Imagine if you could make someone’s day better? A visit, a walk or playing a game can do a lot! Currently, 571 people in Zoetermeer are looking for someone to do something fun with. You can too a buddy become.
As a buddy you make someone else’s life and your own more fun. Martijn (27) is the buddy of the Syrian Wasem. Martijn says: “You can make someone happy and I also have a friend myself.” Time and attention is the best you can give to someone and this way you can contribute, as a buddy.
Perfect match
You may recognize it: many people have a busy, social life. The same goes for Martijn. Despite that, he chose to become a buddy. “There are people who always feel alone. I thought it would be fun to make someone else’s life more enjoyable in my spare time.”
Martijn and Wasem were matched because of their common interests and hobbies. Wasem was looking for someone with whom he could speak Dutch. The two clicked: Wasem got to know the language better and now has a friend. “Martijn makes me feel less lonely. I can ask him anything,” says Wasem. How nice is that?
Language buddy
As a language buddy, Martijn has also come up with all kinds of activities for Wasem, such as an audio tour on a boat and a visit to the cinema. They also play sports together. This means Wasem comes into contact with many more Dutch people. Good for the language and the social aspect!
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They are now both following their own path. Wasem started his studies and has completely found his niche in the Netherlands. Martijn is also busy. “But we haven’t lost sight of each other. We will meet again soon.” If he has a little more time, he would become a buddy again. “There are so many people looking for a buddy. There is always someone with whom you can click and become your friend. Being a buddy makes your day better.”
No one should be lonely
Joyce (31) also wanted to be there for someone, because no one should be lonely. “The most precious thing you can give to someone is your time,” she says. “If we spend less time on social media and pay more attention to each other, the world will become a more beautiful place.” Joyce is a volunteer at HandicapNL’s buddy project.
A friend for life
Joyce was paired with Lisa. Lisa is 32 years old and is chronically ill. “We quickly stopped calling each other buddies. We are there for each other unconditionally: in good and bad times,” says Joyce. Lisa has lost many friends due to her illness. “That made me feel lonely,” she says. “The threshold for signing up for a buddy was high, but what did I have to lose?”
Joyce and Lisa immediately got along very well. Lisa: “With her I can be completely myself. She makes me feel like I matter.”
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We also step out of our comfort zone
A walk or to the museum: Joyce and Lisa do all kinds of fun things together. “I wouldn’t go to a museum myself, but Joyce made me try.” Since Lisa started hanging out with Joyce, she has also eaten vegan more often. “Joyce is vegan and inspired me with that. We are stepping out of our comfort zone.”
A world of difference
Katja (61) became a volunteer at Friends Services in Deventer after she was rejected for her work. She was matched with Henry (60). “I wanted to make a difference to society,” she says. She made a world of difference to Henry. “I was looking for a buddy, but I also turned out to be a support for her,” he says.
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Henry was getting divorced and was afraid of falling into a black hole. That’s why he was looking for a buddy. Because Katja made time for Henry and they did fun things, Katja saw him change: he became more self-confident. “I help Henry, but I also help myself. I feel useful again and it gives me a lot of pleasure.”
Own interpretation
You already read it: as buddies you do all kinds of things together. Whether you come to chat, exercise, learn the language or do some shopping: everything is possible. By giving your time and personal attention, you put a smile on someone’s face and that means something to you!
The Oranje Fonds believes that everyone matters. That is why they support initiatives that bring people together. Do you, like the Oranje Fonds, want to commit yourself to a society in which everyone can participate? There is always someone who appreciates your attention. Find out who you can help at orangefonds.nl/maatjes