18 residents honored during the annual awards ceremony in Geldrop-Mierlo
During the annual awards ceremony, held this year on Friday, April 24, Mayor Jos van Bree surprised 18 residents of Geldrop-Mierlo with a royal honor. The ceremony took place at the recipients’ homes or at various locations in Geldrop and Mierlo.
Ms. M.J. (Marijke) van den Berg (75, Geldrop)
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
From 1992 to 2008, Marijke van den Berg worked for the COA as the reception coordinator for the department for unaccompanied minor asylum seekers at the Beatrixoord Reception Center in Eindhoven, which is operated by the
She was responsible for the reception and support of one hundred asylum seekers. In addition, she was involved in organizing and supervising development-oriented activities for the young people.
Marijke was responsible for establishing and further developing the AMA shelter and led a team of shelter staff who provided educational support to the target group. She also contributed to the training of new staff when the AMA shelter was expanded in the Netherlands. Furthermore, she helped establish a care facility in Eindhoven, the first location in the Netherlands where this target group was cared for separately. It is said that a great deal of pioneering work was done here.
In addition, she has engaged in/is engaged in the following side activities:
| 1984–1988 | Volunteer at the Eindhoven Social Pedagogical Service. Marijke worked at the day center on Struijkenstraat, which offered activities to people with mild intellectual disabilities. She assisted participants with creative activities, music, dance, day trips, and the annual midweek vacation. She also helped supervise vacations organized by Lunetzorg. |
| 2004–2010 and 2013–2021 | Volunteer at the Drive-Inn Bridge Club in Geldrop. Marijke was a member of the activities committee and helped oversee the club’s day-to-day operations. She also acted as a mediator in conflict situations. |
| 2010–present | Grief counselor. She led grief support groups at the rectory of the local parish center. She gave the opening remarks, listened to participants’ stories, andhelpedthem plan for the future. |
| 2012–2020 | Board member and volunteer at Yarden Regional Board Brabant. Marijke served as a funeral consultant, planned funeral-related activities, and was responsible for their execution. |
| 2017–present | Treasurer (2022–present) and volunteer at the Le Matin Bridge Club in Geldrop. |
| 2014–present | Volunteer at Filmhuis Hofdael in Geldrop. She serves as the introducer and, before the screening begins, talks a bit about the film’s content and other details related to its production. |
| 2019–present | Volunteer with the General Services Department in Eindhoven at Victim Support Netherlands. Marijke provides emotional, practical, and legal support to people. She also offers group counseling following traumatic experiences. |
Mr. G.J.C. (Gerard) Coolen (73, Mierlo)
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Gerard Coolen, who worked at DHL in Venlo until his retirement in 2013, has been involved in the following activities:
| 1982–present | Treasurer (until 1991) and volunteer at the Mierlo Garden Association. He advises less experienced gardeners, serves on various audit committees, and provides guidance on environmentally friendly pest control methods. |
| 1985–2000 | Volunteer with the Youth Vacation Work Association in Mierlo. The association organizes the annual Youth Vacation Week, which Gerard supervised. |
| 2014–present | Volunteer at the Wildlife Foundation. He gives guided tours and organizes children’s parties at the Eindhoven Zoo. |
| 2016–present | Volunteer with the Samen Reizen Foundation in Valkenswaard. The foundation organizes vacations for people with intellectual disabilities. He goes along as a chaperone for at least 8 days a year. |
| In addition, Gerard has been involved with the Mifano Soccer Club and distributes flyers for a bridge club. | |
Mr. J.P.A. (Johan) Cuijten (56, Mierlo)
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Johan Cuijten, who serves as general manager at the logistics service provider KLG Europe B.V., has undertaken/is undertaking the following activities:
| 2001–present | Volunteer, board member, and president (since 2013) of the carnival association De Kersepit in Mierlo. He is the editor of the carnival newspaper, a member of the publicity committee, served as Grand Duke for many years, and supported a prince as his aide-de-camp. He is closely involved in the selection of the new prince. When the brass band (orchestra) disbanded, he assembled a new band. He was also the driving force behind the activities for the 55th anniversary. He ensures that Carnival can be celebrated in grand style. |
| 2009–2021 and 2013–2018 | Volunteer at the Mifano Soccer Club in Mierlo. Johan served as a youth leader (2009–2021) and chairman of the youth board (2013–2018). He also organized youth tournaments for professional clubs. He was regarded as a unifying figure and a role model, and was named an honorary member. |
