There are special stories behind many donations. Take the 385 euros that Els Jonker (69) from Deventer collected in December. She raised the amount in honor of her birthday, a tradition that started years ago.
'I was about 50 or 55 when I got tired of organizing birthday parties where you were mainly busy serving food and drinks. This is how the idea arose to walk with friends instead. For a few years now I have been asking my friends to donate money to a charity of my choice. This year the joint walk could not take place due to corona, instead my friends went for a walk in their own area. I drew attention to my campaign via social media, which led to 19 donations.'
'I am very happy that I was able to study, you wish that for everyone. I would say: donors, turn my campaign into a snowball.'
Els chose the UAF this time for two reasons. 'During my student days I lived for a while in a house with an Ethiopian student. At that time I already thought: giving refugees the opportunity to study is a form of development cooperation. Later, during my career as a pediatrician, I regularly encountered parents who had fled from countries where war was raging. They would tell stories about being a teacher there or practicing another profession. Many of them had no longer found work at their level in the Netherlands. Then I always said: know that you can go to the UAF.'
Photo: Suzanne Blanchard
Also start an action
Is your birthday coming up soon, like Els, are you retiring or are you celebrating an anniversary? With a collection for the UAF you help refugee students and professionals on their way. Start a campaign and receive tips for a successful collection.
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