Eelkje: “I like to give back to society”

Eelkje visits Janny for an hour every week. They enjoy going shopping together at Osdorpplein or Eelkje cooks and bakes. “I prefer meatballs because I love them so much,” Janny beams. Janny is so limited by rheumatism that she is completely dependent on others. For the past five years, she has not been able to go outside independently. Eelkje is happy to help her. “It’s just an hour a week.”Eelkje has been providing care for her father for a long time. “It was very intense alongside my full-time job at ING. When my father passed away four years ago, I suddenly had a lot of free time and I wanted to continue using it to help elderly people. So I googled for volunteer work for the elderly.” Consultant Astrid, associated with the Union of Volunteers, successfully matched her with a woman in an advanced stage of dementia. “She would tell the same stories every time, but we had a lot of laughs together. When this lady passed away after a year and a half, I wanted to take a break and only volunteer in the neighborhood. Astrid kept persistently calling and eventually said, ‘Janny lives almost across from you!’ So for the past year and a half, we have been a match.”

Passion

Janny lives in a supported living home with other people who also require 24/7 care. “The ideal way to live with a disability,” Janny exclaims happily. “But I really need Eelkje because I am not allowed to go outside with my electric wheelchair anymore, now that my vision is so poor.” Eelkje also enjoys the outings and the moments together. “I find it very cozy, and when I cook or bake for her, that is truly my passion. Helping just comes naturally to me. For example, I also donate blood and take care of kittens from the animal shelter.”No content to translate.

What it brings me

When asked what it brings her, Eelkje explains that volunteer moments are organized by the UVV. “For example, at Christmas, you meet other volunteers at a drink, and I have also had an hour of CPR lessons. In addition, I receive a VVV voucher annually. That’s not why I do it. But I really appreciate how quickly I can switch with Astrid, the UVV consultant.”

Traveling to India

Next month, Eelkje is leaving for a trip to India with a good friend. “We will be away for four months,” Eelkje says excitedly. At her job, she has the opportunity to take a sabbatical once every 3 years. She is saving up for it and is really looking forward to it. Janny is also happy for Eelkje. “I love her stories so much.” While Eelkje is away, Janny can still rely on the Care Brigade to go outside occasionally. “And I still have some friends, 3 grandchildren, two daughters, and a brother. But many of them unfortunately live far away, and my friends, like me, are also getting older and more limited. That’s life. I will continue to enjoy as much as I can!”

Are you also interested in volunteering?

Interested in doing volunteer work at the Union of Volunteers?View open tasks here.Inour online job boardYou have 1001 possibilities. See what suits you and what makes you happy! Do you want us to think along with you?Feel free to drop by one of our consultation hours anytime..Interview: Thecla Groot KoerkampPhoto: Marcel Jansen