The idea of the voluntary transport service has been around for some time. For example, people in Hilversum were able to use the Neighborhood mobi And from the back-and-weather taxi of Versa Welzijn. This new initiative comes from the ANWB and is not only for anyone with mobility, but also for the people who would like to chat.
“Loneliness is a big problem in Hilversum,” says Alderman Gerben van Voorden. In the past year, 1 in 7 inhabitants felt seriously lonely. “We are therefore happy that machine can now also be found here.”
In addition, according to the alderman, it is useful that this initiative comes from the ANWB: “There is a greater name attached to it, people know it. That is why there are already many more registrations than with other, similar initiatives.”
‘Party for volunteers’
It is nice for the person in need of help, but also for the volunteers, says Frans van der Waal. “It’s really a party to do.” Since he retired, he has a lot of volunteer work in Hilversum. For example, he has been taking rides with people who needed it for some time, he reads to low -literate people and brings food packages twice a week to people who cannot pick it up themselves.
“I wanted to give something back for society. Helping others gives me satisfaction, it brings me a lot. But you also have to be positive in life. And have a little luck with the person you pick up.”
With 86-year-old Fie van Reenen he has at least a new (car) buddy. And she is also ‘overjoyed’ with him, as can be seen in the video above.
The machine is available in Hilversum from 1 October.