Former town hall Medemblik prepared for reception: “They are very welcome”

The building on the Korteling in Midwoud accommodates various companies. The general practitioner, dentist, physiotherapy and also the music school may soon be able to welcome new neighbors. The owners of the building – Erik and Barbara Burggraaf – are busy preparing two apartments together with a contractor.

The space that until recently served as a company specialized in eyelid corrections is being thoroughly renovated. Intended for Ukrainians fleeing the war.

Special act

A special act by the Midwouder couple, although they nuance it themselves. “We were watching television and thought: ‘Gosh, we have space. We sign up’.” This makes them one of a total of 21 applications received by the initiators in the municipality of Medemblik. “Very beautiful”, Barbara thinks. “I think eight people could live here. Spread over the two apartments. We help people who need help with this and can rent it out again later as office space.”

Erik complements his wife. “You can also transfer an amount to Giro 555. In this case, we do it a bit more directly. This is our contribution to Giro 555.”

duvets

A lot still needs to be done before the apartments are habitable. For example, there is still a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom missing. They enlist the help of family and friends for the furnishing. “I already have duvets in. And probably also crockery. We are also looking for beds, among other things.”

There is not yet any certainty that the apartments will indeed be used for the reception of refugees. Nevertheless, Erik and Barbara Burggraaf will not let themselves be stopped. “We’re just going to set it up. And if people do come, they are very welcome.”