“Besides a thrift store, we also offer a listening ear”

“You have a real entrepreneurial spirit and so many fresh ideas, would you like to take over Elythé from me?” “When founder Theo Branse asked me this two years ago, I didn’t have to think for a moment,” says Petra Vermazen (45). “Yes, very exciting, of course!”Florist“His question came at just the right time. My youngest daughter had just started high school, and after a rough period in my life, I was feeling a bit lost. When I continued to have trouble walking after an accident, I was partially disabled. I could no longer work as a florist and ticket inspector on the metro. But sitting at home all day is not for me. Now, as a volunteer, I can still express my creativity and love for people!”

Residents from the North come to Elythé with items and curiosities they no longer use. Such as tableware, candle holders, clocks, furniture, vases, lamps, DVDs, and much more. “Together we set a price and then we sell it in the store, which is subsidized by Ymere and the municipality. We are non-profit; they receive the full proceeds back, or it is donated to a good cause.”Making envelopes“Behind the scenes, I am involved more than the three official days a week. But I don’t mind. We have a great team of volunteers, and my daughter also helps out occasionally. Every evening, I update the administration and prepare envelopes with money for the people whose items have been sold.”

“There are many people with low incomes in the neighborhood, and some are truly overjoyed with earning ten euros. They sometimes burst into tears. ‘Oh, you saved me, now I can eat this week! I didn’t realize poverty was so severe here.’ While the buyer often jumps for joy with their new trinket. Truly a win-win situation.”Hoop“Besides being a kind of thrift store, we also offer a listening ear. We have a coffee table where people can join. I really take the time for a chat. This often leads to personal stories being shared. Especially when people hear that I also live off benefits, so I know exactly how it is. I can’t ‘save’ anyone, but I always try to give people hope. Or guide them towards help.”“Recently, someone came up to me with a piece of soap. As a thank you; they wanted to give something back. That really touched me. They have a very small budget and had to make a lot of effort to be able to give this to me. Such a show of appreciation, that motivates me to keep going with this volunteer work!”

Photo: Thera de WerdtSince March 12th, Elythé has been in the new store on Van Der Pekstraat. What’s new is that hot meals are also being served.

This is part two of our interview series on special neighborhood initiatives and volunteer projects in the North.Part one with Jos de Rooij, about Buurthuis van der Pek, can be found here.Part three with Peter Smith, from Stichting Klean, can be found [here].