Fragments kick off Gappie gezocht

On Wednesday, November 4, Roos Schlikker presented an inspiring evening at De Balie about volunteer buddy work. Two interviews with buddy pairs and a talk by Pancake Man Willem Dieleman. This was the kick-off for the campaign “Gappie gezocht” which calls on Amsterdammers throughout the month of November to become a buddy or pal to another Amsterdammer who could use some support.Here are the most beautiful fragments in a row:

Roos Schlikker explains why having a buddy can be so important. She was actually a buddy for her mother, who had bipolar disorder. “I know what it’s like when someone needs a buddy. You don’t have to have the solution. Just being there is often enough.”

Roos Schlikker interviews Paloma Stet Caballos (22) who is a friend of Philip Peper (83). “Last Christmas, I invited Philip to my parents’ house. My grandfather was also there. It was the first Christmas without their wives for both of them. It was a beautiful moment.”

Willem Dieleman: “The beauty of giving is that it is hidden in human nature. You have a ‘giving nerve’, a vagus nerve. People who give become happier.”

Willem Dieleman: “Dare to step out of your comfort zone. That way you will experience more adventures and meet extraordinary people.”

Willem Dieleman: “Become a participant, not a spectator. Then you become part of a community.”

Willem Dieleman wonders why there aren’t more buddies around when giving makes you so happy!Watch all the clips on YouTube.

Want to become a buddy? Check outwww.vca.nu/gappie