From blaring sirens to clowns

The Children’s Beast Party, the annual party at Artis for 1500 chronically ill and/or disabled children and their families. A special, carefree evening where children can momentarily forget about their illness. This is made possible by 1700 volunteers. Including Iris Kuethe.

Iris works as an animal caretaker at Artis, but she dedicates her free time to the months-long preparation of the Children’s Beast Party. These are separate activities. “Fifteen years ago, I started this because I really wanted to give this group of sick children a carefree evening at Artis. I could not have imagined that it would grow into such a huge party. The children can truly be themselves for a moment. Not being stared at or having to explain what’s wrong, just having fun and enjoying themselves.”Sharing joyThe organization is entirely run by volunteers. From drivers who drive the children and their families to the park with blaring sirens to clowns, and from face painters to animal caretakers who have come up with a fun experience. Everyone is kind, patient, and shares the joy with the children.

I even received a Porum van Mokum from my fellow volunteers. How cool is that?