Every day, Caroline helps between 40 and 50 Rotterdammers. Sometimes even at night, because items are sometimes urgently needed. From bedding to sanitary pads and food. Caroline has two giveaway cabinets and her cargo bike in front of her house is always full of clothing.

In the attic 

Carolines help to the neighborhood started in the attic of the community center. There she created a giveaway shop with a friend. Unfortunately, the shop had to close due to fire hazards. Caroline was forced to move her assistance to her own home. I placed an extra large cabinet between the plants in my front yard, she smiles. Initially, she filled the cabinet with her own items. From clothing to small household items. But soon she built a large network and the entire neighborhood helped out. I receive many lovely responses. And many people help me, or they bring something tasty for my daughters. Then you really see the good side of people.

Of invaluable value 

Some people come daily to pick up items, others only bring. Everything is good, Caroline thinks. I dont notice any abuse. Many older people come, bringing items with their walker. So sweet. Then I also spend half an hour chatting. And that chat turns out to be of invaluable value. Because there is much loneliness and poverty. Many people share their stories. Caroline helps wherever she can and also refers to professional help from, for example, the Vreewijkhuis or the municipality. 

On the beans 

In recent years, Caroline has noticed that more and more people need help. Everything has become expensive. Recently, I stacked 90 loaves of bread in the cabinets. Within 1.5 hours, they were all gone. Then you know how urgently its needed. The bread came from the Food Bank, where Caroline often picks up leftover food. For example, crates full of green beans come in. Ah, the whole neighborhood is on the beans this week, I laugh then.

Energy

Caroline works hard every day to collect, sort, fill the cabinets, and help people. Yet it is never too much for her. I really enjoy doing it. Its useful and that gives energy. She also knows very well what poverty is. I had a difficult childhood and lived on my own at a young age. I had to buy everything myself, from furniture to clothing and food. That was tough. I know how happy you can be with small things, even if its just a nice decorative cushion for the couch. That can make such a difference. I want to do that for people. I also teach my daughters this. We share with each other: If I have a loaf of bread and you dont, we both have half a loaf.

Space needed 

Now that more help is needed, Caroline is desperately looking for a space to store more items. I would love to create a shop again, so everyone can easily and neatly find items. And I currently have too little space to store and offer food. While there is food available, such a waste! So if anyone knows a spot, I would love it!

Stronger together

To thank Caroline for her commitment to the city, councilor Abigail Norville (Poverty Reduction, Debt Assistance, Language, and Allowances) visited her on July 2 to give her a token of appreciation. Caroline received a check for 500 euros from the councilor. She is thus the sixth candidate of the project Together Strong Against Poverty and Debts. With this project, the municipality draws attention to residents who organize initiatives in their neighborhood to help Rotterdammers living in poverty.

Facebook 

Want to know more? Check out Facebook. Link opens an external page, for example on the page of Caroline Reason. Link opens an external page and Bewust Vreewijk. Link opens an external page.

Know someone to recommend?

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