Royal decoration for Mr. L. van der Knaap

On Monday, July 21, Mr. L. (Leen) van der Knaap from Nieuwenhoorn received a royal honor from Mayor Arno Scheepers. Mr. Van der Knaap was appointed by His Majesty the King as Member in the Order of Orange-Nassau.

Photo: Royal decoration Mr. J. van der Knaap with Mayor Arno Scheepers

Mr. Van der Knaap has been nominated for a Royal decoration because of his long-term and voluntary efforts at Careyn Care Center De Rozenhoek in Nieuwenhoorn. For 35 years he has contributed to maintaining and improving the pond and aquarium at the care center, not only being responsible for maintenance, but also investing in improvements and expansion himself. For example, in 2002 he built a new pond and replaced an old aquarium with a new one, partly paid for with proceeds from plant sales from his own vegetable garden.
 

In addition to maintenance, Mr. Van der Knaap regularly travels across Voorne-Putten, and sometimes beyond, to fetch fish and maintains warm contacts with residents of the care center. His involvement extends beyond practical tasks; from 2013 through 2019, he also served coffee at De Rozenhoek, becoming a familiar face within the community. His years of selfless commitment and his own financial contributions make him an example of community involvement. It is for this reason that Mayor Scheepers was allowed to pin on him the decoration belonging to the appointment as Member in the Order of Orange-Nassau.