Yolande Van Droogenbroeck: A Treasure of a Volunteer

Yolande Van Droogenbroeck: A Treasure of a Volunteer

Volunteers are the quiet strength of every well-functioning organisation. They are the supporting pillars: deeply familiar with the organisation from the inside, aware of its strengths and weaknesses, committed with heart and mind—yet most often working out of sight. Today, the European Seniors’ Union is proud to place one of these indispensable forces in the spotlight.

For more than 13 years, the ESU has been able to rely on the daily dedication of Yolande Van Droogenbroeck, a volunteer whose contribution has shaped the organisation in countless ways.

Yolande is a trained multilingual secretary with a strong professional background in international companies and many years of experience at World Solidarity, a sub-organisation of the Christian Workers’ Movement in Flanders, Belgium. There, she served for several years as the right hand of Guido Dumon. When An Hermans was elected President of the ESU and Guido became Secretary General in 2013, it was only natural that Yolande continued to support him—this time as a volunteer—ensuring the smooth running of the organisation’s daily affairs.

Following the untimely passing of Guido and the transition to a new ESU leadership, Yolande once again proved her unwavering commitment. The new Team could immediately count on her as a highly skilled and trusted volunteer, providing a wide range of logistical and organisational support. From preparing meetings and events to keeping track of processes and institutional memory, Yolande has consistently ensured that ESU activities moved in the right direction—calmly, efficiently, and with great care.

What truly sets Yolande apart is her dedication and reliability. Her long-term involvement has given her an exceptional knowledge of the organisation, a “living memory” that colleagues and Board members gladly draw upon. She leads by example, never seeking recognition, yet always present when it matters most. Her work behind the scenes has been essential to the success of ESU events and initiatives at both European and local level. Volunteering is in Yolande’s DNA. In her homevillage of Liedekerke, she is equally committed—active in parish life, in OKRA, the national seniors association, and weekly cooking and baking with the residents of the residential care centre Sint Rafaël. Wherever people come together, Yolande is there to help, organise, and support. And wherever she can make a difference for others, she shines.

The European Seniors’ Union is deeply grateful to Yolande Van Droogenbroeck for her loyalty, professionalism, and human warmth. She embodies the very best of volunteer engagement: discreet, strong, and guided by values. Truly, Yolande is a treasure of a volunteer—and an inspiration to us all.