Volunteer at Fransiscus

Meet Ed! Ed is one of the enthusiastic Franciscus volunteers. Do you ever come to Franciscus Gasthuis? Then you've probably seen Ed at least once. Since his retirement you will find him here as a host in the central hall and occasionally you will also encounter him in the Day Care department. In this interview he talks about his experiences as a volunteer. Are you reading along?

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Rotterdam Impactmakers

Step into the world of creativity and compassion with “Rotterdam Impact Makers”, where we shine a spotlight on the heroes of our port city. This series, presented full of heart and soul by Quintis Ristie, highlights the wonderful initiatives that enrich Rotterdam.

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Riding the local bus

Each area in Rotterdam has its own local bus.

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Zoë about internship

at NLVOORELKAAR!

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Rob is 96 years old and a language buddy

In the heart of Kralingen we meet Mr Rob Berkovits. At 96 years old, Rob is the oldest (language) volunteer at Zorgzaam010. Specially on Volunteer Day (7 December 2023), councilor Natasha Mohamed-Hoesein (councillor for language, debt assistance and poverty reduction) will present a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a certificate, as a thank you for his efforts in recent years.

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Yaman & Martha are a DUO

'Knowing more? Watch Yaman & Martha's story and register for a no-obligation information session via www.duoforajob.nl/nl/word-mentor!'

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Gio and Mala are buddies

Mala and Gio are two volunteers from the Friends Service Rotterdam and meet on a sunny terrace and talk about their buddy work. Gio is 56 years old and lives in Ombloed on the 19th floor from where he has a beautiful view of this city. Mala is 65 years old, lives in the Old West and has an adult son.

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Malou gives support

Almost 8 years ago I started as a volunteer at Villa Pinedo. This is a foundation for and by children with divorced parents. As an expert by experience, I am linked to one or more children as an Online Buddy. I like being there for them. Furthermore, I speak from my own experiences as a child of divorced parents with parents who are in divorce. It is important to make the child's perspective clear.

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Jet brings fun

Two days a week I volunteer in the living room of nursing home de Sonneburgh. It gives me a very nice feeling to be able to do something for the elderly. I assist with central activities, play fun games, prepare coffee and tea, pick people up from their rooms and help them with their shopping. I'm having a great time!

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Marjolein on autism

As a mother of a son with autism, I have the necessary knowledge and experience. Last year I started as a volunteer at the Dutch Association for Autism. I am coordinator of the Rijnmond region, where I also organize discussion groups. I think it's important that people with autism and people who have someone in their environment with autism find each other. That creates strength and recognition.

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Peter continues to help

As a volunteer in the general services of Victim Support, I support victims emotionally and practically. I help victims with professionalism, attention, calmness and a listening ear. It's great if they regain control over their lives and are back in their own strength. You notice that this volunteer work really matters.

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André digitises

I have been a teacher of digital skills at the Rotterdam Library for almost 10 years. I help people use their laptop, computer or telephone. Whether it's installing apps, filling out digital forms or making video calls, I teach them all about it!

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Jeandra helps math

Since last year I have been a budget buddy at Budgetmaatjes 010. As a budget buddy I help people map out their finances. This makes the situation clear again and they can move forward. For example, I help people with their debts or administration. The goal is to make them self-reliant again. That gives me great satisfaction.

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Sandra goes shopping

I have been volunteering from an early age. I am currently a volunteer at the grocery service through the Union of Volunteers. I pick up groceries for clients who are unable to do their own shopping. With a lot of personal attention I go to the food bank for them. It is a huge source of appreciation.

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José is building for the future

I recently became a volunteer at the Dona Daria foundation. We organize projects for different groups in society. I am here with someone who leads projects in different departments and locations. This is how I find out what suits me well.

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Charlotte chats

Charlotte has a nice life. She's got it right: education, great career opportunities, financial resources and a large social safety net. She is well aware that this is not self-evident for everyone. The circumstances into which you are born have a great influence on the opportunities in life. That is precisely why it is important for Charlotte to do something for Rotterdammers who do not have it easy. Something where her talents come in handy, but also something that fits her life. Especially in addition to her work at the Port Authority in Rotterdam.

