Annerieke and Richard, who founded the charity Van Wal Naar Schip, in the radio studio. Photo KSV Franciscus Each year, KSV Franciscus organizes a radio marathon to raise money for a local charity. After 72 hours of radio and various events, including a go-karting trip of 380 kilometres that even made national television, this year’s marathon has come to an end.
This year, money was raised for the charity Van Wal Naar Schip, which helps children in low-income families in Wageningen with gifts and other things at key moments in the year. ‘It was much more fun than I dared hope for,’ says Animal Sciences Bachelor’s student Inge Verhoeven (21), one of the organizers of Francerious Request 2023. ‘When we ended the show at four o’clock on Sunday afternoon with Annerieke and Richard – who founded Van Wal Naar Schip – the counter stood at over 6100 euros. The mayor handed them a ceremonial cheque for that amount as the closing act. It was quite an emotional moment because Annerieke and Richard were overwhelmed by the amount we had raised.’ Since then, the sum has increased to over 6400 euros. ‘We are keeping the donations page open for a bit longer, as every little helps.’
Non-stop karting
The Franciscans organized various fundraising activities. ‘We had a winter market indoors where you could buy candles, glühwein, hot chocolate and stamppot [a traditional Dutch dish]. Visitors could see the radio makers at work, so that was a nice set-up.’ And seven members undertook a non-stop go-karting expedition. ‘They went on a trip of 380 kilometres and asked people to sponsor them. Their motto was “The go-kart NEVER stops” because they kept going through the night. They even made the national TV programme Hart van Nederland with this.’ That activity alone raised some 4000 euros. ‘It was really great, but they are fed up with the sight of go-karts for now.’
Unity
Verhoeven found the night from Saturday to Sunday particularly special. ‘I wasn’t on the night shift but I still stayed late again. Someone played the piano and everyone who was there sang along to “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. There was this real feeling of unity, as we all knew it was the last night.’
The first Francerious Request was organized in 2020. It has now grown into an annual tradition, whereby the society does its bit to help the local community. Last year, the Franciscans raised more than 2500 euros for the charity Manege Zonder Drempels.