| 2015–present | Chairman and volunteer at the Mierlo Cherry Harvest Festival Foundation. Johan is a co-organizer of this biennial event. He handles public relations, maintains contact with sponsors and the municipality, serves as host during the festival, and assists with setting up and taking down the tent and decorating the grounds. He is also involved in selecting the Cherry Queen and her ladies-in-waiting. In addition, he plays a major role in organizing the cultural-historical parade. |
| 2020–present | Bar volunteer at the Pitpop music festival in Mierlo |
| 2021–present | Traffic controller at the Live in de Wei festival in Mierlo |
| 2022–present | Traffic director at the Remembrance Day ceremony in Mierlo |
| 2023 | Traffic controller at the Glow Geldrop-Mierlo light art festival. |
Mr. A.M.M. (Adriaan) van Dijk (72, Mierlo)
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Adriaan van Dijk, who worked as a heating engineer at Heesmans BV until his retirement in 2020, has been involved in the following activities:
| 1969–1977 | Volunteer at KPJ Mierlo. He served as a coach for the weekly sports night, a (regional) handball referee, and team manager for the KPJ team that competed in the Six-Day Cycling Race. He also helped build the community center. |
| 1985–present | Treasurer and volunteer at KPJ Veterans in Mierlo. He organizes bike rides, card game nights, and other recreational activities. He also coordinated the paper recycling drive until 2020. |
| 1998–1999 | Board member of the Evening Six-Day Cycle Race in Mierlo. |
| 2003–present | Volunteer with the Tourclub in Mierlo. He manages the club’s inventory and is involved in the organization and technical arrangements for the Winterveldt tours. |
| 2016–present | Volunteer at the Mierlo Village Quiz. He helps with the preparations, setting up the venue, and taking it down. |
| 2017–present | Volunteer with the Myerle Mierlo Local History Society. He is a member of the Image Recognition Working Group and serves as coordinator of the Maypole Working Group. |
| 2022–present | Volunteer at the annual Mierlo Village Hexathlon. He helps set up the venue. |
| 2023–present | Volunteer at the Roman Catholic Parish of St. Nicasius in Mierlo. He helps maintain the cemetery, the church, and the rectory. He also provides technical assistance. |
| In addition, from 1973 to 2007, he played the role of Piet in the annual arrival of Sinterklaas in Erp. | |
Ms. M.P.M. (Margriet) van Dijk-Janssen (69, Mierlo)
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Margriet van Dijk-Janssen, who worked at Savant Health until her retirement in 2022, has been involved in the following activities:
| 1984–2000 | Volunteer at Sint Lucia Elementary School in Mierlo, now known as the Puur Sang Child Center. She assisted with art classes and reading activities. She also served as a lunch supervisor and was a member of the parent council. |
| 1985–1996 | Volunteer at the 't Hummeltje preschool in Mierlo. |
| 2000 and 2001 | Member of the cooking staff at the Scouting Mierlo camps. |
| 2008–present | Volunteer at De Zonnebloem, Mierlo branch. She serves as a hostess, visits members, helps lead afternoon activities, and is actively involved in fundraising. |
| 2016–present | Volunteer at the Olympia Roller Skating Club in Mierlo. Margriet is a member of the costume sewing club. She also Health the storage of materials and helps out Health various tasks. |
| 2016–present | Treasurer (since 2023) and volunteer at ZijActief Mierlo. She is dedicated to organizing various activities, such as the annual clothing swap, lectures, and creative workshops. |
| In addition, Margriet has been a fundraiser for the Lung Foundation in Mierlo since 2011, and since 1985 she has been supporting her husband in his volunteer work with KPJ Veterans in Mierlo, including serving as a hostess. | |
Mr. R.H.A.M. (Robert) Foederer, Engineer (53, Geldrop)
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Robert Foederer (who works at Equans Tilburg as a contract manager) has been involved in the following activities:
HobbyClub Braakhuizen Noord Foundation | |
| 1989–2023 | Volunteer. Robert helped collect scrap paper. |
| 1989–present | Supervisor of children aged 6 to 16 during their weekly creative activities. |
| 1989–present | Supervisor of children during special events such as St. Nicholas celebrations, open houses, weekend camps, orientation weeks, etc. |
| 1996–present | Board member |
| 2010–present | Volunteer for the annual sausage roll sale to benefit the foundation |
otherwise | |
| 1989–present | Volunteer at the Braakhuizen Noord Youth Foundation |
| 1992–1999 | Volunteer with Jeugd Vakantievreugd (helping to plan and carry out the annual program and supervising children during activities) |
Ms. G.J.E. (Gerrijan) Hees-Rooijakkers (59, Mierlo)