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connecting volunteers

This year WMO Radar celebrates its 10th anniversary with a big party for volunteers, residents and colleagues. In 2012, wmo radar received its first award, and it immediately hit the bullseye: Rotterdam Center. That was at the same time one of the nicest awards there has been. All entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and new forms of organization turned out to be possible. Wmo radar is designed to carry out new, connected social work with more space for residents. And more confidence in the residents' own strength, based on reciprocity. The organization – which now includes four sub-areas – grew quickly and is now an indispensable part of Rotterdam.

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Reading with Nadia

Nadia (33) was born and raised in Rotterdam South. She lives in the Tarwewijk with her husband and two children. In her own words: “it really is my place”. She has a busy job as a teacher at a primary school, also close to home: in the Tarwewijk. Nevertheless, she finds it very important to make time for her volunteer work. Are you curious about how she does it all and why she does it? Then read on quickly!

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the Little Wish

Meet Anita: an energetic lady who has been active in the social domain for a few decades. She says she is not a real Rotterdammer – she was born and raised in a village in North Holland – but has lived in beautiful Rotterdam for over 40 years now. Anita has extensive experience in setting up various volunteer jobs. Her latest project? "The Little Wish".

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Anne reads aloud

"There I was, looking for half an hour between the children's books in the library. What would she like? What in God's name does a 4-year-old read? Would she like animals? I really didn't know and finally decided to I finally burst out with an overflowing bag, ready to begin my first reading session with Zehra.

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gertjan for rotterdam

Meet Gertjan: a good-tempered positive man with a smooth chat. He may even be a well-known Rotterdammer – he has lived almost everywhere, from Rotterdam North to Centrum-West on Heemraadsingel and from old Crooswijk to Rotterdam South (where he now lives with great pleasure). He knows Rotterdam like the back of his hand. Gertjan has done various volunteer work, but has also been on the receiving end. At the moment he is looking for suitable volunteer work and would like to share his experiences with volunteering with a wider audience. Are you curious about that? Then read on quickly and who knows, you might be inspired too!

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Bird friend Saske

Saske is a smooth 30-year-old young lady who has been doing volunteer work at Vogelklas Karel Schot in Rotterdam since April 2021. She does this with a decent dose of enthusiasm and gets a lot of satisfaction from it. Because Saske has had a positive experience with volunteering before, she already knew that this is something that gives her energy. She had never seen it this way before, but recognizes herself in the image that volunteering at the bird sanctuary is almost like mindfulness. Are you curious about what Saske does as a feed mother? Then read on!

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Budget buddy Wim

"They say money doesn't buy happiness," says Mr. Castillo. "Maybe it is, but no money certainly makes you unhappy." He knows what he's talking about because Mr. Castillo has problematic debts that worry him. He was so intrigued that two years ago he enlisted the help of Budget Buddies 010. He was linked to Wim, who gave him exactly the help he needed: 'Wim brought light to the end of the tunnel.'

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Annelieke on the Heij

Annelieke is 25 years old and has been volunteering as a zookeeper at Kinderboerderij de Heij for a year and a half. She is labeled a 'success story' by her supervisor. Her story is very motivating and inspiring: thanks to her volunteer work, Annelieke comes into her own. Despite having some doubts about volunteering, she decided to give it a shot. She is very happy that she has taken this step and talks with great passion about what is going on within the Heij.

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Caregiver Carola

In 2020 Carola's world was turned upside down. She herself had fallen ill just before this, but what she didn't know yet is that she had just got on a roller coaster with her husband Matti and their three daughters. In October Matti became seriously ill and Carola suddenly became a caregiver.

