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Gelderland | July 27, 2023

Board member Dorine van der Bruggen: “I want to reach even more children together with municipalities.”

The board of the Gelderland Youth Fund for Sports and Culture is back at full strength after Gerard van Balveren's departure. Dorine van der Bruggen is committed to ensuring that more children can participate. "The Youth Fund's help is increasingly needed."

Tell us something about yourself?

I'm 54 years old, married, have a 20-year-old son and a 23-year-old daughter, and live in Ammerzoden. I've worked in events management all my life, first at other companies, then for many years at a company I co-owned with a partner, and now as a freelancer. I enjoy creating and executing unique events and campaigns, and connecting people in my network. That's how I got involved with the Youth Fund.

Why did you join the board of the Gelderland Youth Fund for Sports and Culture?

"Actually, they were calling on my network to find a new board member. But when I heard what it was all about: supporting children, ensuring they have access to sports and cultural activities, I jumped at the chance! Everything I enjoy comes together, so I thought: maybe this is something for me. This way, I can try to make a small difference in society."

Do you yourself participate in sports or cultural activities?

I've been playing sports my whole life. I cycle, paddle tennis, try to run, love skiing, and play tennis. In fact, when the events industry ground to a halt during the coronavirus pandemic, I became a tennis instructor. That was a long-standing dream of mine. Unfortunately, I soon developed two tennis elbows and realized I missed my old job as well. So now I'm fully back to working with events and connected to sports through the Youth Fund.

What will you do in your new management position?

I enjoy a lot of things and I'm happy to contribute ideas. I'll also be focusing on contact with the municipalities. Not all municipalities participate in the Youth Fund yet, and I'd love to discuss that. Why wouldn't a partnership between the municipality and the Youth Fund be possible? Obstacles are there to be overcome. And we have a lot to offer: an easy procedure, a fantastic network of intermediaries, and all sorts of communication tools. So I say: 'Let's go for it!'

Why is the Youth Fund important?

Social contact is important for children. Sports and culture connect, being part of something fosters camaraderie. And sports are also important for health. All children should be able to participate, and in these difficult times, that's not a given for everyone. I've already attended a meeting with intermediaries, and shame was a major topic there. Parents find it difficult to reach out. Nevertheless, I urge them: seek help, if necessary, anonymously at first. Our intermediaries are close by and accessible, and you don't have to submit all your paperwork to get help.

What is your wish for the future?

When I see how society is developing and how the gap between rich and poor is widening, I don't think it's realistic to hope that no one will need our help anymore. So I especially hope that in the coming years, more families will find us and dare to approach us, so that no one is left behind.

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