NEC suprises volunteer caregivers

NEC suprises volunteer caregivers

On Tuesday, November 6th, the volunteer caregivers from Nijmegen were surprised with a carefree day of enjoyment. The foundation NEC Maatschappelijk, Monuta Helpt and NASWerkt joined forces to organise a special day for this ‘forgotten’ group in Nijmegen.

Caregivers are people who provide long-term care for a chronically ill, handicapped or needy person. It is unpaid and often long-term ‘job’ for sick family members or friends. In addition to care, an “informal caregiver” can also help with daily activities. The Netherlands now has 4 million informal caregivers. Of these, 610,000 people help longer than three months and more than 8 hours a week.

NEC and EnergieFlex (NEC Main Sponsor) took the initiative last year for the first Caregivers Day in Ouwehands Dierenpark. The second edition was already being prepared when it became clear that the main sponsor of NEC had applied for bankruptcy. This caused that the preparations of the Informal Care Day came to a standstill. With the contribution of Monuta Helpt and NASWerkt, this day can still be organised. However, the Supporters Association and catering partner Yvey also had to make an important contribution.

Wilco van Schaik, general director of NEC: “This summer we have developed a unique and ambitious plan to make a difference with NEC Maatschappelijk in the Area of Nijmegen. We have developed a complete programme with societal initiatives that strengthen society in the Nijmegen region. There is still a large group of ‘forgotten’ people who are in a disadvantaged situation. It is precisely for these people that we do it. The Informal Caregivers Day is a wonderful example to spoil people who really need it. We find it important to take a moment to think that the care they give is very important and valuable. And how nice is it that the NEC selection will entertain them outside the lines of a football pitch this day. ”

The volunteer caregivers were welcomed in De Goffert on the 6th of November, after that Rob Jaspers explained the historic sites on the banks of the Waal and the several new projects that are being built around the city river on the ‘Pannenkoekenboot’. A pancake buffet was also provided for all the guests. In the afternoon, the NEC players welcomed the informal carers for a surprising ending in De Goffert.