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Become a GLOWUP'er too

In September 2020 Maud started the GLOWUP! in Rotterdam. It is now almost a year later and she has experienced enormous growth. This is her story:

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Nelly and four-legged friend Penny

Nelly is a Rotterdam girl in heart and soul. She has been a widow for over 30 years and lives in a flat in Rotterdam East, in the Esch. She has always had animals. After the death of her last dog, she did not dare to take a new one. She really missed the fun around her. And also the walks. You just don't run around that fast. Her daughter heard about the OOPOEH Foundation and she registered. After a year and a half of waiting, there was finally a dog nearby. And that was Penny.

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The story of Elevania

Elevania (26) has been an information officer at MEE Rotterdam Rijnmond since she was 19. Here she tells her story to various groups: what it is like to have a mild intellectual disability and how, in her opinion, other people can best deal with it. This is her story:

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Jolanda's story

Jolanda from Rotterdam has been an experience expert at MEE Rotterdam Rijnmond for 10 years. Her first reaction when she was asked about this: 'I thought to myself, that's way too scary'. This is her story:

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Senior & student match!

Esmeralda and Bas have been a match since the end of November. We clicked right from day one. They see each other every Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Then they go for a walk, cycle together or Esmeralda explains things on the tablet.

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From volunteer to job

Are you looking for a (new) job? Volunteering can help you with this. You keep yourself sharp, come up with new ideas and you stay in the 'work rhythm'. Besides the fact that you do something for society in this way, this work will also appear on your CV . That is a big advantage when you apply for a job. Moreover, you build a network, which increases the chance of landing your dream job.

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Maria Unpack!

Your birthday, the most important day of the year! Marria remembers very well how it used to feel to have a birthday. She was quite introverted and a little shy as a child, but not on her birthday. That was her special day, a day when she could shine all day long! Marria: 'Your birthday is a very important day for every child, a day that really needs to be celebrated. When it's your birthday you are the center of attention and you can feel special all day long.' Even when she became a mother herself, she held on to that thought and always went wild on her son's birthday: 'Singing birthday songs while the birthday boy is standing on a chair. It's all part of it!'

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Marcel and Sabina

Home-start is a very nice organization where volunteers support parents in raising their children. Every parent has questions about parenting or about everyday things that you encounter. The volunteers at Home-start are there to lend a hand.

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John helps them on their way

For fifteen years John worked within the prison walls. His biggest pain point; the number of ex-prisoners who return within the walls after being free. '1 of the 2 prisoners who are allowed to go out, comes back through the other door' John says. The ex-prisoners end up on the street without guidance, financial means or a prospect. What they do get when they leave prison is a very large stamp on their head. 'I believe that everyone who is there certainly deserves to be there, but they also certainly deserve to come back into society.'

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Yahya for the club

At Abdel-Kwan Rotterdam we encourage children to play sports every day, so that they don't hang out on the street. Both my children are trainers at the association: that's how I ended up here. My daughter is also a confidant and my son supervises the top athletes in the team. We have been the best club in the Netherlands for four years in a row, so often people from outside come to train or watch, including high-ranking officials and even King Willem-Alexander.

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Stefan brings joy

I am a caretaker and catering buyer at Studio de Bakkerij: the cultural living room of Noord. It is a very broad task. I take care of the general maintenance of the theater and the management of the catering industry and the stock. In addition, I regularly work behind the bar, put together props, host a performance or provide catering for rentals or events. In short: very broad, very nice.

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Big Brother Sammie Sedano

In 2016 I released my first album with Sony music. I traveled to Chicago, Berlin, Paris and have been able to do many beautiful performances. I was also invited to certain drinks, but I was always the only one in my immediate environment. Contracts, sponsors, releases: I had to figure it all out myself by trial and error. I want to be what I missed for myself: a big brother for makers in Rotterdam.

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Renske is doing well

Since May 2018 I have been a coordinating supervisor at the Rotterdam Autisten Soos . Together with the other volunteers I organize, for example, a low-stimulus bingo, information evening about the galaxy or invite a guest speaker to talk about autism and friendship. In the beginning I did the arrangements myself, but now I teach that to other volunteers and I focus more on the people. How are they? Can we do anything better?

