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“My father was a 'column commander' - that position is comparable to a location coordinator - and my mother helped voluntarily as a nurse for the Red Cross. So it's only logical that I joined the youth group on my ninth birthday. And I've been involved now for 29 years. Next year will be the twentieth time that I will be involved as a volunteer with the Four day march. When I was fourteen I started bursting blisters. After that I became team leader and coordinator. Since 2017 I have been responsible as manager of first aid for the deployment of blister bursters and first aid providers for the Four day march.”

“The thing that always strikes me about the Red Cross is the good atmosphere, wherever you are. Whether that be in Nijmegen or at home in Zoetermeer, it is one big family of people who are all ready to help others. Of course, all those people have their own motives for doing this work. That can sometimes lead to friction. The most important lesson that I have learned on this is: find out what motivates people. Why does a person do something or want something? You will only be able to move forward with good mutual understanding and by listening carefully.”
 

Also a professional

“Within the Red Cross, the head office and the districts still have some way to go in this respect. For example, uniformity and image take the lead nationally, but the interests may be different at local level. Both sides could do with more understanding.”

“I am pleased that - having been acting as a professional for a year now - I can bring both parties a bit closer together. As project leader of the national action centre for COVID 19 assistance I have experienced how well it works to have one single point of contact for districts at the head office. Based on these experiences, we are now building a permanent front office. One centre that districts can come to with all their questions. It is very special to be able to work as both a professional and a volunteer towards an even better Red Cross.”

“Eleven years ago I fled from Somalia with my family. At the time we were given shelter by many volunteers. That's why I want to do something in return, in the form of voluntary work. My search for the right organisation led me to the Red Cross. The great thing about this organisation is that they don't specifically target one particular group like refugees. For help from the Red Cross you only have to be a person. You don't need any additional status.”

“Since June I have been working for the WhatsApp Helpline. I reply to all the apps that come in there. Sometimes it is someone who doesn't speak Dutch that calls on us for help. Sometimes it is someone who is sitting at home and is lonely. We also regularly receive messages from people who haven't got a residence permit, who have questions about medication or vaccination, or who say they have no food. Often I can refer them to the right department. Sometimes I call them to hear the whole story.”

No trouble

“The great thing about my voluntary work is that I can do it at any time of the day. I answer the apps when I am walking, in the metro, in the bus or just at home. Because I can do it any time and anywhere, the work costs me virtually no trouble. And it's great that you also learn from voluntary work. For example, I have improved my discussion techniques. Sometimes you have to keep on questioning in more depth, to get a better picture.”

“What else have I learned? That you really have to appreciate the small things in life. That some people have no food or home, you don't normally think about that. That's why I think the Red Cross is such a great organisation. They offer help to everyone.”

“I was eighteen when I first became acquainted with the Red Cross; I used to help my sister during the evenings when blood was being collected. Seven years ago I was looking for a good first aid course and my search led me to the Red Cross again. This time I stayed, because I liked the idea of attending events and offering emergency assistance. Since 2015 I have been an official volunteer with district Zeeland, serving the Tholen-Reimerswaal area.”

“The thing I like so much about the Red Cross is that it offers plenty of opportunities for personal development. I have obtained a variety of certificates and followed the course to become an Emergency aid team member and the course on first aid in case of drink and drugs ('EHBDD'). In addition, I learn a lot about communication during the special days.”

“Since 2017 I have been the fundraising  coordinator and communication coordinator for the area we serve. I now fulfill the role of communication coordinator for the whole district. Among other things, I am active with social media. The knowledge that I have acquired over the years helps me to write posts and respond to reactions.”

Try not to do everything yourself

“It strikes me that you never stop learning. My most important learning goal now is to learn how to be more of a manager. As a first aid provider you are used to working hands-on, but as a coordinator  you have to try not to do everything yourself. There aren't enough hours in the day for that.”

“The thing that has left the most lasting impression on me in 6.5 years with the Red Cross? That is the  reanimation during a running event that I experienced from close by. Although the victim survived it, I had an emotional reaction a day later, that I had not expected. It had affected me more than I realised at first. Fortunately I was able to talk about it with my Red Cross colleagues. They told me about the possibility of help via the head office. In that type of situation you realise what a great organisation you are doing voluntary work for. I'm happy to be able to make my own contribution.”