2004 – Together, We Can Make a Difference
The year is 2004 when we hear the story of Danny van Boven, a young boy living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a severe muscle-wasting disease.
Danny depended on a wheelchair, but his father was determined to give his son the opportunity to enjoy life and experience the world around him as much as possible. They travelled together in an old wheelchair-accessible van — going out, visiting family, exploring the area, or simply enjoying a day away from home.
Those moments meant so much to Danny.
But then came the difficult news.
The old wheelchair van no longer passed its inspection and could not safely be used anymore.
For Danny, this meant much more than simply losing a vehicle. It threatened to take away a part of his freedom — the opportunity to go outside, experience new things and make memories together with his father.
So we decided to take action.
The village of Creil, in the Noordoostpolder, came together.
And once again, something beautiful happened.
Local businesses, private individuals, organisations and residents all contributed in their own way. Some gave a lot, others gave what they could.
Every contribution mattered.
Together, enough money was raised to put a replacement wheelchair van on the road.
Once again, the old saying “Unity is strength” proved its meaning.
The new van was specially equipped for Danny. It included ramps, a winch, a DVD screen and everything needed to make travelling safe and comfortable.
But the most memorable moment was still to come.
The unveiling of the new wheelchair van became a very special event.
A large parachute had been placed over the vehicle. With the help of a huge concrete pump from Faber Betonpompen, the parachute was lifted high into the air.
Under the watchful eyes of a large crowd and a television crew, the new wheelchair van was finally revealed.
It was a moment filled with excitement, joy and emotion.
Because this van was much more than a vehicle.
It was a gift from an entire community.
A tangible reminder of what can happen when people come together and decide to do something for someone who needs help.
For Danny, it meant new possibilities.
The possibility to go out again.
To explore the world with his father.
To visit places, meet people and create new memories together.
And perhaps that is the greatest value of a helping hand: it is not only about what you give someone.
It is about what you give back to them.
Freedom.
Possibilities.
And above all, the feeling that you are not alone.
We look back on this special initiative with great warmth and gratitude.
Grateful for everyone who contributed.
Grateful for the businesses and individuals who joined together.
Grateful for the people of Creil, who showed what community spirit truly means.
And grateful that, once again, we were able to offer a helping hand.
Together, we can achieve more.
Together, we can make a difference.
And sometimes, it simply begins with the willingness to move for someone else.