Wensjes Foundation winner Walk of Fame Almere tile 2022
The winner of the 49th tile of the Walk of Fame Almere is Stichting Wensjes Almere for their help to households in urgent need. This help was unfortunately more than needed in 2022 due to rising prices and energy crisis. They do this selflessly and free of charge with the help of many volunteers. Els van Boxtel, founder of Stichting Wensjes unveiled the tile together with Mayor Hein van der Loo and Wouter Stevens, director Rabobank Almere. The new tile refers to the year 2022 and is located in the Schutterstraat in Almere Centrum.
An independent jury, consisting of the children's mayor and representatives of volunteers, Rabobank Almere member council, residents and entrepreneurs, compiled a top three from over 200 entries. Almere residents could vote for their favourite. The top 3 consists of Stichting Wensjes, Floriade Expo 2022 and Student Association ['endzjin] S.V.E.I.A.
Helping households in urgent need
Most votes went to Stichting Wensjes Almere. Wensjes was founded in 2013 by Els van Boxtel. The foundation provides help to households in need within 24 hours. They do this in the form of food, clothing and mental support. In 2022, this help was unfortunately more than necessary for many families in our city due to rising prices and energy crisis. Since 2022, the foundation has also been the only official distribution point for menstrual products in Almere. And the foundation is committed to helping refugees from Ukraine. In addition, they have been named Winner Internship Company of the Year 2022, non-profit category.
Floriade Expo 2022
In second place is Floriade Expo 2022. In 2022, Almere was the stage for the world horticultural exhibition. Together with many volunteers, Almere entrepreneurs and organisations worked hard to make this exhibition possible. Despite negative publicity and setbacks, they embraced the event and made it a welcoming expo.
Student association 'endzjin
Student association ['endzjin] S.V.E.I.A. came third. The student association was founded in 1998, making it the oldest and largest student association in Almere. 2022 was the year the doors were allowed to open again for the students after a difficult corona period. They have been active in student life in Almere for years, co-organising the introduction week and putting Almere on the map as a student city.
Gift from Rabobank
The Walk of Fame is a gift from Rabobank Almere to the municipality and residents of Almere to mark the city's 35th anniversary. Rabobank will donate a new tile every year until 2043. The tiles lie like a ribbon through the centre of Almere and tell the history of the city.
Tile 2023
Every year in September, the new tile is unveiled in Almere Centrum. More background information on the subject can be read via QR codes on the tiles. Already want to make a submission for the tile 2023? You can do so via www.visitalmere.com/en/nl/walk-of-fame.
Almereans can vote and decide who or what will be on the new tile for the year 2023. People, events and developments that have been important for Almere in the year 2023 are eligible. In July 2023, a petition was presented to the city council for a tile for the late ice cream man Carlo Guida. This petition will be included as a submission for the 2023 tile.
Questions about the Walk of Fame Almere? Email centrum@almere.nl.
