To the Youth Fund Meet the team: Koert Thalen! page

Meet the team: Koert Thalen! | March 4, 2021

Meet the team: Koert Thalen!

Hello, I am Koert Thalen,

During my rehabilitation after a racing bike accident, I encountered poverty in Hoogeveen. A group of students and I were preparing for the Alpe d'HuZes, a race you might be familiar with, a fundraiser for the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF). I heard from a teacher that one of his students sometimes came to school without having had bread at home that morning due to a lack of money. That's a false start to a child's life; if you're truly hungry, you can't learn.

This inspired me to commit myself to helping children and young people growing up in these kinds of circumstances. Through a unique set of circumstances, I ended up at the Youth Fund, where I now work to create opportunities for children and young people in our province.

In 2019, we were able to support 3,248 sports and cultural activities. Due to the coronavirus crisis, that number dropped by 740 applications in 2020. I expect the numbers to rise sharply in 2021, also due to the coronavirus crisis.

We can't make it with municipal subsidies alone! I'm appealing for your support. We appreciate every euro and guarantee that the money will be spent on sports or cultural activities for children and young people growing up in poverty.

Donations can be made to NL94 INGB 0668 2190 09, payable to St. Jeugdfonds Drenthe.

Can I also count on your support?