Minister Plenipotentiary, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, attended the 2025 Appeltjes van Oranje award ceremony at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague. The annual event, organized by the Oranje Fonds, celebrates inspiring social initiatives that strengthen communities across the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
This year’s theme, “Onmisbare schakels” (“Indispensable links”), highlighted individuals and organizations that connect people and foster solidarity in society. The ceremony began with a welcome address by Tamara van Ark, Chair of the Oranje Fonds Board, followed by a panel discussion featuring Sandra Jetten, Matthijs Tiemens, Leyla Kalender, and Lonneke Roza.
Her Majesty Queen Máxima, patroness of the Oranje Fonds, delivered the keynote address and personally presented the Appeltjes van Oranje awards to the three winning initiatives:
- Stichting Takecarebnb, which helps refugees with residence permits settle into Dutch society by matching them with host families for a three-month stay.
- Fundashon Pro Bista Kòrsou, which empowers people with visual impairments on Curaçao through practical support, awareness campaigns, and community activities.
- Stichting Straat Consulaat, based in The Hague, which has been giving a voice to homeless and unhoused people for 30 years and runs the inclusive café Straat Bakkie.
The event concluded with a musical intermezzo by L’Okapi Music and an informal reception at the palace gardens. Minister Arrindell emphasized the importance of community-building and social inclusion within the wider Kingdom context.
For more information about the Appeltjes van Oranje Awards and this year’s winners, visit www.oranjefonds.nl/appeltje.