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Patricia makes friends

Four years ago I helped an elderly man with his groceries at the supermarket. That made him so happy that I thought: I should do more for someone else.

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Marianne helps patients

As a hostess at the Daniel den Hoed family home , I receive people who are being treated for cancer and their families. There is a lot of housework, especially now that we disinfect everything extra often, but a conversation always comes first. The most important thing is that people can tell their story if they want to. At first I thought, maybe I can't do this. My former colleagues often said that I cared too much about things, but I've learned to deal with it. It's really nice to be there for people!

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Lineke welcomes

In 2013 I heard the plans aboutIslemunda , Podium van IJsselmonde and I immediately approached the director. This seemed like a lot of fun volunteering! I have been involved as a hostess since the very first hour, even before the official opening.

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Shahid wants to move forward

Shahid has only been living in the Netherlands for one year. She comes from Syria and left here for love one year ago. Among other things, she left behind her studies, her mother tongue and her circle of family and friends to start over here. She is very eager to learn, friendly and ready to move forward. She wants to build her future here and she can use your help with that. Can you help her by welcoming her as a volunteer within your organization?

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Sergiy makes contact

Twice a week I take Luna out for an elderly lady with health problems. She is not allowed to move too much while I really wanted to go outside more, but wasn't really ready to be tied to a pet yet.

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Selita found her place

For two completely different reasons, Selita and Kim ended up at the volunteer organization Stichting JIJ . Selita is looking for an organization where she can use her talents after a rough period in which she was stuck at home. Kim experienced what it is like to live with an eating disorder. They both found their place at the JIJ Foundation and they tell their story.

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Niek helps everywhere

Sometimes we come across a volunteer who has helped almost every organization in Rotterdam! Niek is such a super volunteer. So Niek, tell me: what have you done?

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Mary stimulates language

During my retirement I not only wanted to go on nice trips and work in the garden, but also to make a meaningful contribution to society. Because I have been an education counselor, coordinating and supervising language volunteers at the Taalpunt of the Buurtwerk group suits me perfectly.

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Buddy Lidwien

I am a volunteer at buddy care of the Humanitas Foundation . The intention is that as a buddy you help someone to continue on their own, without wanting to change this person. You participate in his or her life.

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Lesley makes history

On a meditation evening two years ago I ran into Cor van Intorno , who is renovating the old sea tugboat the Fighter and renting it out as a stage. Together we preserve a piece of maritime history, because the Fighter as a rescue ship rescued thirty people in the 1987 disaster at Zeebrugge.

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Karin listens and laughs

Through Wilskracht Werken I visit people with different requests for help. Just to drink a cup of tea, to offer a listening ear, for an errand or a walk. For this in my work as a blood sampler I was always late, because I kept listening when people started chatting!

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Jo-Anne swims together

Ever since I was a little kid, I've been walking around in the pool at GoSports . My parents were both volunteers and I became a counselor right away when I was 16. Every Thursday and Sunday I guide people with intellectual or multiple disabilities in the water.

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Hanne sees more

I have been guiding activities for young people in crisis shelters for 1.5 years via OPstap of the Mara Foundation . For example, we normally do dance workshops, bowling, paintball or have lunch together. I visit various locations where the young people live and try to get them excited to come along.

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Andrea does it anyway

As coordinator of the Trefpunt, I help volunteers to find a good place and ensure that everyone with a question is helped. From a simple repair request to requesting debt assistance. We just do it.

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Aunt Joke tells...

Joke, a funny and optimistic 71-year-old widow, was always there for everyone, even though she became ill at the age of 32 and had to stop working. She used to be busy day in and day out volunteering or babysitting lots of kids in the neighborhood. Now that she can no longer do this and needs help herself, she has to admit that she feels very lonely. This is her story:

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Newcomer Saïf

Five minutes later than planned, Saïf arrives, he was still cooking for a group of people. Saïf fled from Yemen, because his life was increasingly in danger. His activism and desire to make Yemen a better place have not stopped with moving to another country. It also keeps him busy here.

