Hundreds join NLdoet to boost local communities through volunteering
Over 1,000 volunteers across Gelderland rolled up their sleeves for NLdoet, the Netherlands’ largest volunteer event. Their efforts help maintain local spaces like swimming pools, fostering community connections and making neighborhoods more vibrant for residents.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | NLdoet (largest volunteer action in the Netherlands) |
| Date | March 13, 2026 |
| Location | Gelderland, with focus on Rheden (outdoor swimming pool cleanup) |
| Participants | Hundreds of volunteers, including Deputy Dirk Vreugdenhil |
| Organizer | Oranje Fonds |
| Funding Support | Connect Your Neighbourhood Fund (Gelderland) |
| Goal | Strengthen social cohesion and community participation |
The Oranje Fonds, a national organization, promotes social cohesion by supporting volunteer initiatives like NLdoet. The provincial government of Gelderland collaborates with the fund to enhance local community projects, ensuring residents have access to well-maintained public spaces and opportunities to connect.
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NLdoet shows how volunteers make a difference
Volunteers are indispensable. They make our neighbourhoods and villages even more beautiful. That is why hundreds of volunteers took part in NLdoet, the largest volunteer action in the Netherlands. With this initiative, the Oranje Fonds highlights the importance of volunteering and invites everyone to make a difference for just one day.
Volunteers make a difference
In Gelderland, we feel at home. It is a province where people look out for one another. Where people are involved and make a difference together. We are proud of that! We do this with the many volunteers in our society. Volunteering comes in all shapes and sizes: from supporting sports clubs and protecting nature and heritage to helping neighbours. On Friday, March 13, 2026, Deputy Vreugdenhil took part in NLdoet and, together with other volunteers, cleaned the outdoor swimming pool in Rheden.
Thanks to volunteers, we stay connected
Volunteers make a difference every day. During NLdoet, I experienced this again when I helped get the swimming pool in Rheden ready for summer. Thanks to their efforts, meeting places, facilities and monuments in our villages and neighbourhoods remain lively, accessible and well-maintained. This keeps us connected, and it is also great fun to roll up our sleeves and work together.
Dirk Vreugdenhil
Deputy
NLdoet by the Oranje Fonds
The Oranje Fonds uses NLdoet to show how important active residents are for society. During NLdoet, participants can experience how rewarding volunteering can be. Being a volunteer really makes a difference. For organisations, it is a great opportunity to attract new volunteers. The Oranje Fonds is committed to a society in which everyone can participate and no one is left behind. A society in which we care for each other, where people have equal opportunities and feel connected to others in their neighbourhood. This fully aligns with our goals.
That is why, in 2026, we are once again supporting the Oranje Fonds through the Connect Your Neighbourhood Fund. This fund gives an extra boost to social cohesion between people in Gelderland’s villages, neighbourhoods and districts. Want to know more? Visit oranjefonds.nl.
Thanks to all Gelderland volunteers
To all volunteers in Gelderland: your work and dedication make Gelderland a little more beautiful. Thank you!
In the photos: various volunteers in action during NLdoet. They are cleaning the outdoor swimming pool in Rheden and tidying up the surrounding area. This way, many residents of Rheden and the surrounding area can enjoy swimming, playing and each other this summer.