Royal Honor for Joke van Brecht-Heijne
Mayor Stemerdink presented a royal decoration to Joke van Brecht-Heijne this evening to mark her 40th anniversary as a volunteer with the Voorschoten First Aid Association. The ceremony took place after the four-day walking event at Voorschoten ’97. Ms. Van Brecht-Heijne was honored—for her contributions in the field of first aid—as a Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
Ms. Van Brecht-Heijne earned her first aid certification in March 1986. Almost immediately afterward, she began volunteering with the Voorschoten First Aid Association, an active organization with more than one hundred members. The association provides first aid support at virtually all local events in Voorschoten. As an active member of the association, Ms. Van Brecht-Heijne has been present as a first aid volunteer at nearly all of these events. During the annual four-day walking event, she serves as the first aid coordinator.
Driving Force
In addition to providing first aid support at events, the Voorschoten First Aid Association organizes various courses in first aid. Ms. Van Brecht-Heijne has been the driving force behind the youth first aid program in Voorschoten for many years. She organizes the Youth First Aid course for eighth-grade students at various elementary schools in Voorschoten. She also administers the exams alongside other volunteers and sometimes teaches the classes herself.
Honorary Member
Ms. Van Brecht-Heijne also attends all course evenings, general membership meetings, and other activities organized by the Voorschoten First Aid Association. In addition, she provides support to the association’s board. On November 28, 2019, Ms. Van Brecht-Heijne was named an honorary member of the Voorschoten First Aid Association.
Valuable Trainer
In addition to the volunteer activities mentioned above, Ms. Van Brecht-Heijne has been working at Albert Heijn for nearly 57 years, even now that she has retired. She is not only a sales associate but also a valuable trainer for new employees.