Dozens of healthcare organizations have been at a loss since the bankruptcy of the MVI charity from Oosterhout. To transport vulnerable people, they rented vans from MVI. But the rates are a lot higher since Saam Doet Het took over the bankrupt company. About 40 of the 80 healthcare organizations therefore decided to hand in the bus.
Topsport for Life in Eindhoven is one of those foundations. This organization organizes activities and group trips for people with life-threatening illnesses. The rental price of the bus was increased fivefold from 300 euros to 1500 euros.
“We are only a small foundation and we don’t have the money to pay for this for a long time,” says initiator Miel in ‘t Zand. “That is why we returned the bus with pain in our hearts.”
And that while a new trip is planned in four weeks. The foundation then goes to Spain with people with ALS. They are in a wheelchair and therefore transport is quite a task. The bus that Topsport for Life first used for this, for example, had a wheelchair lift.
“We hope that companies will want to sponsor us.”
Miel in ‘t Zand is now trying to solve the problem in a different way. Through a crowdfunding campaign and thanks to the promise of a huge donation, Topsport for Life has raised 20,000 euros. He wants to use this to buy a second- or third-hand bus that is suitable for wheelchair transport.
“It will be quite a challenge,” he says. “If we can buy one, it will also cost a lot of money to run the bus. Gasoline, insurance, maintenance: that costs a lot of money. That is why we hope that companies will want to sponsor us.”
The story of Topsport for Life does not stand alone. According to Saam Doet Het, 40 healthcare organizations have handed in rented vans. “We had to raise prices after the bankruptcy of MVI. Otherwise we would lose ourselves and eventually go bankrupt as well,” says director Lars van Engelen.
“Any help is welcome.”
MVI was declared bankrupt by the court in November because the Tax and Customs Administration still owes millions to the organisation. The foundation was previously in the news due to a major fraud case. Saam Doet Het took over after that.
According to director Van Engleen, the larger and wealthier healthcare organizations in particular have been able to absorb the price increase. Smaller organizations with less money were more often caught off guard. Although the Sosijn Foundation in Dussen, which helps children with disabilities, also proves that other solutions are possible. This foundation has bought its own second-hand bus with the help of some sponsors.
In ‘t Zand of Topsport for Life has also pinned his hopes on that. “Any help is welcome,” he says. “With a bit of luck, we can then continue the journey for people with ALS in four weeks’ time.”
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