Volunteer Experiences – Nearly 10 Years of Collaboration with Heinz
From nursing student to involved board member
My name is Simon Scholten , I am 28 years old and have been involved in the travels of Stichting Heinz Reizen since 2016. What started as an opportunity during my nursing studies in Venlo , has grown into an important part of my life. During an information evening at school, Heinz gave a presentation about care holidays, then on behalf of the Dutch Red Cross . His story immediately appealed to me: committing yourself to others, in a holiday setting, combined with travel and care.
As a student I immediately felt: this is special. Not only because I love to travel, but especially because you learn to work here as a nurse in a way that you do not encounter in an internship or job. Real time for people – that is what I found most valuable. No clock that chases you. No time pressure. You get to know the person behind the disease and gain insight into the impact that disease and care have on the daily lives of people, including their caregivers.
During the holidays you see how caregivers often have trouble handing over the care at first. But after a few days you see how trust grows. They dare to let go, to relax, and also to catch their breath. That process is incredibly valuable to experience up close.
An exciting first time: traveling to Tenerife
My first trip with Heinz was to Tenerife . For a nineteen-year-old, quite exciting. Is everything going well? Can I provide the care that is needed? How does traveling with guests who need intensive care work? But I soon found out that everything was arranged down to the last detail. From check-in at Düsseldorf airport to arrival in Tenerife: it went smoothly, partly due to Heinz's calmness and experience.
Our hotel in Los Cristianos was fully adapted: no thresholds, high-low beds, adapted bathrooms and even a hoist to help people without standing function into the pool. Really everything was aimed at making the stay for our guests as comfortable as possible.
During that week I learned a lot. Providing care in another country , working with other resources and working together in a team where you don't know most of the people. Yet it quickly felt familiar. Everyone gave 100% and the cooperation went very well. No time pressure, but attention - for the guests and for each other. It was great .
Second journey: unexpected but welcome
Two weeks after that first trip, the phone rang. Heinz called to ask if I wanted to go to Tenerife again that same week. Of course, this had to be done in consultation with the school, but my teachers were immediately enthusiastic. As long as I didn't neglect my studies, nothing would stand in my way. And I succeeded. During the trip, I was able to study and pass my tests. A good lesson: if you really want something, then a lot is possible .
Memories of years of travel
After that second trip I remained involved. I went on countless trips, from small-scale projects in the Red Cross Bungalow in Someren , to trips to beautiful places in Germany, such as Neuerburg and Leiwen in the Eifel, and Bad Peterstal , located in the enchanting Black Forest . Each destination had something unique, but the same atmosphere was central everywhere: solidarity, involvement, and attention for each other.
The guests I was able to care for there are still vivid in my mind. The conversations, the moments shared, the gratitude – you don't forget that. And I hope they don't either.
New start with Heinz Reizen Foundation
When the Red Cross stopped organizing care vacations, I didn't expect Heinz to sit still . And he didn't. He started his own foundation and I was involved from the start. Together we gave presentations at schools in Venlo and Maastricht , to get students excited about this wonderful volunteer work. Because what you learn and experience during such a trip, you take with you for the rest of your life.
A different role, but the same involvement
In 2020 I started a new challenge: working as a soldier at Defense . An intensive job that demands a lot from you, which meant that I could temporarily no longer join the trips. But my involvement with the foundation remained. For example, we started a Facebook page , with which we wanted to increase the reach of our foundation.
We have now grown to almost 3000 followers and receive enthusiastic responses from family members, guests and interested parties every day. Through the page we give an insight into the ins and outs of our travels, complete with photos and stories.
Back in healthcare, further in the foundation
In 2023 I returned to healthcare, after an injury in the Defense. Since then I have been working as a nurse in a rehabilitation center in Tegelen , which gave me the opportunity to become more active within the foundation. Heinz asked me to become a board member , and I accepted with great pride.
Later I built our website – a fun and educational project – and I still enjoy maintaining it to this day .
Volunteer work that enriches your life
The past few years have shaped me. Not only as a nurse, but also as a person. I have learned what it means to care with full attention, to really listen and to mean something to someone else, just by being there. Whether it was a day trip to the Christmas market in Oberhausen , or a flight to Tenerife – they were all valuable experiences.
What I remember most is the gratitude of the guests . You don't earn money with it, but what you get in return is priceless. Volunteering with Stichting Heinz Reizen is something I would recommend to everyone. It enriches your life, gives you new insights, and creates memories that you will take with you forever.
Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with our travels, stories and adventures. We share photos and updates from our volunteers and guests there daily.