09.02.2010 The joy of helping one another

Recently, Stichting Corantijn was approached by Mr. Boyke Rajaram, president of the VVV Himmat football club. VVV is short for Veteranen Voetbal Vereniging or Veterans Football Club. VVV Himmat is a group of about 30 friends who regularly come together for a game of football. For about 10 years they have been travelling to Surinam once a year to go on holiday and play football. And three years ago they also began shipping various charity goods to Surinam in a 40 ft container. The shipping is arranged before the team leaves, allowing them to hand out the goods personally. VVV Himmat are children of Surinam and they want to make a lasting contribution to Surinam. The main focus of their attention are the Nickerie, Saramacca, Para and Commewijne districts.

This group of friends are all volunteers (they are not a foundation) and they are extremely motivated to support their fellow Surinamers who are less well off. Aid is intended for institutions including hospitals, orphanages, rest homes and sports associations. Himmat is a close team who put a lot of time and energy in their activities. Their contributions led to tremendous improvements in sometimes truly deplorable personal situations.

Himmat's president contacted Stichting Corantijn to ask our help in contacting organizations that could provide them with goods such as wheel chairs, walkers and shower chairs, among others. These items are at the top of the list of necessities in some of the districts Himmat visits. Obviously we were happy to help them, not just by making contacts but also by providing them directly with some of the goods already available in our storehouse in Benschop. It's great to be able to support one another in our efforts to aid Surinam.

Driving two small trucks and bringing a gift of pie, several Himmat members visited Benschop on Sunday 13 December 2009. The loading of the two trucks was completed with enthusiasm and proved to be much fun. In return, Himmat helped us meet the request for sports clothing made to us by the Sophia Lust neighborhood in Surinam, who want to play sports with the local children, as well as the request for clothing by a veterans football team from several inland villages.

We are truly happy to be able to work together with others in the wonderful work we are doing in Surinam.

Clara Anbeek