The Holidays are approaching. People are decorating their homes ahead of celebrations, and rushing around to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Amidst all the merriment, charitable organisations work hard to meet the needs of the most vulnerable and needy members of society. It's a tough job. There's an economic crisis squeezing countries around Europe, and people who would normally love to help are barely able to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.
That doesn't mean that the general public is suffering from a lack of empathy. Countless volunteers do their best to make life easier for the disadvantaged. There is no doubt that many give what they can, when they can; it's just that a lot of people find themselves with less to give. The unemployment rate in Britain has reached 8.3%, or 2.62 million unemployed people. Living on £67.50 a week doesn't leave much room for Happy Holidays, let alone the fulfillment of a spirit of generosity. Others face a reduction of their hours, or wage cuts, or the threat of redundancy.
"We're all in this together" has left a bitter taste in the mouths of those who once believed these words. In 2010 David Cameron said, "There are undoubtedly going to be some very difficult decisions. But in making these decisions I will want to, if I am elected, take the whole country with me. I don't want to leave anyone behind. The test of a good society is you look after the elderly, the frail, the vulnerable, the poorest in our society." Nearing the end of 2011, it looks like yet another meaningless sound bite.
It is in this climate that small organisations struggle through, not aided by the popular perception that high-ranking charity officials are raking in the cash. Whether or not this is true for some, it definitely isn't the case for many charities and community projects. One of these is the Nationaal Kruisleger, situated in the north of the Netherlands. Though most people in Britain will have never heard of them, their projects reach across the borders, into countries like Ukraine and, indeed, our own.
The Nationaal Kruisleger strongly believes that nobody ought to receive a monetary reward for work that should be done out of kindness, love and goodwill and, considering their Christian roots, out of their faith. That includes the members at the top.
Throughout the year they offer help to the homeless. They visit the ill and the elderly, run a youth project and have superb counselors and psychologists at hand for, amongst others, grief counseling. They also offer advice and information to people who need help with their finances and debt.
This Holiday season they aim to provide the homeless with hot food and shelter, make sure the ill and the elderly have company and a treat, and they have food parcels for the needy. The poorest are offered a voucher to supermarkets such as Lidl and Aldi, because the organisation recognizes that these people need to do a proper shop.
To make this happen, volunteers try to raise funds and support throughout their communities. It's exhausting work, not made any easier by their small number and their age - the youngest fundraiser is in her sixties and the eldest is a determined 80-year-old gentleman. Behind the scenes, Colonel Willem Potuyt and his wife, Colonel Potuyt-Tibbe (the aforementioned youngest member of the fundraising team) keep everything ticking over. They have services to run, a newsletter and website updates to write, and they have to tackle all the administrative duties that come with an organisation of this nature.
On top of the economic crisis, Christian organisations sometimes find themselves eyed with suspicion. Christianity, according to some, has become synonymous with homophobia, sexism and a disregard for members of other faiths, or none. The Nationaal Kruisleger is strongly opposed to discrimination of any kind. They welcome anyone of any age, gender, race, orientation and faith, or lack thereof. No ifs, buts or brainwashing techniques - after all, they reckon, faith can't be forced. It has to come from inside the individual and only means something if it's genuine. This may be one reason why they are still going strong after 35 years.
The Nationaal Kruisleger isn't the only organisation to carry on through the age of austerity. Many small charities battle on, often unnoticed by the general public, but carrying out essential work for their local communities and beyond. They deserve recognition. It is hoped that despite these difficult times, a thought can be spared for the effort and dedication of the volunteers.
Support doesn't need to be monetary. A kind word, a smile of encouragement or a prayer (if so inclined) can do wonders.