2
1 The HiP Story HiP International The Story of HiP: The Story of Walter Willigenburg, the Visionary and Founder of HiP. Walter Willigenburg went through various training and completed his university studies in Biology. Walter was invited to become a director for an environmental consulting firm. He was successful however, after ten years he had this continual question in his mind, "What am I here for?" He continued to experience an increasing dissatisfaction and a sense of emptiness in his life. His position didn’t make him happy. When his mother became seriously ill he was seeking a cure for her. Meanwhile, a powerful event took place. He came to faith and understanding of who God is. His life went in a 180 degree direction. His new desires were to serve God and people. Soon his continual effort in finding innovative ways to fulfill these desires births something that will reach the nations. This is where the idea for HiP was conceived. People who are members of a church, mobilizing practical help to people in need, regardless of cultural and religious background. This makes the church visible by Christians being the hands and feet of their faith. Walter shares the vision to a group of church leaders. The need for this vision is echoed, but Walter is told that he has to do it himself. Walter is determined and accepts the challenge to fulfill this vision. In 2005, he begins “Help in Practice” (HiP) in the Netherlands together with Jan Willem Gunnink who is currently the chairman of the board. The HiP Netherlands foundation has grown from 15 local churches, 30 requests for help and 150 volunteers to more than 400 churches with nearly 2500 volunteers from all HiP church affiliates. In more than 25 homes in the Netherlands, about 1500 families and individuals were helped. Through HiP, people who have little to no social network, social interaction with people and support financially are helped. This happens through people within a church offering practical help to people with a need. For example, volunteers help elderly people who are unable to keep up with their house. Volunteers help people that need transportation, a walk to get out of the house or maybe just a visit to have social interaction. HiP is the networker, the connector, the link, the matcher of volunteers to people who have a need. HiP also bridges the gap between churches and denominations through their mutual desire for benevolence. The big vision, combined with the simplicity of the concept, together with the spirit in the church, are elements that make HiP a success. In 2008, HiP received recognition from HRH Prince Willem Alexander and Princess Maxima and McKinsey the Growth Price, of the “Oranje Fonds”. The "Oranje Fonds" does more than give money, it calls attention to a particular problem in an area in a certain field. The “Fonds” also works with business enterprises that take their Social Responsibility seriously. HiP was awarded this honor for being "the social pioneer with the biggest growth ambition." JUNE 2010 The personal story of Walter Willigenburg and the begining of HiP (Help in Practice) Email: [email protected] website: www.hipinternational.org Post address: Utrechtseweg 103 3702 AB Zeist phone +31 30 7524 226 The Netherlands Bank Account: ABN AMRO 61.42.48.132 The Netherlands IBAN/SEPA: NL69ABNA0614248132 BIC: ABNANL2A Chamber of Commerce: 30267982 (Midden Nederland) Questions or Remarks? Send us an email at: [email protected]
