Newsletter - january 2019

Dear friends,
2018 has flown by, at least that is my experience. Maybe that is because I am becoming older (only 70) and then time seems to go faster.

When I think back to the moment when Sjaak de Boer asked me to join Auxilia-Brasili-ja, it was somewhere between 1998-1999. I had just stopped as the director of a primary school and, according to Sjaak, I now had time to step in. I have not regretted it. As long as my health permits, I would like to continue my work as secretary. The group consists of 10 people, one of whom, in The Hague, oversees everything.
Do you know what I find very special? Within our foundation there are 4 people in the "board" who I myself have had as a pupil in my class at primary school. I can not tell you whether they listen to me better or less well now than during their primary school time.
Looking back to 2018, besides the "Beer and Balls Bag" on father's day, the summer market and the Christmas market, there have been two special moments. First of all there was the PROMO exhibition in Wervershoof. We were allowed to present ourselves to the community here and that went very well. Then there was the "World of Taste" in April. Seven dishes from different countries could be tasted. It was well attended and very pleasant. The proceeds went to the Manda Foundation.

For many years, circulars have reached their destination through post and e-mail. We hope that you take the trouble to read them every time. I would like to remind you again of the fact that posting letters is quite expensive. And now especially because PostNL has decided to raise the tariffs again. I therefore ask you, if you want to continue to receive the circular letter, to send me an e-mail or a note stating that the circular letter can be sent to you by e-mail. It is not only easier for us but it also saves costs. I can guarantee that the address you give us will only be used for the circular letter. At present, around 60 Dutch language and 45 English language letters are sent by post. I hope that can be reduced by you sending us your e-mail address.
If you do not want to read the circular for any reason, please let us know. Then we will delete you from our database.
In the new year 2019 we have various items on the calendar. In 2019 the reoccurring events are: Father's day "Beer en Balls Bag", summer market, Christmas market.
The following year, 2020, we will be a little bit busier. Two major actions are on the list: A World of Taste in April and the fairground event in August.

I wish you, on behalf of the whole group, all the best for 2019. A Happy New Year.

Kees Ooijevaar
Secretary