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Gerrijan Hees-Rooijakkers, who works as an assistant at the Mierlo Family Medicine Center, has been involved in the following activities:
Mierlo '76 Badminton Club | |
| 1995–present | Volunteer and board member (2001–2004). She served on the audit committee (1995–1999) and has been a member of the social activities committee since 1998. Among other things, she helps organize the youth and senior days and the youth camp. From 1998 to 2002, she also provided the prizes for the tournaments and gifts for the volunteers. From 2001 to 2012, she also served as a photographer during various activities. |
| 2003–2022 | Member records administrator. Gerrijan has also digitized these records. |
| 2004–2022 | Treasurer. She handled the digitization of various tasks and maintained contact with the bank, the municipality, and sponsors. |
| 2022–present | Chairperson. She is currently leading the anniversary committee for the upcoming 50th anniversary. |
De Kersepit Carnival Club in Mierlo | |
| 2013–present | Co-organizer of the ladies' event. This event has been held twice |
| 2016–2024 | Volunteer. Gerrijan took on various administrative tasks, including putting together the programs and writing emails. She was also a member of the clothing committee. |
| 2022–present | Official photographer. She takes and edits photos of the events. She is also a member of the anniversary committee for the upcoming 66th anniversary. |
Mierlo Cherry Harvest Festival Foundation | |
| 2015–present | Volunteer. Gerrijan assists the Cherry Queen and the Ladies-in-Waiting before and during the three-day historical event. She is involved in designing the costumes, meeting the candidates, and styling. She also serves as a photographer and is Health archiving the photos. |
Ms. M.P.C. (Marie-Louise) Janssen (58, Geldrop)
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Marie-Louise Janssen (who works as a sterilization assistant at St. Anna Care Group) has been involved in the following activities:
Braakhuizen Noord Hobby Club Foundation | |
| 1987–present | Supervisor of children aged 6 to 16 during their weekly creative activities. |
| 1987–present | Supervisor of children during special events such as St. Nicholas celebrations, open houses, weekend camps, orientation weeks, etc. |
| 1996–present | Board member |
| 2010–present | Volunteer at the annual sausage roll sale to benefit the foundation. |
and | |
| 2000–present | Volunteer at the Braakhuizen Noord Youth Foundation. Together with another volunteer, she has been organizing the monthly disco nights since 2000 and has been running the bar during card nights and the weekly darts games since 2006. |
| 2008–2018 | EBCG Coach. For over 10 years, she has coached an EBCG basketball team, driven the team to away games, served as a referee, and ensured that the gym was ready for games. |
Mr. A.H.J.M. (Noud) Janssen (72, Geldrop)
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Noud Janssen, who worked as a store manager at Verweij Elektro until his retirement on April 30, 2020, has been involved in the following activities:
| 1970–1990 | Volunteer at the Manege Meulendijks Equestrian Center. Noud worked in the hospitality industry and helped out wherever needed. |
| 1980–2000 | Volunteer with the De Bolhoedjes Carnival Association in Eindhoven. He worked as a food and beverage staff member. |
| 1998–present | Board member and volunteer with the St. Catherine and Barbara Guild in Geldrop. He handles catering supplies and manages the canteen staff. He also helps maintain the guild house and grounds. For several years now, he has also served as captain and led parades. |
| 1999–present | Board member of the Geldrop-Handel Pilgrimage Committee. Noud serves as the procession master for the pilgrimage and organizes and leads the annual walking pilgrimage. He maintains contacts, applies for permits, arranges rest and sleeping areas, and prepares the Eucharistic celebration. |
| 2023–present | Delivery person for the KBO's monthly newsletter. |
Mr. J.H.P.M. (Jos) van Lange (69, Geldrop)
Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau
Jos van Lange worked at Rabobank Nederland from 1980 to 2017. He held various positions there, helping to shape the transformation of the banking sector over the years. He was at the helm during the digitization of payment transactions (online banking). He oversaw the introduction of the euro and the resulting closer cooperation among banks in Europe. He managed the real estate fraud case and brought it to a successful conclusion, after which he became chairman of the new board of Bouwfonds. During the financial crisis, he helped guide Rabo Real Estate Group through it, both organizationally and financially. For a time, he served as interim CEO of Bouwfonds REIM; he reformulated the strategy, restructured the organization, and implemented cost reductions in the Netherlands and Germany.
