“I'd rather eat one less sandwich so I can help as many people as possible,”
The face behind Prakkie Hoofddorp
Stichting Prakkie Hoofddorp was born from a simple idea: if you have food left over, share it with someone else. What started as a Facebook group grew into an indispensable foundation for people who fall between the cracks. Most people who come to Prakkie earn just too much for the food bank, or are no longer eligible for it. The oldest participant is even 85 years old.
“We don't have it easy either, but when I hear those stories, I think: I'd rather eat one less sandwich so I can help as many people as possible,” says Miranda Dekker, one of the founders. “We now have 193 people on our list. Most of them are from Haarlemmermeer, but sometimes we also help families from surrounding areas.”
The volunteers' dedication is admirable. They work seven days a week, often twelve hours a day. “It's hard work, but when you see what it means to people, you remember why you're doing it.”
Invisible poverty
What struck us most is how invisible poverty can be. “People are often quick to judge: people should just go to work. But eight out of ten people who come here do work. Or they are unable to work due to illness or mental health issues. You don't know what's going on behind closed doors,” says the foundation.
The stories are moving. People who have worked hard for years but have fallen on hard times due to bad luck or illness. Families who have to choose between a hot meal or a visit to relatives. “I go into the red to help people. I'm sometimes ashamed of it, but I'd rather do that than see someone go without.”
“I can now see that life can be beautiful and that you don't have to drag yourself through life every day. I see that through Stichting Prakkie Hoofddorp ."
The power of sharing
The gratitude of the people who receive help is immense. This month, the foundation was featured on the TV program Expeditie Armoede (Expedition Poverty) on SBS6. “Thanks to Stichting Prakkie Hoofddorp, we can live again instead of just surviving,” said one family during the episode.
Thanks in part to SCOPE, people can once again choose what they want to put on the table this holiday season. “We can put anything in the bags, but not everyone likes tomato soup or stew. Now they can choose something for Christmas themselves. That's great.”
As the founders themselves say: “We never say no. When someone calls for help, we are there. It's hard work, but together we make a difference.”
On behalf of SCOPE FinTech Solutions we wish everyone a warm and caring holiday season. Let's work together to ensure that no one is left alone.
How can you help?
Stichting Prakkie Hoofddorp runs mainly on donations and volunteers, made possible by people like you. Would you like to support Stichting Prakkie Hoofddorp? Visit their website for more information about donating or volunteering.
