For three years now, Paul Buis has been supplying free bicycles to refugees, children and parents on a budget. A big job awaits: in the coming weeks he wants to deliver 155 bicycles to a shelter for Ukrainian refugees in Scharwoude. Grateful work, he says: “They are very happy with it.”
Buis receives bicycles from all corners of the world, which he refurbishes, checks and distributes to everyone who needs a bicycle, but cannot afford it themselves. “Everyone is welcome with us.”
Buis ended up at the shelter in Scharwoude through local resident Gert Elzinga, who approached him for the bicycles. “I walked around there and thought, ‘It would be great if these people also had some bicycles. Scharwoude is a bit remote, but you can get to Hoorn in no time by bike. Or you could possibly make some rounds in the area ‘.”
Elzinga went on a bicycle hunt, but that was not easy. Until he came across the initiative of Paul Buis. “Paul was very generous right away, wanted to arrange it.” That is why 155 bicycles will be set up in the coming weeks.
happiness
Over the Easter weekend, a Ukrainian family came to pick up the first three bicycles. While enjoying an Easter breakfast, which Buis had set up for the occasion. “I was taking a walk through the village and then I met these people,” says Elzinga. “Those were the first people I wanted to ask if they wanted a bicycle. Then you notice so much joy and enthusiasm.”
The family fled Lutsk, western Ukraine, a week after the war started. “We are impressed by everyone we met here,” says refugee Tetyana Yevdokymova. “We live with a nice family who shelter us and help us with education and money matters. We are grateful for all the help and feel a lot of support from everyone.”