“I have been one day short in the week for 7 years already”

Hans Teernstra (72) always carries his agenda with him. This is no surprise, as Hans is a volunteer for multiple organizations. For 58 years now. As a token of appreciation, he was awarded an Andreaspenning at the end of last year. His life mission? “To stay healthy and active for as long as possible.”What if a week didn’t have 7 days, but 8? Then Hans would have exactly enough time for all the volunteer work he does. I meet Hans at the athletics club AAC, where he is a board member responsible for facility matters such as building maintenance, a judge and equipment manager at competitions, and coordinator of the maintenance team. But that’s not all: “I also help out at the Zandvoortrun, the Dam tot Dam loop, the Amsterdam Marathon, and Decathlon’s cycling tour. These are all events organized by the Le Champion foundation. Furthermore, I am the chairman of the 4-5 May committee in Amsterdam Nieuw-West and I am part of the residents’ committee at the asylum seekers’ center in my neighborhood.”

Making boats out of old clogs

“My very first volunteer work was at the age of fourteen at a playground association. On Monday evenings, children would gather to make boats out of old clogs or other materials. The first time, I made such a boat myself, and I enjoyed it so much that I started helping other children afterwards. I was raised with it at home, my parents were also volunteers at this playground association. Often, you transition from one volunteer job to another. For example, I joined the athletics association AAC, along with a large group of other people over 55. After a training session, I would make coffee for everyone, and that’s how one thing led to another.”

‘When people have a smile on their face, then I am satisfied’

“My motivation is to stay among people and to see happy faces of the people I help. Of course, I do it a bit for myself, but I do it mainly for others. When people are satisfied and have a smile on their face, then I am satisfied too. I would always recommend volunteering to people. Today I ran into a former colleague who is retiring in June. He told me he has no hobbies, so I suggested doing volunteer work. He replied that he will first enjoy doing nothing. I said, ‘You’re right, but you will change your mind.’ I have learned a lot and I am still learning. I often visit event fairs to see how they are organized. I have also learned that the world has changed. In the past, there were enough volunteers, but nowadays it is harder to get volunteers. This is also due to technology; I have more time because I spend less time behind the computer.”(text continues below the photo)

Andreaspenning

If you have volunteered for at least ten years for a foundation or association with a social purpose, you are eligible for the Andreaspenning, an important distinction from the municipality of Amsterdam. On October 14, 2019, Hans received this medal. “I had dared to dream a little. People I know had nominated me for an honor, which ultimately did not happen. Those same people were able to arrange for me to receive this Andreaspenning. It means a lot to me, you receive appreciation for your work.”

“I could never completely stop”

“When it comes to health, I will continue doing it for as long as possible. I do plan to reduce it a bit. My wife will stop working in a year, and then we can do more fun things together and go on day trips. However, I could never completely stop doing volunteer work.”Interview: Kiki Dusebout
Photos: Jackie Mulder

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