Amsterdam-based People for People, an aid organisation that works for refugees in Dutch reception centres, announced on Thursday, February 2, that it has received €450K to improve living conditions for families and children.
The donation came from Dutch entrepreneurs John Caspers (co-founder of Adyen), Robert Vis (founder of MessageBird) and Ali Niknam (founder of bunq). Caspers is now also a co-partner of the organisation together with Vis and Niknam.
Joris Beckers (co-founder of Picnic), who launched the People for People foundation, will be replaced this year by John Caspers.
What does the foundation offer?
Dutch entrepreneurs launched People for People at the beginning of last year, just after the conflict in Ukraine began. Joris Beckers (Picnic), Robert Vis, and Ali Niknam came together to work on a meaningful project for the war victims.
The foundation works to assist people of all nationalities who seek safety and refuge in the Netherlands by taking action to meet their basic needs and offer them respectable and decent living conditions, such as places to sleep, food, transport, free bank accounts, and SIM cards.
First and foremost, People for People emphasises the value of listening. Second, about providing information (so that refugees know where they stand). And third, making sure everyone is included (involving the people affected in creating solutions).
The organisation collaborates with well-known Dutch companies such as Action, Otrium, Lidl, Bever Sport, and Tony’s Chocolonely. In the last six months, it has given 65,000 relief goods to people residing in various reception centres with the help of more than 490 volunteers.
Additionally, the group also wants to increase connectivity at the reception centres and promote cultural exchange. For instance, the volunteers arrange sports events, assist young people with their school preparation, as well as organise cookery classes at the various centres. There have already been 625 traditional meals shared with traditional chefs.
Funds to keep going…
People for People says it will use the donations to continue working to ensure that all refugees and asylum seekers in the Netherlands are treated with respect. In 2023, the foundation will carry on responding to the changing circumstances and responding to those in need.
In September 2022, tens of thousands of individuals received aid from People for People. More than 11,000 bank accounts were created, nearly 500 children were given access to school, and over 135,000 items for food, babies, and hygiene were distributed.
The foundation also provided 130,000 lunches and assisted more than 170 people in finding employment.
Marcella Simmons, Foundation Director at People for People, says, “We are very happy with this donation and proud of our partners, with whom we want to make a difference this year for people who have had to leave everything behind. We are so looking forward to the positive contribution we want to make in 2023.”
