Vitamin Attention

At De Verzuimmakelaar, we have not only business objectives but also social goals. We believe it is important to contribute to society outside of work as well. Why is that? It’s in our DNA. That’s why it may feel so natural for us to go that extra mile, to be a different kind of occupational health service. Seeing each other, listening to each other, being there for one another: it positively influences people’s well-being.

By Mirelle Klijs, founder of De Verzuimmakelaar

Sponsorship and Donations
We support society in part by making financial contributions to associations, foundations, and schools. For example, in Uden, we sponsor the hockey club, the football club, a girls’ team at the basketball association, and Uden on Ice. Especially in these times, they really need the support of sponsors. Certain school projects, such as a dinner for lonely elderly people at Udens College, would not be possible without donations. Stichting Steun 22Q11, which aims to raise awareness for this genetic disorder, can also count on our support.

Swimming for People with Disabilities
How we came to support G-Swimming in Uden is a story in itself. At the bakery, I overheard a man talking about his daughter with Down syndrome. She attends G-Swimming, and the club was in trouble. There were enough volunteers, but the rent for the swimming pool was a problem. That’s why they organized an auction that evening. His determination to make it all happen for those kids made us eager to donate.

Evening Walk Friends of Bernhoven
Vitality and a good cause in one: that’s why we pay the registration fee for our employees and their friends for the Evening Walk “Give Bernhoven Light!” The money goes towards the creation of a comfort room in the children’s ward at Bernhoven, a place where children and their families can find peace.

WensAmbulance Brabant
Every month, we save a certain amount per employee (not deducted from their salary). Each year, employees themselves choose a local charity to which the saved amount is donated. This year, it is Stichting WensAmbulance Brabant, which provides professional transport for people in a terminal phase of life, enabling them to fulfill certain wishes. The WensAmbulance came to our door to collect a beautiful cheque. By sharing my knowledge and expertise, I am happy to help organizations move forward. For example, I am a voluntary chairperson of the Broodfonds and Stichting Goede Reis. I also coach starting entrepreneurs from Misfits Uden on a voluntary basis, to help them get started. And I am a Companion of Campus in the municipality of Maashorst, where young people are given space to develop and connect with the business community.

Actie Klaasje
All our employees have now participated in Actie Klaasje for the second year in a row. This organization ensures that children in an asylum seekers’ center or women’s shelter also receive a present on December 5th. Each pair is assigned a child for whom they buy and nicely wrap a gift. The cost of the gifts is covered by De Verzuimmakelaar, but our employees do this in their own free time.

Wishing Tree
And then there’s the wishing tree at our office, especially for passersby. Because we enjoy making someone happy in the new year, just because we can. People can hang a wish in the tree for their partner, friend, family member, or neighbor. It can be something beautiful, something sweet, something fun—it doesn’t matter what. In January, we choose a wish to fulfill.

My wish for the new year is that more people truly look out for each other. Start a conversation, show interest, pay attention to one another. With a little vitamin Attention, together we can make the world a little bit better.

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