On Friday, November 21, Arnhem volunteers were surprised with a nomination for the Arnhem City Award for Volunteer Work. The nominees were selected from nearly 40 nominations received by the board of the Arnhem City Award for Volunteer Work this year. Among the nominees are various groups dedicated to community connection, end-of-life care, and conflict mediation, as well as three residents who have been committed to fellow Arnhem citizens for a long time.

For the Arnhem Heroes group prize, the volunteers of the Landenkookgroep Klarendal, the volunteers of Stichting Eenzame Dood | NAbij, and the volunteers of Buurtbemiddeling Rijnstad are nominated. For the Arnhem Heroes individual prize, Sjaak van Gestel, Mariska Gertsen, and Francy Leatemia-Tomatala are nominated.

Chairperson of the Arnhem City Award for Volunteer Work Foundation, Ine van Burgsteden: “Every year the board is again surprised by the wonderful range of candidates and the diversity of volunteer work being done in the city. It is almost impossible to choose; everyone who volunteers matters!”

Alderman for Social Security in Arnhem, Marjan van Munster: “As a municipality, we can make all the plans we want, but without volunteers, everything falls apart. That is why we are so proud that 40,000 volunteers make a difference every year. They do this in many places; neighborhoods, districts, schools, sports fields, care centers, and cultural institutions. Being able to give something to Arnhem residents who work for nothing is a celebration.”

Arnhem City Award for Volunteer Work

On Saturday, December 13, during the festive evening Arnhem Thanks at Musis Sacrum, the city award will be presented by Mayor Marcouch. During this evening, all Arnhem volunteers are celebrated. Both the winner of the group prize and the winner of the individual prize will receive a cash prize of €500.

The nominees and jury motivation at a glance

Arnhem Heroes group prize 2025

The volunteers of the Landenkookgroep Klarendal

This group has been organizing biweekly meals for many years, where cooks from diverse backgrounds prepare food for residents of the Klarendal neighborhood and surroundings. They also prepare weekly meals for residents of Klarendal, Sint Marten, and Spoorhoek who need extra support. Their work prevents loneliness, promotes healthy eating habits, and connects people.

The volunteers of Stichting Eenzame Dood | NAbij

These volunteers are deeply committed to people in the final phase of their lives who have little to no network around them. Their presence ensures that no one has to die alone. They are unconditionally and selflessly available for people who often remain invisible.

The volunteers of Buurtbemiddeling Rijnstad

These volunteers assist residents in expressing and resolving problems and conflicts between neighbors and in the neighborhood. They remain neutral, listen attentively, help find joint solutions, and record agreements. They master the art of communicating without judgment and create a safe environment where people can talk to each other.

Arnhem Heroes individual prize 2025

Sjaak van Gestel

Sjaak has been committed to the city and playing and sporting children for 35 years. Despite being 73 years old, he remains actively involved in activities from the sports company. He helps weekly with youth activities at Sporthal Elderveld, supports holiday activities in Arnhem South, and helps organize the ice rinks that will be set up again this winter.

Mariska Gertsen

Mariska has a physical disability and uses a wheelchair, but this does not stop her from organizing after-school craft activities at Kunstrijk Primary School for children aged 4 to 12 and also supervising holiday activities. She is a listening ear for children and especially notices those who have it a bit harder and need extra support.

Francy Leatemia-Tomatala

Francy organizes and coordinates bi-monthly Selamat Datangs for Indo and Moluccan elderly in Arnhem South from Stichting BangsaDunia. These meetings provide a place for the elderly to meet, exchange thoughts, and participate in activities. Additionally, Francy organizes cultural activities and outings and ensures good preparation and execution. This supports independently living Indo and Moluccan elderly so they can age happily by the Rhine.