Christian's story
Christiaan, an enthusiastic thirty-something, was taught voluntary work from an early age. He has now been helping at the Dining Room for almost 3 years. He helps cook Eugène prepare meals, which can be eaten once a week, for a small amount per person; alternately in the Bunthof or at Floralia. Working in the hospitality industry is in his blood. From the moment he was allowed to work, in addition to his regular work in the catering industry, he was behind the bar or in the kitchen at TSC. At the Buurstede he helped with activities. His father was manager at Wijkhuis Strijen and Christiaan often worked there. At “Eten bij Kees” and “Eten bij 't Kapelleke”, he helped prepare the meals for many years. He moved to Geertruidenberg, but couldn't miss Oosterhout. After 2 years of absence he returned, immediately started working again as a volunteer at the Dining Room and in this way came into contact with Oosterhoutvoorelkaar. Now that his job has come to a standstill due to corona, he is involved as a volunteer and he thinks it's fantastic. As long as it is work related to the hospitality industry.
“Just give it a try. Not shooting is always wrong, but who knows what it will bring you”
Christiaan enjoys the appreciation he receives as a volunteer, the small talk in between, the laughter and the fooling around. “What could be a nicer combination than doing what you like and making others happy with it too? If you please someone else, you will receive so much in return that you will have a better life yourself.” What would Christiaan recommend to his peers? “Just give it a try. Not shooting is always wrong, but who knows what it will bring you”.
I really feel needed!
Sylvia got the taste She has a job for 36 hours a week, yet Sylvia makes time on her day off to volunteer to deliver meals. Until recently, meal service Oosterhout cooked free meals for Oosterhouters who could use such a meal in the context of corona help. She saw the call on the Oosterhoutvoorelkaar (OVE) website. Sylvia responded immediately. She already knew OVE, because she is registered there as a volunteer. “I did get a taste of it by delivering meals. Now that it's no longer necessary, I'm going to do other things. I have already seen two nice vacancies on the website.” But what does volunteering bring her then? Sylvia reacts enthusiastically: “Haha…. Anyway, a nice meal every now and then. Once I got snickers and once a euro, which I paid off neatly. But the most important thing is that you make people happy! And I am really pampered by OVE. The reception in the Bunthof, where I have to pick up the meals, is always very nice. Everything is very well organized and I only meet friendly people.” That's where I really feel needed! What Sylvia does notice is a difference between the first and the second corona wave. “It seems that people are more afraid of being infected. Sometimes I come somewhere and it's said, “You're the first one I speak to today. That's where I really feel needed!" On the other hand, Sylvia also goes to places where she only has to deliver the meal. “People all want something different, so as a volunteer you have to be flexible. But it's nice when someone says they hope you'll come again next time." Share these stories and inspire others to help too! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Whatsapp Forward
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