Sixty Santa Clauses on motorcycles raise money for sick children

“Riding with a smile and a tear” is the motto of the Santa Máxima organizers. Minko van Es from De Rijp feels double on a day like today. “It’s a very pleasant day like that, you laugh your Christmas pants to pieces. You know why you’re doing it, so I also shed a tear sometimes.”

He organizes the tour together with Arno van Kampen from Abbekerk. Now for the fourth year in a row. From Abbekerk they drive via Hoogwoud to Heerhugowaard. Have a coffee stop in De Rijp, then continue through Alkmaar, Egmond aan Zee, to end back in Heerhugowaard.

What started in North Holland has grown to include the whole of the Netherlands. Six provinces are participating. “Even on the circuit in Assen, Santa Clauses on motorcycles make rounds.”

Record amount

The counter is already up before departure 15 thousand euros. An unprecedented amount. “A record prior to a ride. We have never experienced this before.” The entire amount goes to the ‘accommodation and activities’ department of the Princess Máxima Center.

It is ensured that ‘daily life’ and the development of the children and the family can continue as much as possible, during and after their treatment. “There’s everything from a race track to pancake baking. It’s about making great memories.” Every year, 600 children are diagnosed with cancer and one in four dies from it, according to figures from the Princess Máxima Center.

“I lost my mother at a young age to cancer. That is already very bad for adults, but really terrible for the children,” says Daniël Koeten, who is taking the tour with his girlfriend Claudia. Last month they picked up 6-year-old Vince from the Princess Máxima Center, after he had had his last treatment and was allowed to go home. “Then we drove down the highway with 35 Santa Clauses, those are the beautiful things.”

His motorcycle is almost unrecognizable, under the Christmas decorations, lights and music boxes. “Every year we think, now we’re not being so crazy. But we have gone bigger again and have been decorating everything for two weeks now.” Will it all stay stuck? “For sure! We tested that at 130 kilometers per hour, that should be fine,” he concludes with a laugh.

Motorcyclist Peter Rabbe is one of the first in the starting blocks this morning. The journey is also close to his heart. “Everyone has someone in their circle of acquaintances where cancer occurs. Last year two children were in my sidecar. And when you see them enjoying themselves while they are still undergoing chemotherapy, that’s what you do it for.”