Deventer officials join nationwide volunteer effort to spruce up care centre
Local leaders in Deventer traded their roles for garden tools and aprons to support NLDoet, the largest volunteer event in the Netherlands. Residents of care centre ’t Dijkhuis will enjoy a renovated garden and freshly baked pancakes thanks to this community effort.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | NLDoet (largest volunteer action in the Netherlands) |
| Date | March 13-14, 2026 |
| Location | Care centre ’t Dijkhuis, Bathmen (Deventer) |
| Organizer | Oranje Fonds (in collaboration with Present Deventer) |
| Participants | Mayor Ron König, aldermen Marcel Elferink, Ilse Duursma, Lars Wijnhoud, Rob de Geest |
| Activities | Gardening, pancake baking, kitchen support |
| Outcome | Renovated shared garden for residents |
The municipality of Deventer plays an active role in fostering community engagement and supporting local initiatives. By participating in NLDoet, the council demonstrates its commitment to recognizing and promoting volunteer work, which is vital for social cohesion and local welfare.
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Council participates in NLDoet
On Friday, March 13, the council of mayor and aldermen rolled up their sleeves for NLDoet. In collaboration with Present Deventer, they worked at the care centre ’t Dijkhuis in Bathmen.
Volunteers in the spotlight
NLDoet is an initiative of the Oranje Fonds and is being held this year on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14. Thousands of socio-cultural organizations across the Netherlands are taking part, making NLDoet the largest volunteer action in the country. NLDoet highlights volunteer work and invites everyone to make a difference for a day. In Deventer, there are dozens of activities, both in the city and in the surrounding villages. Present Deventer helped the council find a suitable project.
Rolling up sleeves
On behalf of the council, Mayor Ron König said: “It’s wonderful that so many volunteers keep society running. To draw extra attention to their work, we as a council also rolled up our sleeves as volunteers. Some of us worked in the kitchen today, while others worked in the garden.”
Planting and pancakes
In addition to the council members, other volunteers were also working at ’t Dijkhuis. Mayor Ron König and aldermen Marcel Elferink and Ilse Duursma helped prepare the gardens for spring. Aldermen Lars Wijnhoud and Rob de Geest baked pancakes for the residents’ lunch.
Another group of volunteers will complete the work on the second day of NLDoet, after which the residents of ’t Dijkhuis will have a beautifully renovated shared garden at their disposal.
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