ArmenTekort launches Christmas campaign: “The cleanest Christmas present… (Antwerp)


A few weeks before Christmas, the citizens’ initiative ArmenTekort is launching a campaign to surprise Antwerp residents to become buddies. “Give yourself a present at Christmas and make a fellow townsman shine with happiness”, the slogan.
Jan Stassins
ArmenTekort connects underprivileged Antwerp residents with a wealthy fellow citizen. They are buddies and go out together. The aim of the project is to strengthen the buddy’s self-confidence and resilience in deprivation. “Because that leads to more opportunities in life,” explains Rik Rijnders of ArmenTekort.

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In order to think of even more people, to register buddy, the citizens’ initiative is launching a cherry campaign. More than eight thousand people live in deprivation in Antwerp. And there are a hundred underprivileged people on the waiting list today awaiting a buddy. “By giving yourself a present, you give them a nice Christmas,” says Rijnders. “A listening ear, someone who lures you out of your shell, who ensures that you are not inside you every day. Don’t use the buddyship to a close friendship.”
To present yourself as a Christmas buddy, you can participate in an information session of ArmenTeKort. More information can be found on the website. After a short training, the organization ensures a tailor-made match.
www.armengrote.be/infosession