Stichting Chryson, the partnership between Dutch chrysanthemum growers and breeders, has presented a 'Local Hero Award' to five local heroes in the The Hague/Westland region. These heroes, in collaboration with local florists, were given chrysanthemums on World Kindness Day (November 13) to thank them for their tireless work for society.
The Local Hero Award is an initiative of all Dutch chrysanthemum producers (some 150) united in Stichting Chryson. In and around The Hague, they searched for local heroes who passionately dedicate themselves to their communities and, like chrysanthemums, add color to the lives of others and provide a dose of happiness. The five local heroes were chosen following entries by friends, family, and colleagues. The winning heroes dedicate themselves to a variety of causes, from fighting loneliness among young people to collecting products for the poor. In recognition of their efforts, they received a 'Local Hero Award' and a unique chrysanthemum artwork created by a local florist on World Kindness Day.
Local florists
Five local florists took Stichting Chryson's assignment to create appropriate and personalized chrysanthemum creations based on the good work of local heroes. The teams from Hemelse Bloemen (Delft), De Iris (The Hague), Fleurettes (Nootdorp), Bloemvisie (Maasdijk), and Trend Flower (Naaldwijk) let their creativity run wild. With the versatile range of shapes, sizes, and colors, they were challenged in their craftsmanship. This is reflected in the surprising and colorful creations of the five winners.
Meet the local heroes from The Hague region
Esther Blom (Voorburg) collects Sinterklaas and Christmas presents for more than 30,000 children living in poverty with Sintvoorieder1. Esther received a large letter S, lit up with colorful chrysanthemums, as well as 72 packages full of chrysanthemums to hand out to other volunteers.
Haagse Helpers (The Hague) is a youth network that helps (older) fellow city-dwellers voluntarily by doing (household) chores. Initiator Alex Haas received a well-filled bag full of chrysanthemums and another 60 smaller bags for all his helpers.
Gerda Korving (The Hague) dedicates herself day and night to the animals at the neighborhood farm de Nijkamphoeve and manages a group of volunteers at the farm. She received an impressive wreath of honor as well as ten bouquets to hand out to other volunteers.
Roos Vollebregt (Naaldwijk), with Plant a Friend, dedicates herself to lonely young people and brings them into contact with each other with the aim of creating new friendships. She received a beautiful large arrangement full of chrysanthemums as well as seven bouquets for a destination of her choice.
Marja van Tol ('s-Gravezande) dedicates herself to those on low incomes by collecting food, items, and various gift packages. Marja received a beautiful, raised heart, symbolizing connection and the flourishing of this group through Marja's help.
Giving colour
"On behalf of Stichting Chryson, I would like to warmly congratulate all five winners on their prizes," said Anouk Koreman, spokesperson on behalf of Stichting Chryson. "World Kindness Day was a great day for us to celebrate local heroes for a change. There are so many positive initiatives that make others' lives more colorful. With the Local Hero Award and the surprising colorful chrysanthemum creations, we want to express our appreciation to the initiators and hope to put a crown on their work."
Just chrysanthemum for the win
The election of local heroes is part of the collective promotional campaign 'Just chrysanthemum for the win.' A campaign that shows that with chrysanthemum, you have a winner on your hands with which you can delight consumers with volume, color, shelf life, and creativity. The election of local heroes started in the province of Utrecht and was followed up last month in the region of The Hague. Stichting Chryson will continue to roll out this pageant in 2024. Local florists who would also like to set up an election for a local hero in their region can notify [email protected].