In Vlagtwedde, money will be collected again next week to alleviate children’s suffering. Jan de Vries (62) is one of the driving forces.
Mr. de Vries, the fundraising campaign is continuing a tradition, isn’t it?
,,That’s right. In August there is always the Week der Besten, the festive week in Vlagtwedde, which attracts people from all over the region and from further afield. on, a marathon action.”
When did that tradition start?
“In 2008, 15 years ago. We then decided to set up an action for a good cause. We then arranged broadcasts day and night all week long from a greenhouse in the village center specially set up for that purpose, people could request a request picture for money. Just like in the Glass House. We then collected 20,000 euros for KiKa, the organization that fights against childhood cancer. Our broadcaster had been around for years, but it was the first time we had done something like this. It was good.”
And so you went on repeat.
,,Yes, in the following years we collected money again in that August week, usually for an organization that is committed to children. Almost always with marathon broadcasts of a certain length. The summer before the corona crisis, we raised another 12,000 euros for KiKa again.”
What does next week’s action look like?
,, We then sit in a tent in a village center for 35 hours, play request records, hold collections in the village and sell cuddly toys from CliniClowns. Because this time we are doing our best for that organization. We hope again for thousands of euros.”
Is the willingness to give usually high?
“Yes, companies in the village and the surrounding area give money, but so do visitors to the festival week. That generosity is beautiful. Just like the willingness of our volunteers to commit themselves and spend hours in the tent.”
Are you participating again?
,,Of course! I am also involved in the broadcasts for several hours. And afterwards, Friday evening, my vacation begins. I work for ambulance care, not in assistance but more in technology, and have been doing it that way for years. First the marathon in our village, then on vacation. I hope to continue that tradition where we do not intend to set up a marathon every year, but with a break in between. Because we don’t want and can’t ask for this commitment from volunteers and generous donors every year.”