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Newcomer Mirza

Mirza (36) years old, comes from the former Yugoslavia. He came here as a child with only the clothes he was wearing. In May 1992 war broke out in the former Yugoslavia. You have no choice when it comes to flights. All you know is that you are leaving your native country, which country you end up in is a surprise.

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Newcomer Abdullah

Abdullah (26 years old) came to the Netherlands from Turkey alone and has been living in the Netherlands for over two years now. His parents still live in Turkey, but all their children are scattered all over the world. From America to Tanzania to the Netherlands. With a wink, Abdullah mentions that this is because of “the good government” in Turkey. For that very reason, Abdullah had to apply for asylum.

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Zeliha paints

Zeliha, a sweet 48-year-old woman who is currently very positive in life, talks candidly about the difficult path she took after her psychosis. She would like to advise everyone to do volunteer work because that has been what has brought her a lot and helped her in the time she really needed it. She is the example of rethinking and solves her own loneliness by being there for other people. This is her story:

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Els overcomes loneliness

Els, a strong 47-year-old woman, had a rough week. The social worker was on vacation and she was in the middle of a move. Yet she thought it was so important that she made time to share her story with us. She talks about how she has dealt with not feeling lonely anymore and advises everyone to do the same. This is her story:

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Peter's story

Pieter, a very helpful 57-year-old man, unfortunately found himself without a job after 30 years last year and fell into a big hole. With his seas of time he decided to do something useful and through a buddy project he found a very nice match with an 88-year-old gentleman who was also looking for some company. This is his story:

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Sports buddy Jeffrey

Do you know that? You want to exercise, but: what suits you? How do you start? And going alone is so boring… we get it! Starting is always difficult! But you are not alone, in fact: there are many people who, just like you, prefer to go to the gym together. Below you can read how you can easily find your ideal sports buddy.

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Student house vs. village

At the beginning of last year I moved from my student house with 11 men in the always pleasant Utrecht to a tiny village near Gouda. It was a very big decision for me and my boyfriend to buy, but we bought a beautiful house that had so much added value compared to the prices in the city.

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Rotterdam around with Gerard

Everyone has his or her motivation to volunteer and you choose what suits you. Gerard has been delivering meals in Rotterdam since the beginning of April.

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Love through the mail

To reduce the increasing feeling of being alone, the Unie Van Vrijwilligers Rotterdam (UVV) and Zorgzaam010 have joined forces. Together we ensured that the elderly who did not get further than the waste container due to the corona measures received some extra attention through a ticket promotion! The coronavirus is causing a lot around the world, including in the Netherlands. Measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus have a major impact on us. Our elderly are also at home or in a care home. Not all of them have someone around them or much to do. So it was time for some fun! Rotterdammers have sent massive messages to the elderly in their city. Personal and from the heart. You could send the tickets to the UVV for free and they made sure that they ended up properly.

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Buddies Fenne and Fleur

Fleur and Fenne have been a Buddy couple since September. It was very exciting to meet each other, but we clicked right away. And they already know for sure: after Fenne's internship, they will remain each other's [Buddies].

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DIY Plus

Due to the brain injury that Adje sustained, she has not been in the kitchen for a long time, afraid of letting something burn when she was alone. Through the project Klusplus of the Humanitas Rotterdam Foundation, she was linked by job coach Sophie to Borrel BV, a company that makes luxury filled serving boards for companies and organizations. Adje is happy to help founder Rozemarijn with cooking when there is another order.

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Adam and Farah

Unfortunately, there are many homeless young people in Rotterdam. They are forced to find a different place to sleep every night. The OPstap project organizes all kinds of fun activities for these young homeless people. For example, volunteers such as Adam and Farah go paintballing, longboarding or having a nice dinner together with the young people.

