Recap: Autumn Mix & Match November 2024

Wow, what an event! The Autumn November 2024 Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair has wrapped up, and we’re still buzzing from all the energy and connections made. It was a joy to see attendees and nonprofits from The Hague region come together, creating memories and making a real impact.

Let’s take a moment to share some of the highlights and key takeaways from this amazing autumn gathering!

On 30th November 2024, The Social Hub The Hague opened its doors once again to host our autumn edition of the Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair, and what a day it was! We’re incredibly grateful to The Social Hub The Hague for being such a fantastic partner and providing the perfect space for connections, inspiration, and collaboration to flourish.

This Autumn edition brought together more than 500 enthusiastic participants and over 30 amazing organizations, all passionate about making a difference. The energy in the room was contagious as local NGOs and international volunteers mingled, shared stories, and explored opportunities to contribute their time, skills, and hearts to meaningful causes.

It was more than just an event, it was a celebration of volunteerism and community spirit. From environmental initiatives to social support programs, each organization brought unique ways for people to get involved. The overwhelming turnout and engagement underscored the growing interest in giving back within The Hague’s international community.

We can’t thank everyone enough our partners, participants, and the registered organizations for making this autumn gathering such a resounding success. Here’s to building on this momentum and strengthening the ties that make our community so special!

Emceed by VTH Project Manager Tetyana Benzeroual, the fair kicked off with an inspiring opening ceremony. Gert-Jan Aleman, the director of PEP Den Haag (Volunteer The Hague's parent organization), warmly welcomed attendees and set the tone for the day.

A special highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of The Hague Quality Mark for Volunteer Organizations (Haags Keurmerk Vrijwilligersorganisaties) to the Soul Surfers Foundation, Founded in 2008 by Sabine Wensink, the Soul Surfers Foundation is a wonderful non-profit organization dedicated to improving the physical and mental well-being of its participants through surfing-related projects and programs. It was a true honor to recognize their incredible work and commitment to the community.

From left to right, are: Gert-Jan Aleman, Soul Surfers Foundation, and Sabine Wensink.

"Volunteer The Hague, which was created especially to help internationals in our city with volunteer work, is unique in the Netherlands. Something I am very proud of!" - Gert-Jan Aleman

The event’s carefully curated program featured a fantastic lineup of presentations delivered by esteemed professionals, each offering unique perspectives and practical advice. Sarah Feid, an Account Manager at The Hague International Centre, shared insights on integrating volunteering into your job-hunting strategy. Vassia Sarantopoulou, Founder, CEO, and Head Psychologist at the AntiLoneliness company, explored ways to decompress from stress, find inner calm, and how volunteering can play a role. Tatjana San Luis, Founder of Inclusive Growth consultancy, inspired attendees with a talk on thriving through transitions and embracing growth through volunteering. Alexandra Titova, Owner of Atna marketing agency, discussed how to make dreams a reality by building a business and leveraging volunteering for growth. Finally, Poernima Gobardhan, Advisor for Cultural Engagement at CultuurSchakel, provided practical tips on bringing cultural events and ideas to life with easy funding options. These insightful presentations left attendees with valuable knowledge, a sense of connection, and a deeper understanding of the many benefits of volunteering.

Throughout the day, attendees were not only inspired by the presentations but also had the chance to engage in meaningful conversations with representatives from participating organizations. These interactions provided a deeper understanding of the volunteer opportunities available and helped build connections for future collaborations.

The Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair was a powerful reminder that volunteer work transcends age, occupation, and background. It was a vibrant tapestry of stories and journeys, with every thread coming together to weave a brighter future.

We are deeply grateful to the organizations that generously shared their time, causes, and opportunities, inspiring attendees to take part in mission-driven initiatives across The Hague. Thanks to their dedication, participants left the event equipped with the connections and motivation to create lasting positive change in their communities.

Let’s carry this spirit of volunteerism forward and continue building bridges between NGOs and volunteers in The Hague. Together, we can make an even greater impact!

Photos by Michel Heerkens  

For more photo impressions of the event please click here.

The Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair through the eyes of attendees

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The Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair through the eyes of participating organizations

List of participating organizations 

ACCESS - A longstanding non-profit organization dedicated to assisting and supporting the international community in the Netherlands.

Alfa Wave – A foundation that promotes inclusion by organizing accessible activities with proper support, ensuring everyone, regardless of limitations, can participate, build social connections, and fully engage in society.

Ambassade van Den Haag - A non-profit passionately dedicated to creating a welcoming environment in The Hague by hosting tourists, business visitors, and students in the city center or at events throughout the city.

Arab Organization for Human Rights in North Europe - A foundation focused on enhancing the culture and protecting the status of human rights in Northern European countries.

ART&JAZZ - The Artist Association organizes events with and for artists across various disciplines, including painters, sculptors, ceramists, poets, and more.

Community Plus - A foundation that actively fosters a sense of community in The Hague by initiating and supporting projects focused on social cohesion, livability, and sustainability.

CyberPeace Institute - An organization that protects the most vulnerable in cyberspace by delivering cybersecurity assistance and holding all actors accountable for ensuring peace in cyberspace by exposing the human harm caused by cyberattacks and disinformation.

Dessi Tuji Foundation - Through small-scale projects in education, hygiene, sanitation, and gender awareness, Foundation Dessi Tuji strives to create a better future for the community and future generations.

Expatriate Archive Centre - A foundation that collects and preserves the life stories of expatriates worldwide for future research.

Female Ventures - An organization that builds a cross-generational community of ambitious female professionals.

Go-Woman Alliance Europe - A foundation dedicated to addressing social exclusion and fostering innovation within communities across Europe.

HWW zorg - A health care organization with multiple locations in The Haque.

Leger des Heils - A foundation focused on supporting the most vulnerable, including the homeless and those struggling with addiction.

MEBYF Foundation - A non-profit dedicated to inclusion, wellbeing, women's rights, and entrepreneurship for expats.

Moeders Informeren Moeders (MIM) - An organization that connects mothers in The Hague with a volunteer who is also a mother, to boost their confidence, help them explore the possibilities in their community, and foster greater independence.

Muzee Scheveningen - A wonderful museum about the history and cultural heritage of Scheveningen.

MVidee - An organization striving to empower young people and women through innovation and creativity.

Netherlands Yogasana Sports Association - A non-profit organization focused on mental, physical, and spiritual well-being through the ancient science of yoga, working to integrate it into everyday life.

Participatie Keuken - A foundation that creates an impact on society by organizing social gatherings with healthy food, fostering connections, reducing loneliness, combating food waste, and addressing poverty.

Present Den Haag - An organization that serves as a bridge between individuals, organizations, churches, families, governments, and businesses who want to volunteer and those in need of extra help.

Respijthuis HouseMartin - A guest house where sick individuals without a roof over their heads can stay temporarily to recover from illness or rehabilitate after hospitalization.

Rtv Discus - A media organization aiming to create programs by internationals for internationals.

Saffier - A foundation that provides specialized care and treatment in various fields at multiple locations in The Hague, where you can live with care or receive treatment, and is characterized by innovation and curiosity, reflected in our areas of specialization.

Scouting Haagse Hout - A Dutch scout group offering indoor and outdoor activities, teambuilding, camps, and fun for young people aged 7-18, welcoming leaders eager to learn Dutch.

Soul Surfers - An organization that uses surfing as a motivator to enhance both physical and emotional well-being among participants.

TERRA Foundation - A nonprofit organization dedicated to mitigating climate change by supporting locally-led reforestation initiatives and social entrepreneurship in the Amazon.

The Hague International Centre - A point of contact for internationals and international staff of organizations and companies in The Hague region.

The Hungry Mind - A volunteer-run clubhouse and café located in the heart of the beautiful Ockenburgh, offering the opportunity to meet internationals, make new friends, and learn how to make great coffee.

Thuisgekookt - A foundation that offers a social meal service, where community members cook meals at home for neighbors who find it difficult to cook due to age, health, or disabilities, with meals available for pickup or delivery at cost price, with no obligation.

TransitieCinema - An organization dedicated to organizing English-language documentary evenings focused on sustainability and transition, followed by a Q&A session with experts or a related workshop.

VIA Netherlands - An NGO focused on promoting youth, social justice, and peace work.

Vital Aid Foundation - An organization that supports migrant women in their quest for integration.

Wool for Warmth - A foundation that helps the most vulnerable homeless people by knitting and crocheting with wool while raising awareness about homelessness.

WZH WoonZorgcentra Haaglanden - An elderly care organization.

YMCA Den Haag - Inclusive youth organization specializing in summer camps and other youth activities.