~Appeltjes van Oranje Theme for 2024: Fighting loneliness together!~
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Oranje Fonds is currently looking for remarkable projects to be considered for the 2024 Appeltjes van Oranje. This year’s theme is Fighting loneliness together!: Projects that bring people, participants, and volunteers together on an equal footing to actively reduce the impact of loneliness. Such initiatives have the chance to win one of the three "Appeltjes van Oranje" which will be presented by Queen Máxima, for the 22nd time, in October 2024.
Organizations can submit their applications until February 23, 2024, at oranjefonds.nl/appeltjes.
Eligible projects should be unique, creative, meaningful initiatives that address people's need to be together, to see other people, and to be seen as equals, while addressing their strengths rather than their loneliness. We are looking for true participant and volunteer involvement in the design and implementation of the activities, in projects that blur the line between volunteers who give and participants who seek that human connection. After all, when you do something for someone else, that invariably does something for you.
Loneliness—A Pressing Issue
Loneliness is a pressing issue, affecting one in ten people. It is not just the elderly; loneliness often affects other groups as well, such as young people, people from immigrant backgrounds, and people of different sexual orientations.
Loneliness is a feeling of want, a sense of lacking meaningful connections that everyone understands and that can affect anyone. It is a sense of social isolation that can make you feel overlooked or insignificant, even in a large group. Successful approaches empower individuals to take action, regain control and live a meaningful life.
About the Appeltjes van Oranje
The Appeltjes van Oranje is an annual award by the Oranje Fonds. It is the award for initiatives that make a difference. It recognizes and rewards three initiatives that are committed to an inclusive, engaged society—initiatives that are unique, creative, meaningful, and have been active for at least two years. For the winning organizations, the Appeltje van Oranje is first and foremost a token of appreciation for their work and dedication. At the same time, the award is also intended as an inspiration for others. The Oranje Fonds wants to see a society where everyone can participate, and no one needs to stand or feel alone. Because every individual counts.
Each of the three winners will receive a bronze statuette crafted by Princess Beatrix and a cash prize of € 25.000, which can be used freely, in line with the winning initiative's objective. The yearly awards are handed out by Queen Máxima at Noordeinde Palace. For more information, please visit www.oranjefonds.nl/appeltjes.