In addition, he is a self-employed entrepreneur (management consulting firm Vlag B.V.) and has held/currently holds the following positions:
| 2014–2025 | Member of the Board of Trustees of Tilburg University. He serves as chair of the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee and as chair of the Catholic Education Support Fund Foundation. He has championed various projects for Tilburg University, including the establishment of the Cobbenhagen Center, the funding of the Maranatha student church, and the documentation of the support fund’s history. |
| 2017–2025 | Member and Chair (2020–2025) of the Supervisory Board of the Zuyderland Medical Center Foundation. He served as a member and chair of the Audit Committee and as chair of the Human Resources and Organization Committee. |
| 2018–present | Vice Chair of the Supervisory Board of De Volksbank. He serves as a member and chair of the Risk & Compliance Committee, and as a member and chair of the Audit Committee. |
| 2019–present | Vice Chair of the Supervisory Board of Bouwinvest Real Estate Investors. He serves as Chair of the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee. |
In addition, he has been involved in the following volunteer activities: | |
| 2005–2019 | Member of the Board of Directors (2005–2008) and Chairman of the Board of Directors (2008–2019) of NMB Bank in Tanzania. The bank was privatized in 2005, with Rabobank and the Tanzanian government among its major shareholders. When he took office, he found not a single ATM, even though this was Tanzania’s largest retail bank. |
| 2017–2021 | Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the CBF charity accreditation body. He oversaw the restructuring of the organization, its positioning, and its management model. He implemented the new governance structure and formed a new supervisory board. |
| 2018–present | Chairman of the Geldrop Castle Estate Foundation. He developed a vision, a long-term plan, and a marketing and communications plan to transform the estate into a professional and financially sound organization. The petting zoo needed to be renovated and the historic park restored, for which he drew up a financial plan. |
Ms. M.E.J. (Maria) van der Linden-de Louw (83, Mierlo)
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Ms. Maria van der Linden-de Louw, who worked as an independent gardener until her retirement in 2007, has been involved in the following activities:
| 1972–present | Caregiver for her husband. Her husband suffered a stroke at the age of 31. In addition to her job as a gardener, she helped him with his outpatient rehabilitation, enabling him to learn to write again, retake his driver’s license, and start cycling again. Because of his reduced ability to care for himself, she cares for him throughout the week, allowing him to continue living at home. |
| 1997–2011 | Board member and volunteer at Zij-Actief in Mierlo. Maria co-founded the cycling club and organized annual activities for it. During her term on the board, she sought out an entirely new board, ensuring that the association could continue its operations. She also collected clothing that was sold at the annual clothing fair and gathered gifts to serve as raffle prizes. In addition, she actively participated in the play, designed a new flag, raised funds, and organized various activities. |
| 2012–2025 | Volunteer at the Zonnebloem branch in Mierlo. Every year, she helps with fundraising to support the annual Patient Day. She also serves as a contact person and hostess for various guests and accompanies them to activities. In addition, she regularly makes home visits. |
| Ms. Van der Linden also provided eleven years of informal care to her mother, offering support and guidance. | |
Mr. C.H.J.P. (Corrie) Meulendijks (59, Mierlo)
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Corrie Meulendijks, who works as the head of the administration department at Berkvens Doors in Someren, is involved in/was involved in the following volunteer activities:
| 1982–1991 | Volunteer at the Uno Animo Gymnastics Club in Mierlo. Corrie participated in a six-day cycling event on a stationary bike to raise funds. |
| 1987–present | Treasurer of the Friends of VC de Butsbollen Mierlo. This club originated from the VV Mifano soccer club. He is a co-founder and organizer of the annual Butsbollen Ball on Carnival night. He helped bring more structure to the club. |
| 1990–2010 | Board member of the VV Mifano soccer club in Mierlo. He served on the youth board and organized tournaments. He was also responsible for the annual indoor soccer tournaments for youth. He served as a coach and team leader and helped organize activities such as St. Nicholas parties and card game nights. Between 1995 and 2000, he was an editorial board member of the club magazine. |
