Corona help queen Angelina
On Monday she brings 165 self-written cards to a nursing home in Utrecht. On Tuesday she supports her colleagues who are hard at work. On Wednesday she packs groceries at the food bank and on Thursday she helps with an activity for the elderly. On Fridays she works on a new idea (movement bingo) and on Saturdays she does the shopping for a lady in a town further down the road: “It's only a fifteen minute drive, so come by practically”. Just a week during Angelina's corona quarantine.
The coronavirus brings a lot of misery. But it also brings out the best in us as humans. Angelina works in daily life at a large casino. "Entertaining is my profession, I earn my money with it. At the moment I use it to make others happy during this difficult time."
Entertainment is my profession that I now use to make others happy
From casino to Beytna . meeting center
She calls herself "shameless" with a microphone. A rewarding quality if you want to support an entire neighbourhood, nursing home or meeting centre. And now Angelina does that even more than usual: via NLvoorelkaar she has registered for various odd jobs, in order to be able to dedicate herself to the vulnerable society.
Angelina is also extra active at the Beytna meeting center, where she already volunteered before corona. She now organizes various activities there for seniors who live at home. From tickets for the elderly to exercise bingo and cooking videos.
"It's the little things that matter what makes both the other person and myself very happy. I just tackle everything and if I can't do it myself, I often know someone else who can. I then link them together so that the initiative can still be continued".
Volunteer virus
Before corona, Angelina was also 'infected' with the volunteer virus.
"For example, I worked as a volunteer at the Toon Hermans Huis for 2 years. This is a walk-in house for people who have or have had to deal with cancer. In daily life I earn my money with entertainment in a Casino. You only see that often the nice side, a nice evening out in a casual atmosphere.
But I know from personal experience that life can also be tough. We used to have a hard time at home and grew up in an environment with a lot of violence and addiction. Volunteering opens your eyes to what life can be like and how grateful you are for what you have.
I will never forget how the first time volunteering felt for me. The feeling that you are strong to be able to mean something to someone else. In addition, it is nice to be able to mean something to society. That with your past experience, your personality or time, you can help others. That is the most beautiful thing there is, that gives a satisfied feeling!
I believe that most people have a backpack from the past and can identify with my story. And with this story I hope to encourage others to work for the well-being of others. The feeling that volunteering does to you is indescribable. And cannot be explained in words. You have to experience that for yourself by doing it."
I'm shameless with a microphone
Corona
So what's next? "This week there was a king's bingo on the program for seniors. Next week we will record a cooking video for the elderly. Many single elderly people sometimes have difficulty with healthy cooking. I want to be able to do something about this together with the Beytna meeting center. The goal is to help the elderly to be inspired to cook healthy meals with fresh products every week. This is going to be a great project that will start in the next few weeks.
And in life after corona: after working full-time in the casino for 19 years, I'm going to work a day less. To then go on a journey of discovery that makes my heart beat even faster. So that in the future I can do something besides the casino that also makes me very happy.
I am proud of myself, of the present and the past. Where I was and where I am now has made me who I am. A true warrior at so many levels."
Dear Angelina, thank you for sharing your story that fits so well with NLvoorelkaar's slogan "Helping makes you happy". As you say yourself: If every volunteer is a star, it never got dark again. Your help brightens the lives of many people. Thank you!
Doing good - corona proof
Doing good - corona proof We don't have to tell you that the world is currently upside down due to the coronavirus. The intelligent quarantine results in fewer infections, but it does have many social consequences such as loneliness and overloaded care heroes. But we can also be there for each other remotely! Below are some ideas on how you can do something for someone else - especially now. Or view all #coronahulp actions here! 1. Write a card Has it been that long since you sent a card? Time for a change, because in this time when hardly any cards are sent, this is RIGHT the time. Write a card, tell someone you are thinking of them and wish them a nice day. Make your card corona-proof via the computer or walk that little bit to the mailbox or a nursing home nearby. you can do it! 2. Call Use your unlimited calling minutes this month to call the neighbor, your grandmother's girlfriend or that lonely elderly lady from the neighborhood. For these people it is nice to be able to tell their story on the news and to hear something different than just the coronavirus on the news. Admit it, listening to stories about the past is not so bad after all. Don't know anyone to call? Here you will find all the people and initiatives that can use your chat skills! 3. Virtual (aloud) reading Is virtual meeting a breeze for you? Then use your Zoom session for something good and help virtually. Read to children with a language delay or help refugees to read or talk . All digitally from your couch (even in pajamas ;-)) possible, win-win situation! 4. Doing good - digital You can also make a lot of impact digitally - set up your own corona aid project (from balcony concert to exercise bingo, be creative!), make social media posts for a good cause or help with accounting. As digital nomads, we can also help many people at (1.5m or more) distance. No inspiration? Search the activity overview for digital and be surprised! Share these stories and inspire others to help too! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Whatsapp Forward
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