Bibi: ‘I come from a culture of helping each other. As a young girl in Guyana, I took care of my sick father. In the Netherlands, I had a difficult time, but I received help. I want to give back to others.’

During the corona period, neighbors came to Bibi for help. They were sick and needed groceries. ‘Of course, I helped them. But I also immediately wondered how other people in my surroundings were doing. They must have these problems too.’

Free meals

This led to the idea of creating food packages. Bibi works on this daily; collecting food, clothing, toiletries, and school supplies, assembling and distributing packages. All from her small ground-floor apartment. Additionally, she organizes free meals every Friday. The food comes from the Passer College where students cook. Bibi distributes the food and posts a message in the Facebook group Overschie Leeft. Bibi: ‘Everyone is welcome here on Friday afternoons. My regulars come every week. And if someone has trouble getting around, I bring it to them.’

Treats

During holidays like Easter and Christmas, Bibi ensures some extra treats. ‘Because everyone deserves something nice. For Christmas, I made 52 packages. My whole house was filled with items and boxes, but I managed!’ To collect groceries, Bibi regularly sets up a table outside the Plus store, with permission from the store manager. Often, she receives help from an elderly resident with a walker, who encourages people to donate.

Social togetherness

But Bibi thought there could be more. ‘At one point, I thought; how can I get lonely people out of their homes? They will never say anything about it, but I see it. So I looked for a space and now I cook there once a month. It started with a cup of soup and a sandwich, but now visitors can enjoy a lovely meal and the afternoons are well attended. I am busy at home beforehand preparing everything with various pots and containers. But it always works out. We also play bingo now, so much fun together!’

Trust

Bibi does all the work for the neighborhood alongside her job. How does she manage? ‘I have a big heart for the elderly. These people have worked hard all their lives and now need help. But they wont ask for it easily. They are either too shy or embarrassed. Thats why I help wherever I can. With groceries, walking a dog, or cleaning. Because only when you are among the people do you know what they need. These are my people, they trust me. So I keep going. Because I do this with my heart. And what you do with your heart, always works out. I also dont do this alone; many people help me.’

Foundation

There are difficult moments too. Sometimes Bibi receives negative reactions. ‘People think I am begging or don’t trust me. But I don’t let that bother me.’ She also feels the effects of inflation. Groceries are expensive and donations are decreasing. Therefore, the food packages are unfortunately on the back burner. ‘Unfortunately, I don’t receive any subsidies because I fall just outside all available pots. It would help to set up a foundation because then companies could also donate to me. But that costs money. I need to find a solution for that.’ Until then, Bibi continues to dedicate herself to her people and her Overschie. Would you like to contact Bibi? Visit the Facebook page Overschie Leeft. Link opens an external page.

Stronger together

To thank Bibi for her commitment to the city, Alderman Abigail Norville (Poverty Reduction, Debt Assistance, Language and Benefits) visited the Passer College on May 22 to give her a token of appreciation. Bibi received a cheque of 500 euros from the alderman. She is the fifth candidate of the project Together Strong Against Poverty and Debts. This project draws the municipalitys attention to residents who organize initiatives in their neighborhood to help Rotterdammers living in poverty.

Nominate someone

In the coming time, more residents will be highlighted. Do you know someone in your neighborhood who has a nice initiative and selflessly dedicates themselves to Rotterdammers with financial worries? Let the municipality know by emailing geldzorgen@rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page.