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The past few days at De Groene Linde have been marked by two special events. On 20 March, we celebrated the launch of Marianne’s book, a milestone we as a team look back on with pride. Over the weekend of 21 March, we celebrated De Groene Linde’s anniversary (2007). Both occasions brought people together and created a warm and familiar atmosphere. The involvement of our customers, colleagues and people from our local area remains something very special to us. It is precisely this connection that makes our work so worthwhile.
A visit to some good friends in The Gambia
What many people may not know is that Marianne and Ton were in The Gambia earlier this month, from 3 to 10 March. “We visited Carolien and her husband Seabas, who live in a small compound. The week we spent there made a deep impression on us.” Ton continues: “Life there is simple and pure. Nature is ever-present, and the daily rhythm is underpinned by a spirit of caring for one another. People share what they have, and no one is left to fend for themselves. We were able to experience that first-hand.”
“During our stay in The Gambia, Seabas told us how important the banana crates were to him – crates he had been receiving for years from a Dutch charity that collects and sends aid supplies. Carolien organised those shipments especially for him. The contents of the boxes not only provided him with practical support, but also gave him the opportunity, as a man, to contribute to the family’s income. It gave him self-esteem and independence. That story touched us deeply and has stayed with us ever since.”
There are several charities in the Netherlands that collect banana boxes and send them to The Gambia. Carolien worked with Gambia for You for many years. Now that she lives in The Gambia with Seabas, that work has come to a standstill. Ton: “During our trip, we realised just how valuable it would be to get that chain of support up and running again. That’s why, from 24 March 2026, we want to start filling and sending banana boxes and similar parcels again from our own region. We warmly invite customers, colleagues and everyone in the local area to get involved.”
From now on, you can drop off all sorts of useful items at De Groene Linde, and we’ll take care of the rest.
For education and development, we welcome exercise books, pens, pencils, felt-tip pens, pencil cases, small rucksacks, educational materials for primary schools, calculators and children’s books in English.
Vocational training courses require sewing and fashion supplies such as thread, fabric, scissors and pins. Small tools such as hammers, pliers and screwdrivers are also needed. Gloves and safety goggles are useful for welding. Bicycles, children’s bikes and bicycle parts are also required.
In addition, there is a need for sanitary towels, nappies, warm coats and jumpers, as well as summer clothing made from light fabrics, good shoes for children and adults, sheets and towels.
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Anything that fits into a banana box or that we can pack properly is welcome. Our brothers Arie and Ton will then ensure that the boxes and other items are sent safely and reliably via Gambia for You to Carolien, Seabas and their local community. We hope to be able to surprise them again this year with something lovely.
One of Ton’s motivations is to help people move forward in a respectful way and empower them. We believe that, through this project too, we can achieve something valuable together.
If you’d like to contribute, you’re very welcome. You can drop off your items at our showroom.
If you have any questions, please contact ton@degroenelinde.nl or 06‑11530308.
With fragrant regards,
Ton Leeuwrik
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