There are already more than four hundred thousand kilometers on the clock, but Niels (23), Gijs (37) and Peter (37) are confident that they will reach the North Cape with their old barrel. The three friends from Helvoirt participate in the ‘Barrel Challenge’ and drive to Scandinavia in ten days for charity.
The men have been looking forward to the adventure for a year. Peter came up with the idea and Gijs and Niels soon joined in. Via Marktplaats, they bought an old car for a few hundred euros and a box of sausage rolls. “A Volvo XC70 from 2001,” says Niels de Kruijf. “It is very strong and reliable and has four-wheel drive, which is handy in the snow.”
“Only the glove compartment and the steering wheel are still original.”
The car was completely converted to face the snowy landscape. “We did odd jobs almost every evening and on weekends. Only the glove compartment and the steering wheel are still original,” jokes Niels.
In addition, the car was decorated from head to toe, so that they stand out. For example, the car is decorated with the Brabant flag and there is an illuminated Christmas tree on the roof.
“During the trip we bake sandwiches and that money goes to charity.”
There is even a kitchenette in the old car. “We have made an inverter for this, to which we can connect electrical appliances. During the trip we bake sandwiches, which we sell for ten euros. And that money goes to charity,” says Niels.
That charity is Villa Pardoes, which provides sick children and their families with an unforgettable holiday. For the men who know each other through the Children’s Holiday Week in the village, it was a logical choice.
“All three of us have a thing for children and this is also a nice Brabant goal,” explains Niels. The aim was to raise a thousand euros, but that has already almost doubled. “Now we are going for an infinite amount and we hope to be able to hand over a big check in ten days,” says Niels.
The friends left for Groningen on Friday morning, where they will start their journey to the North Cape at half past one. A journey of about 6000 kilometers in total. Along the way they receive assignments, which earn points. “But we mainly do it for the great experience and the good cause,” says Niels.
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