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Volunteers DDBF

"Very good to see that people really want to do something for someone else or the city!" Robert has found volunteers for the Dutch Double Bass Festival through Zorgzaam010.

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Councilor Michiel Grauss

You may have seen it happen. Alderman Michiel Grauss, alderman, among others, informal care, offered his services for the Samen op path campaign of Zorgzaam010 and Rotterdampas. With this campaign, Rotterdammers were matched up who wanted to do something fun together. For example, the alderman visited a Syrian-Palestinian family who were nominated by the Hoedje van Papier Foundation for this special afternoon.

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♥ for art and culture?

Rotterdam. Our city. A city that breathes art and culture. Art and culture in all shapes and sizes. Art and culture for everyone. And just as important: art and culture by and for Rotterdammers.

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on the road together

Rotterdam passer: Nel (69 years old)

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Chris in front of Square 13

"Together", that's what they stand for at Plein 13. Chris is a volunteer at this 50 plus flat, and she does all the chores together with the residents. “The residents are involved in everything, and they love it!” says Chris.

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Book lover Susan

For a reading and writing fanatic like Susan, the library is a favorite place. In fact, Susan felt so comfortable there that visitors thought she worked there. "That must be a top volunteer," the library staff thought, and asked Susan to join the team. She liked that, and she has been committed to it for almost a year now.

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Esther and Mrs. Dodde

90-year-old Mrs. Dodde from the Rotterdam district of IJsselmonde gets a meal from her neighbor Esther once a week.

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A leap into the deep

Milan (19) found out through voluntary work that Informatica did not make him happy at all. He found his passion and joy in helping children. He even changed his study choice at the last minute, and now he is doing something that really makes him happy.

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Whopper Bianca

As a mother of six, Bianca knows all too well how busy life can be. Nevertheless, she works as a volunteer four days a week. "At first you think you're going to do something for someone else, but later it turns out you're doing it just as well for yourself!" she says.

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The story of Helene

As a seasoned welfare worker, Hélène has seen a lot in the city. For a long time she organized activities for young people and children in community centers and on squares in Crooswijk, among others. When she conceives an unplanned pregnancy at 39 and becomes a single mother, she stops working to take care of her daughter. Hélène has been working as a volunteer at DOCK in Huis van de Wijk De Nieuwe Branding in Crooswijk for a year now.

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Norwegian and Ramzi

Noor has experienced all too well that volunteering not only means something to others. She started as a language coach for a number of Syrian refugees and that is how she met her best friend! Noor and Ramzi say they are even more than friends. "We have become soul mates".

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Rotterdam mom Celien

The first day of school is the perfect time for children to show their friends their new agenda and trendy notebooks. When Celien saw in her environment that not every family can afford this, she decided to do something about it. The result: 300 very happy children, with a backpack full of new school supplies!

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Dog fan Theodora

It started with walking a dog, but quickly became a close friendship. Theodora has built a special bond with dog Kuki and her owner. Four times a week Theodora cycles for an hour there and an hour back to be able to do something for Mrs and her dog. She does it with a lot of love and pleasure!

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Jannie for Rotterdam

Jannie had wanted to live in Rotterdam for years, so when she finally succeeded, she also wanted to dedicate herself to this beautiful city. Through Zorgzaam010 she found volunteer work that suited her very well. “I wrote a message, got hired, and I've never stopped!” she says.

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Ed is participating in Rotterdam

Volunteering, in Ed's view, was always something you only do when you're retired. But when he saw what great initiatives there are on Zorgzaam010, he still wanted to contribute. "Finally I had the chance not to watch from the sidelines, but to actively work to help people. And then also in my own Rotterdam!", Ed says with a big smile on his face.

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Greengrocer French

Frans, a Rotterdam greengrocer in heart and soul, organized a dinner for lonely elderly people last year. A walking breakfast is planned this year. This is his way of making Rotterdam a little more beautiful. “It gives me so much satisfaction and energy,” he says.

