While it was freezing last night and this afternoon is still quite cold, it is nice and warm in the church in Odoorn. The church has opened its doors for a heat festival. That should literally and figuratively give the residents of the municipality of Borger-Odoorn a little warmth.
There are various performances in the church and you can buy paintings. 150 pieces to be exact. They hang, lie and are scattered throughout the church. Donated by the relatives of the deceased owner Mrs. Schepers-Dijks. The church in Odoorn sells these paintings to raise money for people who are struggling to pay their energy bills.
And sales went well. Almost 3000 euros were collected. And that money can be put to good use by many people. “We all know people who are struggling financially,” says Helene Westerik. She is one of the organizers of the heat festival. “Because of the rising prices for groceries, but especially because of the high energy prices, it is difficult for many people to pay the energy bill.”
With the help of welfare organization Andes, the money ends up with residents of the municipality of Borger-Odoorn who need it. “They link the people to us,” says volunteer Willem Mulder. “They get the money in an envelope, but we don’t control what they spend it on. If they say ‘but I really need to buy bread’, they just buy a loaf of it when they need it.”
The proceeds from the festival are not just for the minimum. “We don’t want to exclude anyone and offer everyone a helping hand. An example: people who are getting divorced. They used to be able to make ends meet, but now both have to move to another home. And they both have to conclude a new energy contract. With two incomes that was still doable, but no longer with one,” says Westerik.
The masterpiece that will be auctioned this afternoon is a pencil drawing of the house of clog maker Schutrups from Valthe, made by artist Janny Jalving from Klijndijk. The church does not have a target amount to raise. “Every euro is welcome, give what you can spare.” In the end, the masterpiece was auctioned for around 250 euros.