Klaas and other camper owners ensure an unforgettable day of children

The children Don, Annabel and Merlijn are somewhat tense in Tieme’s camper in the Grashaven in Hoorn. They have just gathered here, so that they can enjoy a day of play without any worries. “We’re going to a castle, to a bakery and to Ballorig,” says Merlin.

Mother Indra is also there. “We are really looking forward to it. It is the end of the big holiday and for us a family day, where we can all be together as a family. I feel very welcome.”

Klaas is now organizing it for the second year in a row. About 60 children participate from families where there is less money, sick brothers or sisters or whose parents are divorced. “You have to do it for those children, but that takes a lot of time and effort. When you look back tonight you think: that was worth it.”

Help from all over the country

And not only Klaas enjoys it. Dozens of other motorhome owners help make the day unforgettable for those children. “I drove 200 kilometers,” says Tieme van Veen from Rhoden. “We are all happy to help, everyone is relaxed and it has become a kind of family.”

Johan Tabbers is also helping out for the second time. “We’re not wealthy or anything. We like to help people who are even worse off than us.” He says he really sees the children revive: “I think the strength is the children themselves.”

Don, Annabel and Merlijn are fully enjoying Ballorig, the first outing of the day. When asked what they like, Don and Annabel both invariably say, “Everything.” According to Klaas, this day has a huge impact on the children: “They will never forget this.”