This year’s Francerious Request committee. Photo KSV Franciscus KSV Franciscus members will make a 72-hour non-stop radio programme. Het funds they raise are for Manege Zonder Drempels (a specialised riding stable for people with special needs).
The idea is inspired by Serious Request and the Glass House, says Serious Request chair, Jurre Braaksma. ‘We give it an association flavour and aim to contribute to our local environment. We began this two years ago, but due to the covid measures, the first two editions were members-only. This year, anyone can come by, request a song and donate.’
The broadcast starts on Thursday, 15 December at 13.00 hrs with a guest appearance by Floor Vermeulen, the mayor of Wageningen, says Braaksma. ‘That evening, there will also be an open party at the association. On Friday, there will be afternoon drinks with special beers and snacks, followed by a family day on Saturday with various bands. All of the profit we make will be given to this charity. On Sunday at 13.00 hrs, the broadcast ends, and we will announce how much money we have been able to raise. A cheque for this sum will be presented to Manege Zonder Drempels.’
Photo KSV Franciscus
A haircut for charity
Last year, Francerious Request raised money for the Food Bank and in 2020 for Frisse Gedachtes (fresh thoughts), a mental health platform for students. In addition to donations for requests and the profit on food and beverages, there are also other initiatives to raise funds. ‘One of our members became a hairdresser during the covid pandemic. He will offer haircuts for charity on Thursday. There is also a group that will collect empty beer crates for the deposit. And there are people who will take a very long sponsored cycling trip.’
What motivated the choice of Manege Zonder Drempels? ‘One of our members is from Wageningen and was familiar with this initiative. This riding stable is a place where people with multiple handicaps can come for relaxation. Seeing how they find peace there is fantastic.’ The riding stable is entirely dependent on donations.
The broadcast will be live on the streaming platform Twitch. ‘We will share the link on our social media channels (@franceriousrequest).’
