Christmas Brunch: a worry-free celebration for every child
Festively decorated tables, twinkling lights, and happy faces - the Christmas brunch at Montessori School Spijkenisse is a joyful moment for every child. And once again, this year’s event was made possible thanks to colleague Gabriëlle van Geffen, who submitted a request to Vebego Foundation. “Parents shouldn’t have to worry about a Christmas brunch.”
Even sending children to school with a filled lunchbox is no longer a given, Gabriëlle explains. “Let alone preparing a small dish for the annual Christmas brunch. You hear it on the schoolyard, making ends meet is getting harder. Even parents who both work are struggling financially due to rising costs. The first cuts are made on fruit, sports… anything seen as a luxury.”
Every extra becomes a challenge
That’s why Gabriëlle, together with fellow parent Paulette, approached the school principal with an idea: could they organize something for Christmas? The principal decided to check in with parents by sending out a survey - anonymously, to avoid the stigma around financial hardship.
And yes, many parents did experience stress around the yearly brunch. “For families living on a tight budget, every extra is a challenge.” Gabriëlle applied for €500 from Vebego Foundation. Not only was the full amount granted, it was even doubled. “Amazing, such a surprise!”
No worries
With the funding, they’re creating beautifully decorated tables, delicious food for all 239 children, and festive decorations in every classroom. And thanks to the extra budget, they’re also planning additional ways to make the holidays special. “We’re thinking about letting the children bake cookies to hand out at local nursing homes, for example. And we can now even provide some financial help to parents who need it, so they can buy a small gift for their child.”
From pink cakes to sushi
The impact of the grant is huge. “We’re giving the children a beautiful experience, and taking away the burden from parents. In previous years, what children brought to the brunch varied from chicken drumsticks to pink cakes to sushi. You could often tell a family’s financial situation from what was on the plate. This Christmas, everyone is equal.”
Gabriëlle (29) is a mother and also works as a VIP coach at Hago Zorg, one of Vebego’s companies. She supports people on the job, recognizing their talents, needs, and what brings them joy.