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Volunteer Juliet

My name is Juliet and I am a Ugandan aged 26 years. Blessed is the only word that I can use to describe the Netherlands. Because never did I know that I would find such a very welcoming country with nice and hospitable people. The journey I made to come here was not very pleasant. I did not trust the police and I had to go through a lot. But ever since I came to the Netherlands, I have been seeing very kind, good and friendly people. Thinking about all the good things that have been happening to me since I came here, makes me want to show my gratitude and do something back. And whenever I walk on the street and see someone in need of a hand it is always my pleasure to help.

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Topper Thea

More than half of Rotterdam seniors feel lonely. That is why Buurtwerk ensures that Rotterdam residents aged 75 and older are offered a home visit in Prins Alexander. Thea is one of the toppers who do the home visits. She goes out once a week and means something to her environment. "This way I can give something back to society, I have always had it so good!", she says.

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Busy at Renske

Hey, I'm Renske, 32 years old and full-time working in the IT sector. Officially I come from the east of the country, but six months ago I moved to beautiful Rotterdam. Although I used to come to the city regularly, I am an avid Feyenoord player and can therefore regularly be found in De Kuip, this is different from living there. I wanted to get to know the city as a 'RotterdammerT'. People often think that in Rotterdam no one says hello or no one knows each other. I live in South and have to say that people are really wrong about this. Rotterdammers are very helpful and act normal. I love it!

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Volunteer Charmaine

Hi, I am Charmaine 31 years old and of Chinese descent. When I was 22 I moved to the Netherlands for my studies. After my studies I found a job as an accountant in Rotterdam. She had worked there for several years. Last year I decided to take a break. I wanted to take the time to think quietly and orientate myself on what I really wanted to do. During this period, I didn't want to sit still and started looking for volunteer work.

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Karin and her 25 toppers!

We are a total of 25 volunteers in GroenNoord. They are volunteers who come at all different times. Some do it in addition to their regular job, others are present in return and we have found some enthusiasts through your platform Zorgzaam010. Everyone is welcome, as long as they like it, they can come, we always say! And most of the time it works, because almost everyone sticks around, so that's a good sign.

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Buddies Maud & Mohamed

When Maud (21) from Eindhoven went to Copenhagen for six months to study Business Administration, she noticed how lonely you can feel if you don't have any friends around. 'As crazy as it may sound, I just felt like a refugee'. When Maud was back in the Netherlands, she registered with New Dutch Connections via Zorgzaam010 as a buddy for a young refugee. Maud has been a buddy of Mohamed (26) from Syria for three months now. He followed a module at ProRail via New Dutch Connections. We asked Maud what it's like to be a refugee's buddy.

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The Story of You

A few years ago I got all kinds of complaints that the doctors did not know how to deal with. I kept getting sicker. I started to have symptoms of paralysis and paralysis and it felt like I had cobwebs in my face. I also had heart problems and breathing problems. After years of searching for what made me so sick, I turned out to have iih (better known to most people as pseudo tumor cerebri. It is a rare brain disease that occurs in approximately 1 in 100,000 people. Due to an excess of cerebrospinal fluid, the pressure in my head, too high around my brain.That pressure can cause severe symptoms.I am now wheelchair dependent and can do less and less.

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A good deed every day!

Last year Floor participated in a friend's project and did something good every day for a month. This time she takes on the challenge with herself and now wants to keep it up for a year. She started her #project365 on January 1 and tries to make the world a little bit more beautiful every day. "It's actually fairly easy. You can make someone happy so quickly," says Floor. From cleaning up the mess she encountered in a nature park to registering on our platform, Floor offers her help, every day again. Floor says that after she registered she quickly had 2 responses, now she already has 5 in her inbox! "I have already made an appointment with a 63-year-old man. We chatted, which I normally find really terrible, but it was quite fun with him," she says with a laugh. Floor indicated that the gentleman was very lonely and really appreciated that she had come by. "The next morning I received a message that he really liked it very much, then you know what you're doing it for," says Floor. This man has been the highlight of the #project365 for Floor so far.

