Tuesday afternoon, May 21, 2024, the annual Zonnehuis Penningen were awarded for the4th time to people who selflessly make a difference for vulnerable elderly people, with beautiful initiatives in their own neighborhood in Ouder-Amstel, De Ronde Venen and Amstelveen.
During the festive gathering, it became clear once again how important but especially how nice it is to contribute to caring for each other. Thijs Houtappels, director Zonnehuisgroep Amstelland: "We as care professionals cannot do without them, without these meaningful initiatives. Especially at a time when the demand for care is changing so much, volunteers are more important than ever!" Marijn van Ballegooijen, Alderman of Amstelveen, indicated that loneliness among the elderly is on the rise, we need to do something about this together. "Helping each other with small initiatives and being there for each other is already a step in the right direction."
Wonderful initiatives were rewarded with three Zonnehuis Medals. For Amstelveen (Bovenkerk) Michaëlla Barentsen and Chris van den Helder received a medal together. Together with about 20 volunteers they organize 'Eating Together' on the last Friday of the month for a group of about 120 people (average age 70+ and many singles). For an amount of € 10, you get a freshly cooked 3-course menu, a bubbly beforehand and a cup of coffee. Soon they will celebrate an anniversary and more than 150 diners will come. Both were nominated by Edwin Barentsen who himself received a medal last year.
Web editor's note: In their speech, Chris and Michaëlla accepted the Zonnehuis medal on behalf of the entire group of volunteers. Special mention was made of the administrator of the Noorddam Center Hans Pappot.
In Ouder-Amstel, it was Jan Wagenaar who received the medal. His mother lived in Zonnehuis Theresia in Ouderkerk and he regularly went for a ride on the duo bike with her. He dedicated himself, together with other volunteers of Fietsmaatjes Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, to bringing the duo bike 'Veentrapper 7' to Ouderkerk in October 2022 and parking it at Zonnehuis Theresia. These bike rides also provide enjoyment for residents but most of all connection with each other!
The third and final Zonnehuis Penning was for De Ronde Venen and was presented to a volunteer who, partly because of her age, amazed the jury. Lena de Groot - Griffioen from Baambrugge was nominated by Mantelzorg De Ronde Venen. She turned 90 in March and is still an active volunteer in De Ronde Venen. She is involved in the De Ronde Venen dementia care working group and helps organize informative evenings around the theme of dementia. She is also a regular hostess at the care and dementia meeting point in Abcoude. In addition, she is also coordinator of the NPV in Abcoude and Baambrugge and a volunteer with the Dying at Home Foundation. Lena told herself, "The Bible is my guide, it inspires me and has taught me to see the human being!" Beautiful words from a wise woman who shows that even in old age you can still make a great contribution to society.
The jury consisted of: Marylin Haimé, member of the National Council of Older Persons and member of the board of Amnesty International Netherlands and chair of the jury; Shosha Melkman, chair of Central Client Council Zonnehuisgroep Amstelland; Henk Nies, special professor at the VU (was absent); Marcel Bastiaansen, director of Participe and Thijs Houtappels, director of Zonnehuisgroep Amstelland.
Prior to the presentation of the medals, the Zonnehuis Lecture with the theme "Connection" was delivered by Nikki Szofia, Amstelveen's city poet.
