WILLEMSTAD - The annual event Ride, Walk & Swim for the Roses, organized by the Ride for the Roses foundation, has become the primary source of income for the Princess Wilhelmina Fund, PWF. This is confirmed by PWF chairperson Ageeth Termars.
The event, which raises funds to support cancer patients, has over the years established a close relationship with PWF, thanks in part to the dedication of numerous volunteers.
Termars, who has been involved with Ride for the Roses from the beginning, explains how the allocation of funds has evolved over the past two decades. While the contributions initially focused mainly on providing food packages for cancer patients, the majority now goes towards professional guidance for patients and their families.
PWF employs five social workers dedicated to this crucial task. They assist patients in coping with their diagnosis, treatments, and the recovery process to prevent loneliness.
PWF also plays a mediating role in collaboration with various professional entities. Through good contacts, the fund can, for example, help arrange emergency passports for urgent treatments abroad or make adjustments to homes in collaboration with social institutions such as Reda Sosial and FKP. Additionally, PWF is working on further professionalizing the organization, including upgrading computer systems.
Previously, the annual collection in September was a significant source of income for PWF, but nowadays, Ride for the Roses is the largest revenue stream. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Ride activities couldn't take place for two years, both PWF and Ride for the Roses have managed the period reasonably well, thanks to what they describe as responsible financial management.