emphasizes that this milestone does not belong to FREEGAN alone, but to the entire community that supports and helps build the organization every day.
“This feels like recognition for all of St. Maarten,” FREEGAN added. “For every volunteer, donor, partner, and family who continues to show what real community truly means.”