Curious about what motivates volunteers who work for the information center? Erna Nijkamp explains: “What I really appreciate about the group is the commitment, willingness and commitment”

When and how did you get involved with the information center?

I started there in 2023, and my husband was already a volunteer there. He told me that the roster was looking for a successor for the hosts and hostesses. Until 2021, I worked as a nurse in the hospital, where I also made the schedules. Fun to do! So this job was right for me. I also decided to become a hostess to get a feel for the information center and get to know the group.

What are you working on?

As a roster, I maintain good contact with the group and do my best to publish a 'healthy' schedule every two months that everyone is satisfied with. I always schedule myself with another volunteer so that we get to know each other better.

What is your biggest challenge?

Getting the schedule right. This is more difficult during vacation time than in the winter months. We are open 7 days a week in the summer months, 5 days in the winter. Most volunteers want to go on vacation just in the summer. Then it's puzzling. If someone breaks out, someone else takes over. There is mutual exchange and many volunteers would like to work for an extra half a day.

What is your motive?

Since I stopped working, I have been active as a volunteer in more places. I mainly do the things that give me energy. I love to puzzle, so making that schedule is one of those things. When the schedule is complete, I can rest for a while. Although I am the point of contact when it comes to staffing our counter. I also like the contact with visitors. Sometimes you have valuable conversations. For example, we have many Canadian visitors. Very moving how they react to what we do here.

Why do people need to visit the information center?

It is a valuable addition to the Canadian Cemetery. We welcome more and more groups, especially young people, who, accompanied by a guide, hear stories about the dead and receive a customized tour. In the current era, when freedom is no longer a matter of course, I think this is very important. Read we forget!