Shorts? That’s way too cold now, isn’t it? Well, 9-year-old Dex van Bussel from Heusden thinks differently about that. He has been walking around with bare legs for a year and a half. This week, his classmates and family join him in supporting him. This week, Dex is raising money for the Children’s Cancer Free Foundation (KiKa) with his campaign. “I have already raised almost two thousand euros.”
It is a strange sight on the playground of Anthonius Primary School in Heusden in the municipality of Asten. It’s about six degrees, but the children in group six are walking around in shorts. They do this to support their classmate Dex and they are sponsored by people who support the campaign.
Dex has been wearing a summer outfit for a year and a half. “Just for fun,” he says. “At one point Dad saw a campaign to put on your shorts for charity. We wanted to participate in that, but we were too late. So this year we are participating with my family and classmates.”
The children in group six still think they are doing well in class. And even when Dex asks his classmates to come outside, they all shout enthusiastically to come along. Outside there is a lot of shouting, jumping and a game of football.
Dex quite enjoys playing outside in shorts. “You have more air,” he says. His friends think it’s not too bad either. “It’s nice and refreshing. I’m participating to support my friend. I think it’s very sweet and good of him,” says classmate Finn (9).
9-year-old Tygo and 10-year-old Harm also wear shorts for their buddy Dex. It is not surprising for Tygo that Dex has been doing this for so long. “It’s nice when someone can live the way they want.”
“I think it’s sad that they die at such a young age.”
Dex is happy that he can finally do something good with his habit. “With the money they can pay doctors to make children better. I think it’s sad that they die at such a young age. I will continue with it as long as I want and can.”
Dex has made a bet with his father. “Whoever puts on their long pants first has to give a chocolate cake to the other. I hope I win,” he laughs. Harm is convinced that this will work. “Dex has been doing it for a while and I just think he’s going to win.”
Even Miss Renee joins in. She thinks it’s quite cold, but then she reminds herself what Dex always says. “It’s better to be cold for a while than to be a child who is sick and might even die. What could be worse?”
“It’s like summer when you put on your shorts in the morning.”
Teacher Renee is very proud of ‘her’ children in group six. “Dex wanted to challenge the entire school and then the class decided to wear shorts all week. It is a great temperature in the classroom, but it is a bit cold when playing outside.”
The girls in the class also think it’s very clever that Dex always does this. “I wouldn’t last that long, but you get used to it,” says one of the girls. “It’s like summer when you put on your shorts in the morning, but then it’s a bit cold outside,” the group giggles.