Recap: Autumn Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair in November 2025

On Saturday, November 29, 2025, Volunteer The Hague hosted their autumn Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair, creating an invaluable opportunity for meaningful connections between international volunteers who live in The Hague region and non-profits in the city. With almost 400 visitors and over 30 participating organisations, the event was a major success, leaving a lasting impact on both attendees and organisers. 

The event, held at The Social Hub in The Hague, was teeming with motivated volunteer candidates from many different cultural backgrounds and age groups. What did they all have in common? They felt ready to contribute their time and skills to causes which align with their values and interests. When they stopped at Volunteer The Hague’s stand, they were able to take a short online quiz to help them narrow down what kind of roles would suit them by using their Talent Scan Tool.

Each organization had a stand with a dedicated team explaining their mission, activities and their current volunteer vacancies. Potential volunteers could ask questions and register by scanning a QR code to submit their interest. Their next step will be to schedule an appointment to share more details about the vacancy and ensure all parties involved agree this is a great match.

To further enrich our visitors’ experience, the fair featured four engaging workshops from "Volunteering as a Pathway to Employment in The Netherlands" by Sarah Feid to "The Inspired Fundraiser: Improve Your Confidence, Storytelling and Connection" by Dawn Heuff, "Your Voice Matters: Be Heard, Be Active, Belong" by Randy Heuschen and "Rethinking Resolutions: Setting Intentions for a Meaningful New Year" by Vassia Sarantopoulou.

The success of the Volunteer Job Fair is not only measured by its number of participants but also by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from organisations and visitors. A post-event survey revealed a very high satisfaction rate, emphasising the quality of connections made, the organisation of the event, and the impact it had on attendees' perspectives toward volunteering.

We can’t thank everyone enough: our partners, participants, and the registered organizations for making this autumn gathering such a resounding success. A special shoutout to Pawl Berger, Connector at the Social Hub The Hague, and the rest of his team for their dynamic and insightful support. Here’s to building on this momentum and strengthening the ties that make our community so engaged and caring!

From left to right: Gert-Jan Aleman, Tetyana Benzeroual, and Andrew van Esch.

Emceed by Volunteer The Haguee Project Lead Tetyana Benzeroual, the fair kicked off with an inspiring opening ceremony. Gert-Jan Aleman, the director of PEP Den Haag (Volunteer The Hague's parent organization), warmly welcomed attendees and set the tone for the day. City Councillor Andrew van Esch (International Affairs, Culture, Economy & Social Affairs) gave a heart-felt speech about how important the international community is to The Hague.

“Volunteering is at the heart of a strong and caring community. It brings people together, builds understanding, and creates positive change. For others, and for yourself. That’s what today is all about: connecting, learning, and finding your place to make a difference.”

- Gert-Jan Aleman, the director of PEP Den Haag (parent organisation of Volunteer The Hague)

The Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair was a powerful reminder that volunteer work transcends age, occupation, and social background. We are deeply grateful to the organizations that generously shared their time, causes, and opportunities, inspiring attendees to take part in mission-driven initiatives across The Hague. Thanks to their dedication, participants left the event more connected and motivated to create lasting positive change in The Hague.

This event will be remembered as a genuine celebration of volunteerism and community spirit.Let’s carry this spirit of volunteerism forward and continue building bridges between NGOs and volunteers in The Hague. Together, we can make an even greater impact!

Photos by Michel Heerkens 

For more photo impressions of the event please click here.

The Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair through the eyes of organizations

The Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair through the eyes of attendees

The next Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair is going to take place fall 2026 when we will celebrate 10 years anniversary. Stay tuned for updates!

List of participating organizations 

Participating organizations

ACCESS - A local non-profit organization, managed by volunteers, who moved here themselves, that helps with any questions you may have about moving to, living in and leaving the Netherlands. 

Ambassade van Den Haag - An organization which comprises over 75 proud Hagenaars who dedicate themselves with passion and enthusiasm to making The Hague a welcoming place. 

Aquarius - For nearly two decades, this non-profit organization has hosted the Internationale Jeugd Film Festival which has served as their platform to challenge discrimination and celebrate diversity. 

Arab Organization for Human Rights in North Europe - A regional non-governmental organization that promotes respect for and the protection of human rights in the countries of Northern Europe. 