| 2010–present | Treasurer of the Carnival Association CV de Kersepit in Mierlo. Corrie helps set up and take down all of the association’s events. He handles communications with the municipality and the residence owner. In 2014, he served as prince. He also lends a helping hand whenever needed. |
| 2014–present | Treasurer of the Cherry Harvest Festival Foundation, the organizer of the annual three-day event in Mierlo. He handles invoicing and maintains contact with sponsors. He also lends a helping hand during the event. He liaises with the municipality and ensures the parade runs smoothly. |
Mr. H.J.J. (Harrie) Rombout (75, Mierlo)
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Harrie Rombout, who worked as a sales representative at Grando Keukens in Helmond until 2007, has been involved in the following volunteer activities:
| 1967–1968 | Board member of the Tilburg Boys' Choir |
| 1970–1985 | Board member of Sound of Gospel at the Affair in Mierlo |
| 2007–2017 | Volunteer at the Mierlo Tennis Club. He helped organize the club championships and was Health purchasing Health for the canteen. |
| 2007–2025 | Volunteer at Savant Huize Bethanië in Mierlo. He organized various activities with the residents, worked as a server in the restaurant, and drove people to their medical appointments. |
| 2010–2018 | Volunteer with the Red Cross, Helmond branch. He led twelve boating trips and assisted with the activities. |
| 2018–2021 | Volunteer at the De Stip Care Workshop in Stiphout. He provided transportation for the clients, helped serve coffee and tea, and assisted with activities. |
| 2019–2025 | Volunteer with the National Association De Zonnebloem, Mierlo branch. He visits a number of residents and helps them out with various tasks. |
Mr. L.J.L. (Leo) Slegers (78, Geldrop)
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Leo Slegers, who worked as a crisis manager at Philips until his retirement in 2005, has been involved in the following volunteer activities:
| 1981 – present | Foster parent. Leo and his wife took a boy and his younger sister into their family. The boy lived with them until he was 16. Since 1997, he has served as the guardian of his foster daughter. He is responsible for her finances and paperwork. |
| 2005–2011 | Secretary of the Sint Jozefdoelen Archery Club in Geldrop. |
| 2008–2017 | Treasurer of the CDA, Geldrop chapter. He served as campaign manager from 2013 to 2015. |
| 2011 – present | Secretary and current chair of the Haeghville Homeowners’ Association in Geldrop. He helps residents with various odd jobs, maintains the garden, and puts up the Christmas lights in the winter. |
| 2013–2020 | Volunteer at the annual Wintersfeer event in Geldrop. He helped set up and take down the ice rink and supervised the ice rink. |
| 2014–2020 | Volunteer at St. Anna Hospital in Geldrop. He transported patients between the various wards. |
| 2016–2024 | Volunteer at the Geldrop Castle Estate Foundation. Leo took care of the flower garden. |
| 2018–2022 | Secretary of the Philips Association of Retirees in Eindhoven, Geldrop-Mierlo Heeze-Leende branch. He assisted with the production of the association’s newsletter. He also arranged Health Christmas gifts for members aged 86 and older, as well as gifts for birthdays, weddings, and in the event of a death. |
| 2020–2025 | Volunteer at De Gulbergen Golf Club in Geldrop. Leo served as secretary of the men’s senior committee. He helped organize the weekly home matches. |
Mr. J.A.J. (Arjan) Verhappen (53, Geldrop)
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Arjan Verhappen (owner of a cleaning company) has engaged in/is engaged in the following activities:
| 1989–2023 | Volunteer at the HobbyClub Braakhuizen Noord Foundation. Arjan collects waste paper for the foundation. |
| 1989–present | Supervisor for children ages 6 to 16 during their weekly creative activities at the HobbyClub Braakhuizen Noord Foundation. |
| 1989–present | Supervisor of children during special events organized by the HobbyClub Braakhuizen Noord Foundation, such as St. Nicholas evenings, open houses, weekend camps, orientation weeks, etc. |
| 1996–present | Board member of the HobbyClub Braakhuizen Noord Foundation. |
| 2010–present | Volunteer at the annual sausage roll sale to benefit the foundation. |
| 1989–present | Volunteer (providing support and assisting with activities) at the Braakhuizen Noord Youth Foundation |
| 2008 – present | Tournament Director at The Amazing Arrows darts club. Arjan is responsible for managing and updating the results and rankings for darts tournaments and players. |
Mr. E.S.E. (Edwin) Vijn (55, Geldrop)
