“No distance is too short”

“I have the most enjoyable volunteer job in the world.” Karen is a social driver at the Heen & Weer foundation. She transports people with limited mobility over short distances in their neighborhood in De Pijp and Rivierenbuurt. “No distance is too short for me.”Customers can go shopping, eat out, go to physiotherapy, and attend an activity. You pay one euro per ride. The cars used are small, electric, quiet, and odorless. There is room for the driver and one other person, and a compact folded wheelchair, groceries, or walker can fit in the trunk.

By car to America

“I love driving, even in the city. In the past, I traveled all over the world with my husband. We even drove to the Southwest of the United States. Originally, I am from here. Through an exchange program, I came to the Netherlands for a year as a young person; it felt like coming home to me. When I returned to the US, I scraped together some money, saved up, and then on my own, I came back to the Netherlands.”

“I experience endless fun things as a driver. Once, I picked up a lady who wanted to eat at a restaurant, but it turned out to be the wrong day and it was closed. We went to a pub across from her house and had bitterballen together. I was able to do that because I didn’t have any more rides afterwards. And once, I was in the car with someone who has some of the same friends and acquaintances as I do, but we had never met – that was funny. It’s just nice to drive with customers; beautiful conversations can follow out of mutual gratitude.”

Electric cars

Stichting Heen & Weer started in May 2017. “My neighbor is one of the initiators, and I have been involved as a driver from the beginning. We started with two electric cars, and the fifth one is on its way. This volunteer job suits me perfectly. Sometimes I have the time to do a little extra, for example, going into the store with someone who has difficulty walking, so I can help them pick something up. But that’s only possible if the schedule allows it, which is not very often. We are becoming more and more popular! Sometimes people don’t understand that you are not a caregiver, which is difficult. We expect people to be more or less ready to leave; we operate on a schedule created by our planners.”

Good way to get to know the city

“I feel good about being useful to other people. It fulfills a need and that gives satisfaction. I learn from this work every day. I can’t exactly describe what it is, but for example to be more service-oriented, to act depending on what is needed and not according to my own ideas. You also get to know the city well, not only the streets but also what activities are available and what support services exist. It’s incredible how much is done for the elderly and those in need.”

Tractors on the farm

“It’s quite an experience to drive like this. On the farm where I grew up, I drove around in cars and tractors and worked with mechanical and technical things. So I don’t panic quickly if something doesn’t work or if something goes wrong; I know exactly how to get the most out of the car without having to charge.”Do you also want to help Amsterdam residents by transporting them? Check hereInterview: Helen Kooistra
Photos: Jackie Mulder and Mark Rammers

Heen & Weer Foundation

Back & Forthwas founded by Mia Bouwhuis and Titia van Grol. The first two cars of Heen & Weer were donated by an anonymous donor. Finances are managed through crowdfunding, sponsoring, subsidies, contributions from funds, and friends of Heen & Weer. The foundation is always looking for more drivers, planners, and donors. Contact us at secretariaat@stichtingheenenweer.nl.