Our history
In February 2008 Gerrit and Carla van der Meer went to the Gambia for the first time for the winter sun. This first holiday they came into contact with Alpha Jallow. He came from a family with 3 younger brothers. His mother was a widow. They then visited them at home and were impressed. The mother took good care of her family, that was her life goal. She did this by selling food, which she had prepared herself, to her own population every day. A few months later they received word that the boys' mother had suffered a stroke. They doubted the story, because you heard through the media that the Gambians were trying to get money in the strangest ways. Still it didn't feel right and in November 2008 they went back to The Gambia. The situation turned out to be reality. Their mother was no longer able to work. Then they decided to help the family.
“They then visited them at home and were impressed.”
Together with the 4 boys they decided that the two oldest would go to work and the two youngest would study. Alpha, the eldest son, couldn't handle it all so well. He tried, but eventually went his own way. They have recently reconnected with him. Lamin, the second son, took over responsibility for the family. He could work as a taxi driver. In the end, in consultation with his then boss, they bought a Mercedes and he was able to start independently. He turned out to be a hard worker, serious and down to earth. They have the most contact with him now. At the moment he runs the transport company “Bolle Buik Expres” for school children, for which they have given a micro-credit. Wurry has been able to study. He has completed a good study and now also has his own company. Juldey did not finish his education, but works as a driver for his brother Lamin's schoolchildren transport. He does this to his complete satisfaction.
Our objective
The foundation was established in 2021 and is based in Heerhugowaard and does not aim to make a profit. The objective of the foundation is to realize projects and to offer support, including in the field of: - transport of children to schools -providing start-up loans to realize your own income -providing food (a bag of rice) to those who themselves, due to circumstances, are not to take care of -realization of drinking water facilities We are independent of the municipality and receive no subsidies. Our additional expenses are covered by donations from individuals and foundations.
Because we care.
Our financial policy
The foundation aims to maintain an annual financial reserve. They want to organize the structural activities in such a way that they do not or only slightly affect the assets. To realize this, contributions will be actively recruited by to announce the target to be achieved to parties in the Heerhugowaard region. The commitment of the board members is on a voluntary basis. Neither the board members nor the volunteers receive any compensation. Expenditure largely relates to the realization and support of the projects. Risks are kept low in the financial management of the funds, and the assets are placed in savings accounts. Donors and gifts The board would like to see the number of donors increase. Donors are needed to be able to realize the projects and to maintain them for the future. You can become a donor by making an annual amount available, but of course one-time donations are also very welcome.
You can transfer your gift to the bank account: NL33RABO0375699570.
in the name of The Bolle Buik Foundation Gambia Foundation.
As of January 01, 2022, designated as an institution for general benefit (ANBI in Holland) under RSIN: 86321450
KVK: 84446218
RSIN: 863214150
Our board:
Chairman: Gerrit van der Meer
Treasurer: John Appelman
Secretary: Marvin Vader
Board member: Jos Smit
Board member: Carla van der Meer-Jak