THE SPORTY ADVENTURE
Walking for charity
this year they are doing it
Everyone has a good reason to take part in the 4Days Marches: it’s an annual tradition, to strike it off your bucket list, or perhaps for a good cause. Mieke de Riemer and Fernando Halman both walk their kilometres for others. Mieke has been walking for UNICEF for several years. And Fernando Halman, known in the Netherlands from radio and TV, is participating for Stichting Fonkel for the first time this year. What motivates them and how do they prepare?
Fernando Halman
Fernando hosts the morning show on FUNX Radio and is the ‘station voice’ for the children’s programme ZAPP TV. He is often hired as a presenter too. ‘I am always looking for positive energy and try to do as much as possible for others through my work.’
This is how he came into contact with Jan, a frequent participant who always walks the 30km route. ‘I thought, I can do that too, 30 kilometres spread over four days. So I promised to walk with him. But then I discovered that I have to walk a total of 200km: four days of 50km per day!’ He has now purchased special walking shoes and he trains every weekend.
Fernando is an ambassador of Stichting Fonkel, a foundation with the mission of enabling every child to enjoy a fun day out that is as accessible as possible. The foundation mainly focuses on children living below the poverty line and children with disabilities. ‘Children do something to me and I believe that every child has the right to a carefree life. There are so many kids who can’t do the things others take for granted. Fonkel ensures that no child is left out, that every child is entitled to a fun day out, and that there are no restrictions.’
In recent years, De Vierdaagse Sponsorloop has already raised over 4.2 million euros for more than 250 charities.
Mieke de Riemer
Mieke always enjoys the 4Days Marches to the full. This year is, officially, her eleventh 4Days Marches, but because she participated once as a companion walker and twice in the Alternative 4Days Marches during the COVID-19 pandemic, the tally is actually already 14. Last year, she finished the 4Days Marches again without any problems and, according to her, this was thanks in part to her toe socks. ‘I can recommend them to everyone, because they prevent blisters.’
She is very happy with all the children standing along the route with sweets. In turn, she hands out items from her charity, UNICEF – from weepuls and key rings to bags.
Animals, children and the elderly are her passion, and these groups can always count on her. In her village of Angeren, she volunteers at a pre-school playgroup, works with the elderly and also supports many charities that focus on animals. ‘The 4Days Marches is inextricably linked to UNICEF.
By doing this, I want to help make the world a better place for children. To recruit sponsors, I have had information cards made up and I appeal for donations on social media: small action, big difference! I hope to receive a lot of donations and that I will reach my target of 1,000 euros.’