55 People Sign Up as Buddies for Refugees in Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel

A total of 55 people have signed up to become buddies for one of the refugees who will be housed at the upcoming regional reception location (ROL) in Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel. This is according to the organizers of the “Welkom in Zuidplas” initiative, which started in early November.

Bert Doek, one of the initiators, stated, “This is a clear signal that within the community of Zuidplas, there is a lot of warmth and positive energy, along with a willingness to help others.”

The buddy initiative was created in response to the negative reactions in Zuidplas regarding the potential arrival of the ROL for refugees. The organizers wanted to show that there is also an alternative perspective. “Namely, that refugees are welcome and that we want to help them find their place in our society. The better they integrate, the better it will be for Zuidplas,” Doek explained. The buddy initiative aims to collaborate with Vluchtelingenwerk Zuidplas or Stichting Zo!.