Right away crowdfunding campaign Almost 135,000 euros has already been collected for ‘the children of Ruinerwold’. The campaign was set up to give the nine children of Gerrit Jan van D. a good reboot in society.
Gerrit Jan van D. was hidden with his youngest children in a farm in Ruinerwold for years. Police discovered this in October 2019 when one of the children left the farm left and asked for help. The story about the family was shown on television in the documentary in recent weeks The children of Ruinerwold.
Esther Suurmond was impressed by the documentary and decided to set up the crowdfunding. “I actually saw the whole story for the first time through the documentary and thought: I have to do something”, Suurmond tells RTV Drenthe.
The money that is collected can be used for training costs, driving lessons, dental costs and housing costs. The target amount is 270,000 euros, so that 30,000 euros per child is available.
Step by step
Almost 135,000 euros has now been raised. More than 5000 people have donated. People can add comments to the donations. In those responses, the initiators are thanked and the children are wished success. “I wish you all the best and hope that you can process everything step by step and live the life you deserve”, is one of the responses.
The donations range from 5 euros to hundreds of euros.
Lawsuit
In the meantime, one civil lawsuit started against Van D. by the four oldest children. The criminal case against the man was closed last month discontinued because of his poor health. Gerrit Jan van D. was suspected of deprivation of liberty of all nine children and of sexual abuse of the two elders.
Now that the criminal case cannot continue, the four hope that the civil court will still establish that Van D. has acted unlawfully.
–
