Volunteer Hans makes countless trips during Gabberweek: “Get energy from it”

For Hans it is already day four that he is working as a driver for the Gabberweek. It is just after eight o’clock in the morning when we meet him at sports hall De Weijver in Hoogwoud, the coordination center of Gabberweek. “We’re going to Obdam first,” Hans reads on his printed day program. “That’s where we pick up the first two children.”

Once on the road, Van Eerden shows no trace of fatigue. “I’m very excited about how it’s going,” said the driver. “All nice rides. Lots of happy children that you drop off and pick up again.”

No shortage of volunteers

While many associations are currently struggling with a lack of volunteers, Gabberweek does not seem to have that problem, as witnessed by the total of one hundred and twenty people who selflessly contribute to Gabberweek. According to Wiebo Beenen, creator and organizer of the annual event week, this is partly because it’s just fun work. “How nice it is to drive around in a van with happy children, the elderly and refugees for five days,” says Beenen. “You hear a lot on the road. It’s an adventure.”

Something that Hans can confirm. “The moment children come back from an activity, they have the best stories,” says the driver. “About what they have seen and experienced. Then the day has to be discussed.”

Hans has been doing voluntary work for about four years now and probably a few more years to come. “I still want to give something back to society,” says Hans. “My brother has been involved in voluntary work for a long time. He asked: ‘isn’t it something for you too?’ So far I have not regretted my choice for a moment.”