National Volunteer Day took place on 7 December in the Netherlands. This is a day to pause and reflect on the country's fantastic volunteers. Annually, Alzheimer Nederland can count on the help of around 20,000 collectors and 3,600 volunteers spread right across the country. They represent the interests of people with dementia and their carers, provide information and organise for example the Alzheimer Cafés, enabling people to share experiences and come into contact with others. Thanks to their hard work Alzheimer Nederland is never far away for people with dementia and their loved ones. This is something the organisation is extremely grateful for and says that they are worth their weight in gold.
“It wasn’t made easy this year for volunteers to offer people with dementia and their families what we would like to offer them,” explained Gerjoke Wilmink, Director of Alzheimer Nederland. “Particularly now, carers and people with dementia need a listening ear and contact with their peers. The Corona rules are changing all the time and the way things are organised have to be adjusted continually. We are so impressed by the creativity and flexibility of the volunteers. The starting point is always: What is possible? Different times, alternative locations and other ways of coming into contact.”
Alzheimer Nederland can also count on volunteers for making more scientific research possible. From 7-13 November, collectors went door to door with a collection box - either physically or digitally. The money raised is still being counted at this very moment, but the counter currently stands at EUR 2,137,000. This means that the record achieved in 2019 (EUR 2,017,000) has already been surpassed. Alzheimer Nederland thanks all the volunteer collectors, coordinators and district heads and notes that they are truly indispensable for a successful collection week!
During November, there was also a campaign to recruit new volunteers. Alzheimer Nederland volunteers are active in all kinds of ways. They provide neighbourhood support for people with dementia and their families, and provide information to increase awareness locally. Those interested can first take a test to see which volunteer functions suit them best.
Gerjoke Wilmink said: “Everyone has their own passions and talents that are of value to volunteer work. It is great to see that so many volunteers commit and an increasing number of volunteers with diverse backgrounds are signing up.”
