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"Two years ago, during an introduction day at the university, I happened to come across the Red Cross stall. I did know the organisation, but I did not know that they also had a student branch in Tilburg. The story of the volunteers immediately appealed to me, in part because I didn't want to spend my student days doing nothing more than partying. You also get to know many people in such a club. 
I do the Red Cross work alongside my studies in Liberal Art & Sciences. At first, I sat on several committees; since September I have been chairman of the Student Desk. Having the opportunity to contribute to the fantastic work of the Red Cross is an enrichment. At the same time, I am learning a lot because I am leading a student organisation. Sometimes I have to deal with people in a different way. It also means that at times I have to put my principles aside."

Great projects

"With the Student Desk Tilburg we have carried out some great projects this academic year. I remember, for example, the Christmas hampers campaign. We collected toys and cuddly toys for the refugee centre in Tilburg. We also sent Christmas cards to senior citizens. That was much appreciated. Some even sent a card back. 
Some projects are still in the start-up phase. For example, we would like to offer a first aid course to the students in Tilburg, who number 30,000. If many people take this course, it will be safer for everyone in the city. That is why we also involve the municipality."

Swimming for Giro555

"I see collaboration with other organisations as an important opportunity for all Red Cross departments. We are already experiencing this here in Tilburg. Together with the student swimming association, we set up the fundraising campaign Swim for Charity for Giro555. Because both parties contribute their knowledge, experience and vision, you strengthen each other and achieve more."
 

"I grew up in Curaçao and received my training in immunology and haematology in the Netherlands. When I finished this, the island leadership asked me to come back and set up the Red Cross blood bank. I seized that opportunity with both hands. Apart from being director of the blood bank, I am now also a member of the board of the Red Cross in Curaçao."
"In most EU countries, it is customary for people to donate blood without remuneration. In this region, it is common. The Red Cross Blood Bank chose the EU model and therefore the community has a safer blood supply. As there is no financial incentive, donors are more likely to fill in health questionnaires truthfully during pre-screening. This has been scientifically proven. I really see the donors as Red Cross volunteers. With every blood donation, they save three lives."

Looking ahead to a sustainable future

"We noticed during the pandemic that the Dutch Red Cross is of enormous value to our community. As many as 40,000 people received food parcels partly through the Red Cross. There is an important opportunity to consolidate mutual cooperation within the Kingdom. Until now, we have been mainly concerned with responding to disasters. Currently, we are looking at how we can look ahead in a more sustainable way. Then you are also less vulnerable in the event of another disaster."
"The cooperation with the Dutch Red Cross has gained momentum. 
How do we help the vulnerable? How do we target young people more? And not unimportant: how do we recruit even more volunteers? The latter is a challenge in a small community like Curaçao, but I think that with strong support and more training capacity, we will come a long way. The fact that we can build a new Red Cross branch here on the island is an important next step."
 

"When I caught corona in February last year, I became so ill that I could hardly do anything anymore. In the end, I even spent eleven days in hospital. Who will walk your dog? As a single person, I had no one around who could do that. My daughter, who lives far from Veendam, asked the Red Cross if they could help. I had honestly never thought of that."

"And so it came about that volunteer Frits walked my dog every day during that period. I am still grateful to him and to the Red Cross for that. For me, that was the reason to sign up as a Ready2Helper."

Being kind to each other 

"Unfortunately, I have not yet got round to being deployed as a volunteer. I have had corona for the second time. I am still recovering from that. But when I am back to normal, I will be happy to help. I see Red Cross work as a great opportunity to make myself useful and to be there for others. This is where my experience in home care comes in handy. Especially in these difficult times, we should be a bit nicer to each other. Just a listening ear and attention to the little things - that is very much needed."
"What opportunities do I see for the Red Cross? It would be so nice if more Dutch people knew about the work of our organisation. I didn't know that you can knock on the door when something is really wrong. An additional benefit of greater awareness: it is likely to attract more volunteers. In Veendam, they will soon have one more active volunteer. I look forward to helping the people of my town."