Cancer Support Netherlands – A community-led organization dedicated to ensuring that no one faces cancer alone, providing culturally sensitive peer support, and advocating for a more inclusive healthcare system.

Community Plus - A non-profit organization that strengthens community spirit in The Hague by initiating and supporting projects focused on social cohesion, livability, and sustainability. 

Dessi Tuji - A non-profit organization that improves the standard of education of students in rural Ethiopia by providing educational materials, drinking water supply and better sanitation facilities specially for young girls. 

Dutch Cyclists’ Union (Fietsersbond) - As cycling advocates in The Hague region, they are committed to safe and comfortable cycling while contributing to a livable, healthy and active community.  

Expatriate Archive Centre - A non-profit organization that collects and preserves the life stories of expatriates worldwide for future research. 

Fair Tourism - A foundation that collaborates with Indigenous communities in Thailand, Indonesia, and Kenya to help them transition from being tourist attractions to becoming leaders in regenerative community-based tourism.

Female Ventures - A non-profit organization that empowers women in their careers through inspiration, education, fostering connections and mentoring.  

Grassroots GREAT The Hague - A foundation that empowers diverse communities through grassroots innovation, inclusive urban development, and intercultural collaboration for systemic, sustainable change. 

It’s Up To Us – A non-profit organization that empowers young changemakers to turn bold climate action ideas into impactful, scalable solutions through mentorship, funding and strategic support.

Lydia Generation - A non-profit organization that equips migrant women to thrive in the Netherlands. 

Nationaal Monument Oranjehotel - Former prison, now a museum and memorial center about the Second World War, which focuses on the democratic values ​​and the rule of law.

Netherlands Yogasana Sports Association - A non-profit organization that focuses on mental, physical, and spiritual well-being through the ancient science of yoga, working to integrate it into everyday life. 

Queer Mind – A non-profit that fights homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth and helps them thrive as equal members of Dutch society, where everyone’s sexual orientation and gender identity are respected.

Rotaract Scheveningen – A club that brings together young people from diverse educational and national backgrounds to support a wide range of local initiatives and manage their own volunteer projects.

Scouting Agnes Baden Powell - A new English-speaking scout group for girls in The Hague, offering fun, friendship, and exciting activities while following the Scouting Nederland programme.

Scouting Haagse Hout - A Dutch scout group with an international flavor that helps children and young people (7-18) learn by doing through teamwork and offer varied activities.

Soul Surfers - A non-profit organization that uses surf therapy, life coaching, and related programs to harness the healing power of the sea and surfing culture to enhance participants’ physical and mental well-being, resilience, and personal growth. 

StepUp Team - A non-profit organization that provides empowerment and career coaching for highly educated women with a migration background who live in The Hague region. 

TERRA Foundation - A Netherlands-based non-profit organization that aims to mitigate climate change by supporting the development of locally led reforestation initiatives and social entrepreneurship in the Amazon. 

The Hague International Centre - A point of contact that supports internationals and international staff of organizations and companies in The Hague region. 

The Happiness Tour - A foundation that helps reduce burnout and loneliness with wholesome science-backed experiences that benefit local communities.

The Hungry Mind - A non-profit community centre run by volunteers, providing a variety of activities and events for adults and children, and a warm welcome to everyone who walks into our cozy international clubhouse.

The Parliament of Pain the Hague Roller Derby - The first and only Roller Derby league in The Hague. 

Theater en Café Branoul - A theater and café with an intimate setting that brings a mixture of Dutch and English programming, delicious food and drinks: always something to experience! 

Tosangana - A non-profit organization that fosters cohesion, empowerment, women’s rights, and peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

VIA Netherlands - The Dutch branch of Service Civil International organizes international and local volunteer workcamps and peace‑education activities to foster intercultural understanding, social justice, environmental sustainability and non‑violent community building. 

Wool for Warmth - A foundation that helps the most vulnerable homeless people by knitting and crocheting with wool while raising awareness about homelessness. 

WZH WoonZorgcentra Haaglanden - An elderly care organization.

Zelfhelp Nederland - A non-profit organization (Buitenveldert) offering online and in-person peer support for people in recovery from addiction and compulsive behaviors.