Royal distinction for Joke van Brecht-Heijne
Mayor Stemerdink presented a Royal distinction this evening to Joke van Brecht-Heijne on the occasion of her 40th anniversary as a volunteer with the First Aid Association Voorschoten (EHBO Vereniging Voorschoten). The presentation took place after the Four Days Marches at Voorschoten '97. Mrs Van Brecht-Heijne was awarded the honour of Member in the Order of Orange-Nassau for her services in the field of first aid.
Mrs. Van Brecht-Heijne obtained her first-aid certificate in March 1986. Almost immediately afterwards, she started working as a volunteer for the Voorschoten First Aid Association, an active association with more than a hundred members. The association provides first-aid support at almost all local events in Voorschoten. As an active member of the association, Mrs. 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 acts as the first-aid coordinator.
Driving force
In addition to first-aid support at events, the Voorschoten First Aid Association organizes various courses in the field of first aid. Mrs. Van Brecht-Heijne has been the driving force behind youth first aid in Voorschoten for many years. She organizes the youth first aid course for pupils in grade 8 of various primary schools in Voorschoten. Furthermore, she conducts the examinations with other volunteers and sometimes teaches the classes herself.
Honorary member
Furthermore, Mrs. Van Brecht-Heijne attends all course evenings, general meetings and other association activities of the Voorschoten First Aid Association. In addition, she performs various odd jobs and assistance for the board of the association. On November 28, 2019, Mrs. Van Brecht-Heijne was appointed as an honorary member of the Voorschoten First Aid Association.
Valuable educator
In addition to the aforementioned activities as a volunteer, Mrs. Van Brecht-Heijne has been working at Albert Heijn for nearly 57 years, even now after her retirement. She is not only a sales assistant, but also a valuable educator for new employees.