For Abbekerk it is no longer an unknown appearance. A few months before Christmas, a Santa Claus rides around on a decorated motorbike in the West Frisian village, and in the rest of the province, to collect money forfor the Princess Máxima Center in Utrecht.
One of them is Arno van Kampen from Abbekerk. Although he is back on the bike, he has still not recovered from the accident. Precisely a year ago Arno took a big smack when he was hit from behind by a motorist. The damage: a severe concussion. “It still bothers me. While riding my motorcycle I sometimes see double and I suffer from a ringing in my ear.”
The fear is still there. “It was a bit exciting to get back on a bike. It still makes a lot of noise when someone is tailgating, but it’s getting better.”
Arno also got a new engine, thanks a crowdfunding. “My new motorcycle is completely full of Santa Claus cuddly toys, lights and pamphlets,” he says laughing. Because sitting down with the suits? Arno refuses.
Life’s work
For a moment, a smile returns to his face when he is reminded of his ‘life’s work’. “That’s what we do it for: to put a smile on people’s faces in this time of disaster.” As an example, he cites Vince, who was diagnosed with cancer the same day the accident happened. “Toand we handed over the check to the hospital last year, we ran into Vince and his parents. They have taken us in tow.”
They were given a tour of the department. “They have a fake MRI scanner, a music studio and a racing chair. An MRI examination can be scary and stressful for children. What they set up to reassure children is very special to see. That’s what we do it for .” Vince is also riding with his father this year. “We arranged a sidecar for him.”
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Tompouses
It has now become a beautiful tradition, which is spreading like wildfire across the Netherlands. Also this year the tour will be done on December 11, starting point is Abbekerk. During the previous edition reason about 50 Santa Clauses on their motorcycles through the province to raise money for children with cancer. “We expect a high turnout. There are former participants who bring their friends.”
Also this year tompouzen are sold at the Spar supermarket in Abbekerk. “It turned out to be a resounding success. They sold like hot cakes. We sold 250 boxes in no time. This year we want to go bigger.”
Look below at the report that NH News made last year about the tour: