This story was submitted by Cobra
At Cobra, we devote 1% of our working time to local initiatives with Pledge 1%. We do this together with Stichting Present Zwolle (Present Foundation). Present builds a bridge between people and companies who voluntarily want to give help and those who can use help. This is how Present builds a society that cares.
The foundation believes that you can often make a world of difference to someone in just one working day. In that one day, something really gets off the ground. You provide just that one push to get someone out of the house, back among people. Or you help to make their house livable, visitors can be received again without shame. Or you help them forget their current situation by taking them on a nice activity. Small action, big difference.
Bingo afternoon & go-karting
At Cobra, we look for meaningful activities, such as a bingo afternoon with the elderly or restoring a neglected garden for someone in need. In March 2023, we visited a shelter for immigrants near Zwolle. We were given a tour and heard the most harrowing stories of people there who had fled life-threatening situations. For example, we heard the story of a refugee who once ended up in the Netherlands. He told about the difficult period he had in the first few months, due to the lack of proper psychological help and shelter. He fought his way through that difficult period, started a furniture factory run entirely by refugees and made a documentary of his inspiring story.
After this impressive tour, we went go-karting with the children at the shelter. There they had the time of their lives and didn't have to think about their lives as refugees for a while. A humbling and rewarding afternoon. By joining forces, together we can contribute something positive to the community. Think of it as a kind of team activity, but just a little different!
Watch the video in which our colleague Ruben Schuring tells you more about Stichting Present and why we participate in this great initiative.
