As the world geared up for this year’s Mother’s day, one thing was clear on everyone’s mind; this year’s celebrations were going to be unlike any other. However, despite the ongoing pandemic, it is still a special day to remind your mother how much you love and appreciate her, albeit with the help of a little creativity.
This was no different for the partners and team of volunteers who joined us to bring smiles and good cheer for the mothers living at the Noordkaap, Salvation Army Hilversumstraat in Amsterdam Noord, Timon houses. Understanding the importance of adhering to the social distancing regulations and thanks to a little creativity, the volunteers worked in shifts to plan and prepare for the day.
The excitement was palpable as some volunteers arrived the previous day to prepare breakfast baskets for families living at Orange Huis, while others came in on Sunday to wrap up the baskets. Additional volunteers also offered support by helping make the 60 gift packages for the moms and women living in the shelter.
Celebrations featured a concert, which took place at Noordkaap in two shifts with a maximum number of 10 moms listening in per shift for 15 minutes of music. At the end of each shift, mothers were presented with gifts, which included bubble bars, dusting powders, spa kits, chocolates among other things.
Bouke Hartman, Clustermanager Kind en Gezin at the Salvation Army, expressed gratitude at the gifts the mothers and women received, explaining that it was had been a tough time, especially with the Coronavirus for the moms. He went on further to say that gifts and music were a great way to show them that people were thinking about them.
One of the mother’s living at Timon who was visibly overwhelmed with joy, said the gifts made her day and after all the surprises, her spirits were lifted and she felt much better.
All in all, it was a well-spent afternoon and a great way to show appreciation especially for mothers and women living in shelters who can be easily forgotten, reminding them of the gems that they are, the instrumental role they play in raising the next generation and most importantly that they matter.
It was also a great show of community spirit and togetherness as well as proof that despite the difficult times we are in, we can come together and help the less fortunate. We are grateful to all the great partners who helped make this day a success and made a mom smile.
If you are interested in learning more about our volunteer opportunities, reach out to us at www.adamhelpt.nl and let us help you help others.
Article was written by Beatrice Thumi