These are the most important things in life

At Purmerplein in Amsterdam North, a group of people is having lunch at a long table, laughter bubbling up. This is Buuf & Buur, a living room for the neighborhood that emerged from the desire to connect the unique diversity of Nieuwendammers. Botte (70) is a volunteer here – and knows exactly what life is all about.

“I have traveled a lot around the world,” says Botte. “I have seen what wealth is: in the poorest countries, I was often invited to share a meal. You don’t experience that in Amsterdam. At Buuf & Buur, we try to revive that hospitality. This is a place where you can meet people, and at the weekly lunch, you can join in and chat.” During the interview, a lunch is currently taking place, and there is a great atmosphere. Many different people are sitting at a long table, and laughter frequently bubbles up.

Connection against loneliness

“You can always come here for a chat, a little game of cards. A hug or just to have a good moan. In the past, in a village, people knew each other. That’s not the case anymore, especially not in Amsterdam. People often sit alone and lonely behind their front doors. What is missing in this society is connection. A little bit of attention. Those are the most important things in life. Sometimes people come here for the first time feeling a bit depressed. When they come back a few times, they completely blossom and turn out to be really nice people with wonderful stories and life experiences.”

Pleasure in volunteering

“I really enjoy this volunteer work,” Botte says enthusiastically. “You can make a difference for other people and that is important. And fun is also very necessary, even in my life. You meet other people and you do what you can.” Botte can do a lot: he casually mentions that he has built the beautiful wooden bar, among other things.

Proud of a new place for the neighborhood

Despite the late hour, Botte shows a place behind Buuf & Buur. “Because the municipality also recognizes the social value of Buuf & Buur, we are now designated as the main tenant of a new building to be constructed. That is truly appreciation for what we do here,” Botte shares with pleasure. In the current building, there is a narrow staircase to the upper floor, and not everyone is able to climb it anymore. For many older people, the new building will really be a solution.

Buuf & Buur organizes all sorts of different activities in the Neighborhood Room and events outside in the square, such as soccer, crafting, a concert, a collection for the Food Bank, and more. Recently, a neighborhood budget was also won to organize an outdoor cinema in the square. Botte is really looking forward to it!

Do you also want to discover what volunteering can offer you?

Hundreds of possibilities, what makes you happy?! Check it out all volunteer jobs onlineoffind your match in one conversation – We are happy to help you get started!

Want to get active with Buuf & Buur? Contact us via info@buufenbuurnieuwendam.nl.

Interview: Thecla Groot Koerkamp
Photos: Peter Lange