Our Volunteers
Jan, workshop
Jan is our volunteer from the very beginning and also the oldest (80 years old). He has worked for decades at our top partner Janssen-Fritsen. Jan is the type who doesn't sit still, but he doesn't let anybody drive him crazy either. Directly after his retirement he started working with us.
Jan has been helping for more than 10 years at least one day a week with repairing the materials, which he may have once had delivered new. His calmness and stability, and certainly also his sense of humor, are of great value to us.
Jan has been helping for more than 10 years at least one day a week with repairing the materials, which he may have once had delivered new. His calmness and stability, and certainly also his sense of humor, are of great value to us.
Jasper, warehouse
Our coordinator Stefan Groothuis is 'Mister Sports for Children' and his enthusiasm has infected his entire family. His son Jasper (on the right) is regularly found in the warehouse; so are his wife Jacoba and his daughter Janneke. Presumably, the family sees each other more at Sports for Children than at home.
After having worked at Janssen-Fritsen for decades, we have been able to borrow Stefan from this family business for 13 years. Without him, Sports for Children would not be what it is today. No task is too difficult for him, no day too long. Everything for the goal: repurposing the items and getting children to play sports. "Sometimes people call me 'Santa'", Stefan says with a smile.
After having worked at Janssen-Fritsen for decades, we have been able to borrow Stefan from this family business for 13 years. Without him, Sports for Children would not be what it is today. No task is too difficult for him, no day too long. Everything for the goal: repurposing the items and getting children to play sports. "Sometimes people call me 'Santa'", Stefan says with a smile.
Ton, workshop
This handy carpenter is one of our youngest volunteers. In terms of years of experience, that is, because this hero is already well past retirement age. He does 1001 things and is almost always available to help with requests from our foundation.
Ton independently took charge of personnel management and thus ensures all kinds of fun for everyone involved: BBQs, drinks, a daytime beverage. Ton handles the more difficult repair jobs on sports and play equipment. His codename is 'Ton Timmer' because he can work magic with wood.
This way, he made an extra-long snack board from the wood he took off the gymnastic benches. Ton sees the potential in sports equipment that can no longer be repaired and, for example, turns an old vaulting box into a mobile work counter for the referee.
Ton independently took charge of personnel management and thus ensures all kinds of fun for everyone involved: BBQs, drinks, a daytime beverage. Ton handles the more difficult repair jobs on sports and play equipment. His codename is 'Ton Timmer' because he can work magic with wood.
This way, he made an extra-long snack board from the wood he took off the gymnastic benches. Ton sees the potential in sports equipment that can no longer be repaired and, for example, turns an old vaulting box into a mobile work counter for the referee.
Saskia, webshop
Saskia is the wife of our neighbor. From the occasional cup of coffee and some extra help here and there with the online store, Saskia has now become the one who handles all our webshop orders.
Sometimes it's quite a task, and sometimes just a small job; in the latter cases, Sas also takes on cleaning the webshop or arranges a sandwich for the volunteers.
Saskia and the social workplace stay in close contact. Most of the time, she can be found there weekly for consultations, delivering new leftover materials, or picking up the new stock of bags. Not infrequently, she provides the input for a new model!
Sometimes it's quite a task, and sometimes just a small job; in the latter cases, Sas also takes on cleaning the webshop or arranges a sandwich for the volunteers.
Saskia and the social workplace stay in close contact. Most of the time, she can be found there weekly for consultations, delivering new leftover materials, or picking up the new stock of bags. Not infrequently, she provides the input for a new model!
“I saw Sports for Children on television in the lifestyle program 'BinnensteBuiten' by KRO-NCRV. The next day I went to the warehouse in Helmond to see if I could do something.”
Ton
carpenter
Mike, accountancy
Mike was looking forward to a promising career in accountancy. As often happens in sports, things turned out differently, and Mike had to give up that career. In return, a completely different path emerged: Mike is now the linchpin in the daily finances at Sports for Children.
Together with Gèra, he also prepares the annual accounts. We thank partner Wesselman Accountants for putting us in touch, especially since without them Mike would have been inaccessible to us, as he is also a support and confidant at the Helmond football club.Mike has managed to elevate the financial management to the next level, something that had previously lagged behind in the success of our foundation.
Together with Gèra, he also prepares the annual accounts. We thank partner Wesselman Accountants for putting us in touch, especially since without them Mike would have been inaccessible to us, as he is also a support and confidant at the Helmond football club.Mike has managed to elevate the financial management to the next level, something that had previously lagged behind in the success of our foundation.
Gèra, accountancy
Gèra was, during his work, freed by his employer to help us with the administration. Many times his contribution was very useful. From VAT issues to ANBI conditions and from volunteer reimbursements to the bus's car expenses. Gèra dives into everything when necessary.
He recently stopped working but nonetheless remained involved. By now, for more than 10 years. We are pleased with this; in this way, he can still guide Mike a bit and step back himself. Fortunately, we continue to benefit from his critical eye and careful advice where improvements can be made or opportunities are being missed.
He recently stopped working but nonetheless remained involved. By now, for more than 10 years. We are pleased with this; in this way, he can still guide Mike a bit and step back himself. Fortunately, we continue to benefit from his critical eye and careful advice where improvements can be made or opportunities are being missed.
Annick, graphic design
Annick has been involved with our foundation for over 10 years. As a graphic designer, she designs all kinds of printed materials, from cards and certificates to folders and banners. She also takes care of the photography for all our webshop products and writes promotional copy for them. Behind the scenes, she's a significant boost for our PR!
Higgins, mascot
Our mascot Higgins can be found in the warehouse very often. His contribution is questionable when it comes to loading containers. For the atmosphere, however, he is a welcomed guest.
Become a Volunteer?
Do you feel involved in what we do and do you have ideas? A design for a new bag, for example? We invite you to visit us and tell us how you would like to contribute.
Feel free to contact our chairman, Jan-Willem Geurts, via the phone number or email address below.
