They hadn’t thought about it for a moment. Henk-Jan Hofman and Henk Jongstra did what they always do. Help where needed. That is precisely why the title Noordenvelders of the Year 2025 came as a complete surprise to them.
The prize was presented to Hofman during the New Year’s reception of the municipality of Noordenveld. Jongstra was exposed to it from a distance, because he is currently abroad.
“Two months ago I was invited to the mayor’s office to talk about our trip,” says Hofman. “He then invited us to the New Year’s meeting. But to be honest, nothing went on at that time,” says Hofman. “I went there because I was invited.”
This invitation turned out to be no coincidence. Behind the scenes, it had been carefully arranged that Hofman would be present. Even the East-West Contacts Foundation was ‘involved in the conspiracy’. Everything to make sure Hofman would not be missing.
The foundation has been committed to sustainable and friendly contacts between Eastern and Western Europe for many years. Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, the foundation has provided several transports including generators, materials for schools and orphanages and stoves for the population in Northern Ukraine.
“We just started this because we wanted to help people,” says Hofman.
And that ‘being needed’ doesn’t stop. On January 25, another transport will leave for Ukraine. There are still 300 heaters left from a previous campaign, so this time the gentlemen are leaving with about 200 heaters and 20 generators. There are also puzzles for children.
All this is not without risk. Yet the men continue as long as the war continues. With their own transport, or by working together with local communities, they ensure that aid reaches the right places.
Despite the award, they remain modest. “We always say, ‘the real heroes live in Ukraine. They work every day.’
In addition to a certificate and cup, the men received a check for a thousand euros. What will happen to it has not yet been determined. “We do have an idea,” says Hofman. “We would like to arrange something for the two schools we support. But we still have to discuss this with the board.”