Middle Point recruits highly skilled professionals for the maritime industry. For every placement of an engineer with a client, the recruitment agency donates a Shelterbag or Sheltersuit. The first 25 suits have meanwhile been delivered at Reakt in Alkmaar. Managing Director Maarten van Haren was present.
"Let me get right to the point. I think the Shelterbag is a wonderful product. On the street, I briefly 'customized' the suit. The sleeping bag is a mini-tent that you zipper up. A personal cocoon that protects you from wind and weather. It has a very practical design: quick to unroll, easy to use, quick to put away and then easy to take away again. Employees of Reakt, an organization that helps people with mental health or addiction problems, will hand out the Shelterbags to the most vulnerable homeless people."
Tireless energy, infectious enthusiasm
"Before I arrived in Alkmaar, I was not in a great mood. The current crisis did not pass Middle Point by either, as the construction of large cruise ships in particular obviously took a hit. However, my mood changed by the enthusiasm of Bas Timmer and Reakt recovery coach Tanja Jonk. Two inspired professionals who spoke with passion about their work. Afterwards, I got into my car in high spirits. Proud to support this initiative.
Over 13 years ago, with the same positive attitude, I co-founded Middle Point with a friend. We simply started with unbridled commitment, without knowing all the ins and outs of the industry. Through trial and error, we became wise through the years. Now a wonderful organization stands. Since our founding, we have already mediated more than 1,000 professionals."
New job, new home
"At the beginning of the millennium, the labor market was tight for highly skilled engineers and technicians. Our philosophy was to attract foreign talent. We wanted to distinguish ourselves by offering a job as well as a new home. Only when people take root in their new environment, they can be successful. Middle Point applies a 'new life philosophy'. We help candidates to settle.
Two years ago we started a reorientation. We asked ourselves questions. Are we just about closing deals, making money? Or is 'seal the deal' also about giving something back to society? That is why we started supporting initiatives that overlap with the maritime sector, such as the Plastic Soup Foundation.
But it kept gnawing. Can we give more back to society? From offering a "new home" to international engineers, the leap to helping "homeless people" was quickly made. That's how we came into contact with the Sheltersuit Foundation."
Wonderful product
"Personally, I have an affinity for the Shelterbag. In the past, I worked as a shop manager at Crumpler. That company produces outdoor wear like backpacks, messenger bags and cross body bags. That's why I spent some time in Alkmaar brainstorming with Bas.
How can the Sheltersuit Foundation generate income that continuously feeds the nonprofit department financially? I can easily see a Shelterbag on the shelves of outdoor stores. Interesting for hikers, campers and night fishermen.
That boundless energy, creativity and hands-on mentality at Sheltersuit I love to see. As Middle Point, we help the very rich. We recruit maritime professionals who build large, super-luxury yachts. We are happy to now do our part to help the poorest of the poor."
