Local leaders join volunteers for NLdoet at Odijk's Dier en Wij children's farm
Over 7,000 volunteer activities took place nationwide during NLdoet, including at Dier en Wij in Odijk. Mayor Ruud van Bennekom and aldermen joined volunteers to clean and maintain the children's farm, highlighting the vital role of community efforts in local initiatives.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | NLdoet 2026 |
| Date | March 13-14, 2026 |
| Location | Kinderboerderij Dier en Wij, Odijk (Utrecht) |
| Participants | Mayor Ruud van Bennekom, Aldermen Julie d’Hondt, Onno James, volunteers |
| Number of NLdoet activities | Nearly 7,000 nationwide |
| Volunteers at Dier en Wij | Over 30 |
| Children's farm existence | Over 35 years |
| Opening hours | Saturday and Sunday afternoons |
The municipality of Bunnik actively participates in NLdoet to support and promote volunteerism within the community. By joining local initiatives like Dier en Wij, the council underscores the importance of civic engagement and the role of volunteers in maintaining public spaces and community projects.
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NLdoet: rolling up sleeves at Dier en Wij
On Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14, it's NLdoet again. During the largest volunteer action in the Netherlands, there are nearly 7,000 activities. In our municipality, volunteers will also be at work in various places these days. The council annually participates in NLdoet(Link to external website). This time, mayor Ruud van Bennekom and aldermen Julie d’Hondt and Onno James helped out at Kinderboerderij Dier en Wij in Odijk.
Getting to work
Together with volunteers from Dier en Wij and employees of Geonius, the council rolled up their sleeves on Friday morning. They cleaned stables, aviaries, furniture, playground equipment, and fences. The greenery and enclosures were also maintained. In the afternoon, Geonius(Link to external website) got to work on street repairs (restoration) and other tasks.
Proud of the volunteers
The animal-friendly children's farm has existed for over 35 years. Dier en Wij(Link to external website) is more than just 'taking good care of animals', says Sicco Roukema (secretary and coordinator): "We do this together with over 30 volunteers and also work with Stichting Timon. We truly bring people and animals together. Our animals have space, are well visible, and they stay from beginning to end. We don't have a breeding policy, so most animals come from shelters. At Dier en Wij, children can learn what it means to care for animals, what is involved, and for this, they receive a passport. There is even a waiting list for these child volunteers! We are located at the Singel, so many people pass by daily. And every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, we are open. This is only possible thanks to all our volunteers."
Photos at Dier en Wij
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