In March 1975, two paths in life crossed, more or less by chance, in the Vondelpark. Someone who stopped for a moment, because he was touched by what he saw; it was a Aardige Amsterdammer who felt concern. And someone who, in the company of drugs and booze, sought liberation from a squeezing feeling, but found himself, after a brief redemptive intoxication, with more problems than he already had. Dirty clothes, no food, lonelier than ever and increasingly poor health. His life in the park had ground to a halt.
They saw each other, but what neither of them saw was what we now know. Their meeting turned out to be the beginning of De Regenboog Groep.
This morning, a converted camper drove through the streets of Amsterdam. Fifty years after that first meeting. On its way to another park in the same city: the Oosterpark. When the awning is out and the coffee is simmering, a man steps inside to take his drugs. He is greeted and called by name. Here repeats what has been happening day in and day out for the past fifty years. Something that, in all its modesty, gives hope and a bit of a foothold. People who, despite everything, really see each other for a moment.
Also in 2025, we saw each other. As visitors or volunteers, interns or colleagues, as helping requesters or asking helpers. We also saw each other at the activities we organized to reflect on our joint golden jubilee. Like at the festival in Westerpark, on the Ring A10, during our congress or at the film presentation of 'Alles Goed', the exhibition in the Amsterdam Museum or the presentation of the children's book 'Hier Ben Ik Thuis'. Thank you for being there, we enjoyed you.
.
(text continues below photo)
Vondelpark | Stadsarchief Amsterdam
With the end of anniversary activities, there is no end to encounters. The need for a kind word, an outstretched hand and a hopeful outlook has not diminished over the past half century. Perhaps even stronger.
De Regenboog Groep keeps an eye on the needs of the most vulnerable people in Amsterdam. And therefore continues to bring people together. Because we have experienced that in that meeting possibilities become visible and feasible, enlightening possibilities. We rely on that fact, which has proven itself over the past fifty years, and more than that, has helped. So, yes! We will see each other again. See you soon.