theo; from volunteer to help seeker
Stories can help others move forward, inspire or offer support. Especially in this difficult corona period. That's why we ask everyone to share their story.
Below you can read the story of Theo van der Veldt from Eersel. He shared this story with us early this year.
Unfortunately Theo passed away on March 18th. As he himself indicates in his last farewell message; "I went to heaven, a wonderful alternative". Theo was a special and down-to-earth man with his heart in the right place. He took great pleasure in helping others and helping where he could. But unfortunately his health deteriorated sharply last year, and he became a help requester instead of a help provider.
He did not give up, but gives us a nice message in the story below. A message that we (Theo's family and our team of Eerselvoorelkaar) are happy to share with everyone.
Make yourself happy with a chat over a cup of coffee
For many years I have volunteered for various people. You don't want to know how much fun I gave people with that, but also what I got out of it myself. It was so satisfying to see people with disabilities (in whatever form) become happy with a chat over a cup of coffee, or when dropping off a bag of groceries. My working life was and is behind me and so I also had the opportunity to sign up as a volunteer at the time. I was surprised at the amount of people asking for help. Apart from the people who do not (dare to) ask this request for help out of embarrassment perhaps?
Dare to ask!
A little quirky
I visited my first address and with that first cup of coffee you hear the stories about acquaintances who were in the same boat, but had to deal with this kind of embarrassment or were just a little stubborn.
When I contacted them, it turned out that they were indeed open to the help offered. And so I came to a new address! My help consisted of shopping, drinking coffee together inside or outside the door and occasionally checking the difficult mail together. This was doable for me despite my heart failure and severe COPD.
One of the legion of helpers...
Partly because of the Corona I have deteriorated physically. I have not been able to leave the house since the first outbreak, and yes, I have now become one of the legion of help seekers.
That's why I posted a question for a shopping buddy on Eerselvoorelkaar.nl a few weeks ago. And that same day a nice man from Eersel responded. We had a very pleasant introductory meeting, made appointments and from now on he will go grocery shopping for me every week. I'm very happy with that.
And for everyone who actually thinks now: I am in a similar situation. Whether it is a question for shopping help or other help or if you need more contact, do not hesitate and cross that threshold and ask for help. To family or someone in the area or, for example, via the volunteer work support center and their website Eerselvoorelkaar.nl.
There are many people who like to do something for others in our church.
Helping each other... a small effort right
October volunteers
Valuable care volunteers October Stories can help others move forward, inspire or offer support. Especially in this difficult corona period. That's why we ask everyone to share their story. Below you can read the story of Annet, Marloes and Melvin. Annet and Marloes are the volunteer coordinators of Zorg in October. Melvin is a meaningful day coach at October. Special period of volunteer work These are special times for healthcare organization October. The COVID-19 affects everyone and all hands are extremely important. This also applies to the help of volunteers in our departments. Volunteers who support meals, activities and household chores. We would like to tell you more about this special period of volunteering at October. Normally we can count on the support of more than 900 volunteers. That is a large group of which we are extremely proud. Some of these volunteers fall into the risk group themselves or want to be extra careful with our clients. We therefore fully understand the volunteers who do not want to come for a while. Because the pressure on healthcare is currently very high, all hands are welcome. That is why a question was issued last month for 'extra hands'. To contribute The request for 'extra hands' in our cohort and quarantine departments has been very well received. We are very happy with the more than 30 responses we have received. Volunteer coordinators Annet Kruijssen and Marloes Veenstra see people's willingness to help. 'It is heartwarming to see how everyone wants to contribute in their own way within their own possibilities and talents.' Fresh air In addition to volunteering in the cohort and quarantine department, there are also volunteers who are committed to our residents every week. For example, the walking club on Kerkebogten and Hofhuys takes a weekly walk. Meaningful day coach Melvin Joseph loves to see how volunteers are a bit reluctant at first, but then put on a mouth cap with lots of love to go for a walk with our people. 'The clients appreciate it enormously and the care sector is also very happy with this help.' Meaningful daily activities We try to give as many people as possible a meaningful daytime activity, says Melvin Joseph. 'For example, we received a registration from a 15-year-old student who wanted to make herself useful in the group home now that her side job in the catering industry has come to a standstill. That makes me really happy.' Great satisfaction from volunteering Volunteers say they get a lot of satisfaction from their work. The cooperation with the employees is great and the mutual appreciation is great, they can no longer do without each other. The involvement with the client is great and valuable. We will talk to everyone who signs up for volunteer work. We look at motivation and mutual expectations. There is a good idea of what each department needs, so we can make great matches. Are you also interested in helping out in October? Take a look at October's help questions on Eerselvoorelkaar.nl or contact the volunteer support center or visit our website: www.zorginoktober.nl . You can also contact Marloes or Annet directly by email: coordinatorenvoluntaryers@zorginoktober.nl or by phone: 06-51587622 Will we see you soon at October? Share these stories and inspire others to help too! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Whatsapp Forward
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