Cleaning is an excuse, friendship is wonderful 🙂
It’s 11 o’clock in the morning, and Jennifer, originally from Portland, Oregon, is handing out supplies to a group of volunteers. For the next two hours, they’ll be picking up litter in the Vondelpark. Although it’s a bit chilly outside, the weather is dry, and everyone is in good spirits.
After a brief introduction, two young women, Hilde and Sophie, immediately strike up a conversation while scanning the ground for litter. Both are volunteering for the first time with Serve the City. Sophie, a schoolteacher, discovered Serve The City through a school program. While discussing volunteer opportunities with the kids in school, she thought, “Why not give it a go myself?” Now, she’s relishing the chance to be outdoors and feels fulfilled by contributing her time: “When sitting on the couch later today, I will feel so much better about myself”.
Hilde, who works a a communication consultant during the week, is also eager to make good use of her free time. Without a partner or kids, she enjoys connecting with others and engaging in meaningful activities. Hilde participates in various volunteer efforts, including weekly visits to elderly residents. She finds that work rewarding, as it helps her step out of her comfort zone. However, litter picking offers a refreshing alternative for her Saturdays: it’s a manageable commitment of just two hours, and she can sign up whenever it fits her schedule.
Jennifer, who has been living in Amsterdam for a little over two years, loves her new city and wants to give back to the community through this work. This is her third time picking up litter in the park. “It’s nice to be outdoors, and it gives me a sense of accomplishment,” she shares.
Jennifer has brought two of her three kids, Liam and Aoife. Liam was excited to join after hearing it was fun. Aoife, who attends an international school, is required to complete 13 hours of volunteer work each year. She brought along her best friend, Frankie, who also hails from Portland. Though they lived just five minutes apart back home, they only met in Amsterdam. The kids are having a great time discovering all sorts of quirky items. Liam finds a little shovel, while Frankie emerges from the bushes holding a pink chair that’s a bit too large to fit in the garbage bag.
After just half an hour, the group is chatting away as if they’ve known each other for years. Everyone agrees it’s a wonderful way to kick off the weekend. The only complaint is that their hands are starting to ache a bit from gripping the litter-picking sticks 🙂
Aoife and Frankie are best friends. They met at the international school.
Suzanne Rombouts
