Parcel deliverer Ramiz received the surprise of his life in Sprang Capelle on Saturday morning. He received no less than a thousand euros out of nowhere. It was a Christmas present from residents in the neighborhood where he always delivers the packages. “That man has a heart of gold,” says initiator Martin Sonnema.
While package deliverers are experiencing busy times for the holidays, Ramiz Isbeceren is experiencing peace and quiet. This morning he unsuspectingly arrives with his bus to the Vier Heultjes in Sprang-Capelle. The neighborhood is waiting for him with sparklers in hand.
Christmas music blares from the speakers. The mulled wine flows freely. This is the moment for the neighborhood to thank their favorite parcel deliverer. Ramiz gets off the bus with a big smile on his face. “Is the whole neighborhood here? I do not believe that. Is this real?”
Local resident Sonnema looks on with satisfaction. “Ramiz is always friendly. He even delivers the packages to older people. The aura that hangs around that man is wonderful. The whole of the Netherlands should know that and I think that it should certainly be rewarded.”
“It got bigger and bigger and bigger.”
Ramiz delivers the packages to a former holiday park in Sprang-Capelle. According to Sonnema, they arrange everything themselves here. “We have 245 houses here. It has been legalized and fortunately we are allowed to live here. We belong to the municipality of Waalwijk, but we do it all ourselves with our own board. Our parcel deliverer is part of the community.”
Delivery person Ramiz thinks so too. After receiving his Christmas present, he is given the microphone. “This is the best route I’ve had so far.” The whole neighborhood cheers.
“We have a warm relationship. It feels like family. I can just go back. I have also delivered in Amsterdam and it is very different here. In the Randstad, they tend to keep to themselves more because of their busy lives. People are nicer here.”
So nice that they even give him a thousand euros. “It started in the group app,” says initiator Sonnema. “We felt we were very satisfied with Ramiz’s delivery. I said, “Shall we get him a Christmas package?” I then sent a payment request via the app. That took on a life of its own. It got bigger and bigger and bigger.”
“I hope people will use this in their own lives.”
Ramiz already knows what he will do with the money. “I’m going out for a day with the children. I don’t have any children of my own, but I have many nieces and nephews. We are all going to do something.”
What should other delivery drivers think who also drive through this neighborhood? “Take this as an example,” says Sonnema. “Don’t just throw the package in front of a door. Please ring the bell. Take some time off and give it to the people. There may be something very important in it for those people.”
Sonnema: “This is a small bright spot in the dark days. I hope people will use this in their own lives and change the world. Maybe it’s a snowball starting to roll.”