On April 22nd our annual activity organized by the new members took place in cooperation with Present Den Haag. Nine members of Rotaract visited the Middin in Newtonstraat in Den Haag. There we prepared lunch for the elderly and ate with them.

The lunch consisted of pancakes with stroop, sugar, etc. After an initial discussion over the correct pancake recipe (American vs. Dutch) we split up over the various kitchens available at Middin and started baking. Overall, it was a fun activity with great reactions from Middin.

We would like to thank Present Den Haag for their help with this project.

On Saturday, November 5th, we have wrapping as much presents as possible with seven enthusiastic Rotaractors for the foundation Sint voor ieder1. For many children, celebrating Sinterklaas is a given. This is unfortunately not the case for all children in the Netherlands. The goal of the foundation Sint voor ieder1  goalis to give as many children as possible in difficult circumstances a gift, because every child deserves a gift on December 5th!

After a cup of coffee and a brief explanation we started packing gifts for children of 10-11 years old. Because there were several tables where gifts were being wrapped, every table was of course keen to wrap the most gifts. Different methodologies to pack were tried! Eventually we were able to pack around 300 gifts, to surprise the same number of children on December 5th. We had a fun and productive day and hope next year to contribute again. Below is some general information about the foundation and are some photos of the day.

Sintvoorieder1 Foundation aims to provide as many children aged 0 to 18 years with a Sinterklaas gift worth about 10 euros. The gifts are meant for children for whom a gift from Sinterklaas is not obvious. Often these children are dependent on food banks, (emergency) shelter (such as stay homes, open shelters and assisted living).

Also this year, Rotaract Den Haag – Scheveningen took again part in the nationwide NLDoet activities. This year we helped Stadsboerderij the Molenweide. The work consisted of carpentry as well as improvements to the environment. We made new planters, which will be planted with hanging strawberries. In addition, some planters were replanted with flowers, and painted with blackboard paint. Then there was some digging to be done; the outside quarters of the rabbits had to be raised with sand. Here already some muscle power was needed, but when it was done some more was needed to provide the entrance to the field for goats and sheep with new dry sand, otherwise they would sink away in the mud. Because it was almost Easter, there were finally some Easter branches made which will be adorned by the children during the week before Easter and brought to the eldery.

We have also been able to enjoy a good lunch (with pancakes and milk from the  Molenweide!). To top it off we were able to pet the newborn lambs at the end of the day. A few days before we came, two black lambs were born, and the night before we were two white lambs. Spring has really arrived!