During the national volunteer campaign NLdoet, our doors were open on March 13 and 14 for volunteers who wanted to dedicate a day to residents and locations. Despite the changeable weather, there was plenty of DIY work, pruning, painting, and, just as importantly, laughter together. Thanks to the efforts of many helping hands, gardens and terraces are ready for spring again, and residents enjoyed pleasant activities.

Retrospective
During the NLdoet days, activities took place at various locations. Although the weather did not always cooperate, that did not stop anyone from getting to work. Even outdoor jobs continued as usual. For instance, the chicken coop at Nieuw Vredeveld was painted on the inside on Friday morning, and the terrace of 't Huis aan de Poel was refurbished on Saturday.

It was also pleasantly busy inside. In Belmonte, young people played games with residents, including the ever-popular shuffleboard. At HomeSweetHome, three volunteers, including students from a school, organized a games morning with residents. The atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful; being together was clearly the focus.

Meanwhile, at Nieuw Vredeveld, hard work was being done in the garden. An enthusiastic group of eight employees from WeAgency and WeFilm helped freshen up the terrace and the garden. Despite less favorable weather forecasts, the volunteers showed great perseverance.

Many tasks revolved around getting the nursing home's inner courtyard ready for summer and making it colorful. And so much work was accomplished in just one morning:

• The chicken coops have been painted on the inside.
• Holes near the lawn of the small animal park have been filled with sand.
• The terrace of living room Rembrandt has been cleaned with a pressure washer.
• Tables and garden benches have been cleaned
• The restaurant's terrace lighting has been cleaned and the bulbs have been replaced.
• Weeds have been removed
• A new climbing rose has been planted
• Planters are filled with colorful plants

Due to certain measures at Nieuw Vredeveld, there were sometimes some restrictions, but that did not prevent residents from participating with involvement. From the living rooms, enthusiastic support could be heard behind the windows for the volunteers working outside.

The knowledge and enthusiasm of the garden team volunteers were also greatly appreciated. Afterwards, soup was eaten together, and as a small token of gratitude, everyone received a nice Brentano water bottle. It was a productive day that is certainly worth repeating, hopefully next year with a bit more sunshine. Moreover, after the work at Nieuw Vredeveld, the volunteers were able to join in for a delicious lunch.

Plenty of activities on Saturday as well.
On Saturday, March 14, the enthusiasm continued unabated. At Klaasje Zevenster, two employees of Dirk van den Broek worked in the garden together with a resident from Amstelveen. With a group of volunteers, pruning was carried out, new perennials were planted, and flower boxes were filled with colorful flowers.

Meanwhile, one of the volunteers enthusiastically set to work with the pressure washer. Garden furniture and walls received a thorough cleaning and look like new again. Thanks to all the helping hands, the garden has once again become a pleasant and cozy place where residents can soon enjoy the spring and summer days.

A major overhaul was also carried out at 't Huis aan de Poel. Together with seven members of the Rotary Club Amstelveen-Nieuwer Amstel, two regular volunteers, and three colleagues, the terrace was tackled. The morning began at 10:00 AM with coffee and cake in the auditorium, after which the tasks were distributed. Tables, chairs, and planters were thoroughly scrubbed, and the benches were sanded for repainting.

Because rain was forecast for the afternoon, work continued at a steady pace to get as much done as possible. Lunch was served in the restaurant around 12:30. When the weather deteriorated, the cleanup was completed together after lunch. Almost all the work could be finished.

Thanks to the efforts of all the volunteers, the gardens and terraces are ready again for a beautiful spring and summer. And just as importantly: residents and volunteers enjoyed a pleasant and meaningful day together.

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What is NLdoet?

NLdoet is the largest volunteer event in the Netherlands and is organized annually by the Oranje Fonds. During two days in March, tens of thousands of volunteers dedicate themselves to social organizations throughout the country.

Companies, schools, associations, and local residents help, for example, with odd jobs, garden maintenance, or organizing activities for residents and clients. The goal of NLdoet is to make volunteering visible and encourage more people to contribute to their community.