Elsje: "A small gesture with a lot of impact"

Charity days at Royal Jaarbeurs through the eyes of Elsje van Vuuren

Royal Jaarbeurs: the inspired, sustainable and innovative host for the whole of the Netherlands. A place where you meet, inspire, learn and grow. We'd love to tell you what's going on at Royal Jaarbeurs and the way we do things. How? By getting to know our most valuable asset: our people. Elsje van Vuuren (37) has worked for two years as a senior communications advisor in the corporate communications team at Jaarbeurs. She recently spent a day as a volunteer at the Salvation Army as part of the Charity Days at Jaarbeurs. What is it really like as a Jaarbeurs employee to step out of your daily routine and spend a day as a volunteer? We spend a morning with Elsje as she prepares bread for the homeless at the Salvation Army on Nieuwegracht in Utrecht.

Before we speak to Elsje about her role as a volunteer, she proudly talks about her position in Jaarbeurs's corporate communications team. "Every Dutch person knows Jaarbeurs. From an event, a fair, a congress, a meeting or any other spectacle. Jaarbeurs is much more than a trade fair location. To get that message across, we have to keep communicating and telling our target group what is possible with us. In particular, we want to show event organisers and event managers that we organise large-scale and small-scale conferences, events and meetings in addition to (trade) fairs. Really everything is possible."

Own PR agency within Jaarbeurs
“Sometimes I tell people that I work at a PR agency within Jaarbeurs. So I make a tailor-made PR plan per fair, where one time I focus on creative hobbyists, motorbike mules or campers and the other time on cycling fans and logistics and construction professionals. Together with our fair managers we dive into the target audience's world and respond to their needs. Every year, we provide new news hooks. For example, last year during BouwBeurs capitalised on vmourning that build. And that became a really hot topic that did very well in the media.

As an involved resident of Utrecht does Jaarbeurs giving something back for one's own city
As part of the Jaarbeurs Charitiesdagen turns Elsje one day co At the Salvation Army. "As a proud and concerned resident of Utrecht dot Jaarbeurs like to give something back for her own city. As part of our sustainability programme, every employee gets the opportunity to dedicate two half-days a year to a good cause. I think this is a really fantastic initiative! As employee get the chance to your develop in a different way and contribute something valuable. Thus, we were given the choice to among others pancakes to bake for elderly people with dementia, helping at the Food Bank or joining a shift at the Salvation Army.”

Upon arrival, the Elsje this morning warmly welcomed by the Salvation Army team. "The atmosphere was warm and open and I immediately felt I was part of something bigger. Hhe was impressive to see how dedicated the staff and volunteers here are to their mission: helping the most vulnerable in our society. The day started with a tour of the building on nieuwegracht. We were given an overview of the various activities they organise, from providing food and clothing to shelter and help with re-integration. What particularly touched me was how personal the Salvation Army's approach is. They don't just look at basic needs, but see the person behind each story and tailor-made offer made support.” 

All klittle things help
Elsje's task that day was To spread bread for homeless people and them provided with clothing and shower tokens. “It may seem simple but the impact of this work is huge. I met people who depend on the Salvation Army to make ends meet.” What Elsje especially memorable was the conversation with a fellow volunteer that morning. He told How the Salvation Army helped him years ago had helped get his life back on track after years of homelessness. His story was gripping and it was inspiring to see how he is now positively shaping his life and even teaches in secondary schools."

That Jaarbeurs as an employer making this volunteer work possible is something that Elsje very grateful for is. “In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we sometimes forget how important it is to give something back to the society. This volunteer days are a great opportunity to get out of your daily routine and your become aware of the world around your around, and to help where needed.” What Elsje also touches on is that these kinds of initiatives not only the bond between colleagues enhanced, but it also ensures that we looking at our own role in society with fresh eyes. I think it's a win-win situation: I was able to contribute something to an important cause, and at the same time it enriched me personally.” 
 
Enriching experience 
The day at the Salvation Army has Elsje deeply touched and inspired. “It was an intense, but above all beautiful experience. I am grateful to have been able to experience it and I am already looking forward to the next time I can roll up my sleeves. Dat Jaarbeurs this encourages makes me proud. I hope more companies follow this example and give their employees the space to give something back to society in this way. Because in the end, if we all do a little help, together we make a big difference.”