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Edwin Vijn (who works at Fioretti College as Director of Vocational Education) has undertaken/is undertaking the following activities:
| 1990–1998 | Sea Scout leader with the Dr. A. F. Philips Group. Edwin led a group of about 30 children aged 10 to 15. |
| 1990–present | Skipper with the Dr. A. F. Philips Group Water Scouting Crew. |
| 1990–present | Technical staff responsible for fleet maintenance. |
| 2015–2021 | Chair of the Foundation for the Promotion of the Interests of Dr. A. F. Philips Sea Scouts Group. |
Ms. M.C. (Maria) Vorstenbosch-de Laat (74, Geldrop)
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Maria Vorstenbosch-de Laat, who worked as a packing clerk at Koninklijke Peijnenburg until her retirement in 2016, is involved in/was involved in the following volunteer activities:
| 1990–1993 | Board member of the SV Braakhuizen Soccer Club. Maria was dedicated to women’s soccer. She assisted with day-to-day operations, helped organize tournaments, and arranged practice matches. She also helped organize the weekly bingo nights. |
| 1990–2004 | Member of the Works Council at Koninklijke Peijnenburg. |
| 2004–2012 | Caregiver for her elderly father. |
| 2005–2021 | Support for a single friend. Maria assisted with medical appointments, handled administrative tasks, and helped with household chores. She also arranged for practical and medical aids and helped her find suitable housing and, ultimately, with her move. |
| 2013 – present | Volunteer at the social services organization Dienstencentrum LEV Geldrop-Mierlo. Maria works as a hostess. She serves coffee, manages inventory, lends a listening ear to residents, and helps organize the bike and mobility scooter tour. She also assists the manager and helps with scheduling. |
| 2016 – present | Board member of the Geldrop-Mierlo Senior Citizens’ Foundation. Maria heads the activities committee. She organizes the annual bus trips, the monthly “Dining Together” events, the Autumn Celebration, the Christmas Celebration, the Feast of the Assumption, and the summer activities. She also coordinates the members’ meeting, helps out during the weekly drop-in mornings, handles the distribution of the monthly glossy magazine and newsletter, and manages the neighborhood liaisons. She also oversees the “joys and sorrows” events. |
Mr. J.M.P. (Hans) van Wetten (68, Geldrop)
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Hans van Wetten, who worked as a nurse at Stichting Thebe Tilburg until his retirement in December 2023, has been involved in the following activities:
| 1983–present | Volunteer with the Huis voor de Pelgrim Foundation and its predecessor organizations. He serves as a nurse and team leader during pilgrimages to Lourdes. Hans is ultimately responsible for the Health the pilgrims traveling with the group and helps organize the trips. He reviews medical forms, manages schedules, and supports pilgrims even outside of the pilgrimages. |
| 1999–present | Volunteer with the Association for Parents of Deceased Children. He serves as a facilitator, point of contact, and organizer of memorial services. In addition, he makes home visits and has conducted communication training at the local level. |
| 2004–present | District leader of the KWF fundraising team in Geldrop. |
| 2011–2017 | Volunteer with the Goirle Traffic Directors Foundation. Hans served as a traffic director during various local events and activities, such as the four-day walking event, the St. Nicholas parade, and sporting events. |
| 2017–present | Caregiver for a friend with dementia. Hans visits him weekly at the nursing home. He sometimes goes for rides with him on a tandem bike. When his friend was still living at home, he was always ready to help his wife with her caregiving responsibilities. |
| 2021–present | Volunteer at the Allegoeds Vakanties Foundation. The foundation organizes vacation weeks for elderly people in need of care. Hans serves as the coordinator for vacations for people with dementia and oversees the day and evening programs. |
| 2023–present | Volunteer with the WensAmbulance Brabant Foundation. As a nurse, Hans accompanies patients on their wish trips. He is also a member of the training committee, which organizes training sessions and provides guidance to volunteers. |
| 2023–present | Chairman of the Viking Playground Foundation in Geldrop. He assembled a new board to revitalize the playground. Thanks in part to him, the foundation is once again on solid footing financially, administratively, and programmatically. |
| 2024–present | Examiner at Veilig Verkeer Nederland in Geldrop-Mierlo. |
In addition, Hans played the role of Sinterklaas at the former Sint Franciscus Elementary School in Eindhoven.