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Reading makes you happy!

Did you always read a lot? Was there always time for a bedtime story? Unfortunately, this is not self-evident for every family in the Netherlands. Many children leave primary school with the reading level of a group 6 child. That is why it is super important that children come into contact with books and reading a lot and give this a permanent place at home. The Voorleesexpress helps children who have difficulty with the Dutch language and lets them discover how much fun language is. A family is paired for 20 weeks with a reader who comes home to read together. Eveline is responsible for families and partners of the Noordoever and tells us about this beautiful project.

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a house full of volunteers

In the place where the saxophone used to reverberate through the swinging jazz tent, different worlds now stand side by side to renovate and refurbish the story house into the meeting place, source of inspiration and historical experience that the building deserves and should be. From hiding place to wrestling club, Belvédère in Rotterdam Katendrecht has always been a house with an illustrious history. It was saved from demolition by hard-working volunteers and has become a home base of the best stories for and by Rotterdammers.

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Rotterdammers for Eline

I live in Rotterdam with my son Ivo. He is 35 years old and has a disability. I only take care of him and I myself had a tumor in the face, which makes me tired faster. Yes, that's heavy. But you have to stay optimistic, hope is alive!

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Rotterdam video

“There is an answer to every question. You just have to ask it.' "From I can't get any further, to hoppa, and on." City poet Derek Otte puts it in sober, typically Rotterdam words: when you help each other, it all works out.

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Aboutaleb about Rotterdam

We are very proud and happy that our own mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb not only knows Zorgzaam010, but also supports it! He says the following about volunteering:

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Ewoud & Museum Rotterdam

With my job as a reporter I am always looking for stories in Rotterdam. That happens at the most irregular times, so I sometimes have quite an hour left in which I can do something for the city. After some googling I came across Zorgzaam010 and there was the perfect match for me. Storytelling for Museum Rotterdam . I would have done drinking coffee with an older person, too. But this suits me even more!

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Elly for Rotterdam

My mother used to do volunteer work. She didn't have a job but always helped others. That's why I 've always done volunteer work since I was 14. That was quite normal in our neighborhood. When there was snow, we swept the sidewalks of the elderly with all the children in the neighborhood. We also did groceries for them. It became a kind of attitude to life to always help others. I now also notice that my children are taking over from me again.

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Diana for Rotterdam

My husband saw in the newspaper that people were looking for people who would like to become a budget buddy, and he thought that was something for me. This is how I ended up with a family where I now offer help on a weekly basis financially. It's great fun, but also intense. I help organize the paperwork, but I also accompany you to appointments.

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Joyce for Rotterdam

Because of my age and because of illness it was difficult for me to get a job. I still wanted to get started and I wanted to help as many people as possible. That's why I started volunteering at the Salvation Army. I talk to the clients about their experiences. Because I have been homeless myself, I can empathize well with them. That makes for great conversations. I am also a member of the client council. In fact, I can be found at the Salvation Army as often as needed! It is very nice for the clients of the Salvation Army to speak with someone who knows what they are going through.

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Anneke for Rotterdam

At 45 I became terminally ill. I've always done a lot in my life, and when you suddenly get sick, it's a huge switch. I really wanted to do something for society. Unfortunately, due to my illness, that had suddenly become very difficult. Then I got my dog, Quintalina. She made sure that I got out of bed again, that I had a purpose in my life again. That's why I always called Quintalina my service dog.

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Sharifa for Rotterdam

I graduated three years ago. I have always worked and I have always been among people. I used to work at KLM, but unfortunately I couldn't stay there. I didn't like sitting at home either. Then I registered as a volunteer, so that I could still work and be among the people!

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Anne for Rotterdam

I got divorced 35 years ago. At that time I was living alone with my children, so I could no longer work night shifts. I thought it was a terrible idea not to do anything anymore, so I decided to become a volunteer. First I became a foster parent. In total I had 22 foster children. This was never for a few months, usually they stayed with me for years! Later I did many different things.

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