Five years the day of director Marieke
Reading time 5 minutes
Marieke van Schaik was the figurehead of the Netherlands Red Cross as managing director for five years. During that time, together with the volunteers and professionals, she faced unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic, floods, conflicts, many trips and debates with the Lower House. As a director and a person, Marieke has experienced and seen a lot. In this edition of 'The day of', we look back at some of the highlights of her career at the Red Cross.
3FM SERIOUS REQUEST
In 2020, Marieke walked extra kilometres for medical aid at home and abroad during 3FM Serious Request: the Lifeline in action. This campaign was held to support healthcare during the corona crisis and stop the spread of the virus. Marieke did not do this alone, she walked together with her three sons and other members of the Red Cross Management Team.
📷 Marieke with her sons at 3FM Serious Request
DIVERSITY CHARTER SIGNED
In 2020, Marieke signed the Diversity Charter. This is a declaration of intent by which the Red Cross wants to show its serious commitment to increasing diversity and inclusion in our association. As a Red Cross, we strive to be a reflection of society.
📷 Diversity charter signed
TRIPS TO OTHER RED CROSS SOCIETIES
Marieke: "I have had the opportunity to admire the dedication and commitment of the Red Cross in many countries, such as Ukraine, Ethiopia, Mali, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Kenya, Venezuela and Somaliland. I have been deeply touched by the many stories of courage and resilience I have been privileged to hear. I learned how important it is to approach people with respect and a listening ear. And what that means for people in vulnerable situations. Human resilience is enormous, despite the effects of conflict and the changing climate, for which people are usually not to blame personally. I have seen how Red Cross people, despite their personal challenges, assist others and offer support when it is most needed." r
📷 Marieke in Somaliland
VISITS TO THE LOWER HOUSE
Although the Red Cross is politically neutral, Marieke could also be found regularly in the Lower House. A major highlight was the first aid petition. First aid training should be available to every student in secondary education. To this end, the Red Cross launched a citizens' initiative in 2019 that was signed by over 60,000 people. We did this together with Radio 10 DJ Rob van Someren and doctor Bernard Leenstra of Schok & Pomp. In 2021, Marieke addressed the Lower House during a debate on this citizens' initiative. The motion to investigate the possibilities for first aid in education was adopted by a large majority.
📷 Marieke addresses the Lower House during a debate on first aid training in education
FLOODS IN LIMBURG
In July 2021, the Netherlands was shocked by floods in Limburg. The Red Cross was immediately hard at work evacuating people, bringing beds and distributing blankets. While the pandemic was still in full swing and already demanding a lot from the volunteers. Marieke: "The stories of the people I spoke to made an impression. Like a lady who had to leave her house due to the rising waters and was evacuated. She told me it was already such a tough time for her as she was recovering from corona after a long stay in hospital."
📷 Marieke talking to a lady who had to evacuate
VISIT UKRAINE
Shortly after the outbreak of armed conflict, Marieke travelled to Ukraine to show her support for the Ukrainian Red Cross. There she spoke to volunteer Basel, who is half Syrian and half Ukrainian. A young man who fled Syria in 2012 and had to leave his home again in 2021. With his wife, he left Kharkiv when the armed conflict broke out. Meanwhile, he volunteered for the Red Cross. Marieke also went to visit the association in Poland to see what help they provide at the border.
📷 Marieke in conversation with a family that fled because of armed conflict.
INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS BOARD
In June 2022, Marieke was elected board member of the International Federation of the Red Cross, the IFRC. Among other things, this organisation coordinates the international relief efforts of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement during major natural disasters. The last time the Netherlands Red Cross held a position on the Federation's board was from 2005 to 2013. The position was then held by Princess Margriet, the current honorary president.
📷 Marieke at the IFRC
MOST INFLUENTIAL PLAYER IN DUTCH PHILANTHROPY
In 2022, Marieke has been named most influential player in Dutch philanthropy by charitable knowledge platform De Dikke Blauwe. They present a list of people who have a major social impact with money, time or ideas. This makes them an example for individuals with private initiatives or managerial influence who contribute to the common good. rr
📷 Marieke visits Venezuela
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
During International Women's Day in 2023, Marieke travelled with Heleen van den Berg (director National Aid & Society Management) to the refugee shelter in the Drenthe municipality of Noordenveld. This location houses women and children who are supported by Red Cross aid workers. Marieke and Heleen participated in the fitness class.
📷 Marieke and Heleen join in during fitness class at a refugee shelter
CARIBBEAN
Marieke visited the Caribbean islands four times. During her last visit to Curaçao, Marieke gave a presentation at the university on the changing world and its impact on the work of the Red Cross. Governor Lucille George-Wout, several volunteers, partner organisations and Red Cross Curaçao board members were present. She was also a guest at country house Pannekoek. Former prisoners built a shelter there. Marieke also visited the new Curaçao Red Cross building in Suffisant.
📷 Marieke visits the new Red Cross building in Suffisant