At the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity, progress does not come from the efforts of one individual — or even one couple.
It comes from a team of people who decide that their time, skills and creativity can help advance Parkinson’s research.
What makes the DPC volunteer community — or #teambeatparkinson, as we fondly call them — so special is the wide variety of ways people choose to contribute to our shared goal: finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
Let’s meet a few of them.
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Creative Ways Volunteers Support Parkinson’s Research
Olivette brings people together each year through an annual charity golf tournament in support of Parkinson’s research.
Donatienne turned her passion for olive oil into a fundraising initiative, selling bottles and donating the proceeds to the charity.
Werner, Eric and his son Maximilien raised thousands in sponsorship donations when they ran the New York Marathon.
Laurence helped package and sell thousands of tulip bulbs as part of the “Tulips for Hope” campaign, in honour of her grandmother who lived with Parkinson’s disease.
For many volunteers, as in Laurence’s case, publicly supporting the charity also creates new connections and meaningful conversations about Parkinson’s disease. “My colleagues responded with incredible enthusiasm. The entire stock was sold in record time. This experience gave me the feeling of having made a real contribution while also creating connections with other people who care about this cause.”
Using Professional Skills to Make a Difference
Volunteers also contribute by sharing their professional expertise and personal talents.
Isabelle generously shared her talent for flower arranging, creating and donating beautiful arrangements for a recent charity gala dinner.
Rad and Sandra strengthen the charity’s communications and outreach, helping ensure that more people learn about Parkinson’s disease and the urgent need for research.
Michel’s professional experience working with large datasets makes him the perfect person to manage participant registrations for the “Run, or Walk, for Parkinson” team at the Brussels 20km race.
“I chose to help with the administrative side of DPC,” he explains. “The time I dedicate varies depending on the workload, but it’s a pleasure to contribute and collaborate with the team.”
For Michel, volunteering is also a reminder of what truly matters. “Health is a treasure we fail to recognise — until it is gone.”
Philippe, a communications expert, has no personal experience with Parkinson’s disease but strongly believes in the importance of giving back to society. He uses his experience to help the charity think creatively about fundraising strategies and expanding its outreach.
“I believe that in life, as well as in our work, we should devote part of our time to doing good. In my profession, I have always believed in the power of behavioural communication. Challenges such as creating optimism around a disease like Parkinson intrigue me.”
From One-Time Help to Ongoing Commitment
For some volunteers, their contribution is temporary or one-off. Arnauld and several of his friends volunteered as servers at a charity gala dinner, helping make the event a success.
For others, volunteering becomes a longer journey. Anne and Luc first became involved by helping organise a fundraising gala dinner and have since become part of the charity’s core volunteer team. “It has given a new sense to our lives, centred on volunteering and the desire to be useful. It brings wonderful moments of friendship, sharing and happiness.”
Even children and teenagers are finding ways to contribute. Two students from Antwerp International School organised a charity concert to raise funds. Buzz, a final-year student at a school in Tervuren, organised a fun run in the park, proving that enthusiasm and determination can make a difference at any age.
Every Contribution Matters
We hope these stories from our volunteers show that every contribution — large or small — makes a difference in helping us move closer to a cure for Parkinson’s disease. There is no single way to volunteer.
What connects everyone in #teambeatparkinson is a shared desire to make a difference. And often, it all begins with a simple email or phone call 😊.
If you would like to become part of #teambeatparkinson, we would love to hear from you.Don’t hesitate to get in touch: charity@demoucelle.com
Image by starline on Freepik