Meet Sudam.
Age: 31
Country of origin: Sri Lanka
Can you tell a fun fact about yourself?
I hiked in New Zealand.
Why did you choose to be a part of this particular project?
I’m the coordinator for Cleaning Up Vondelpark, and I’ve done it several times before. It’s always a great experience—it feels so rewarding to help keep such a beautiful place clean.
When and how did you first get involved with STC?
I first got involved with STC about two years ago when I was looking for a volunteering opportunity that was flexible enough to fit my schedule. I joined the Clean Up Vondelpark team and really enjoyed it. Over time, I became more involved and eventually became a coordinator.
How does volunteering add value to your daily life?
Volunteering gives me a real sense of purpose and makes me feel like I’m contributing to society in a meaningful way. Plus, you get to meet some of the nicest people—it’s such a rewarding experience.
What is your best volunteering memory so far?
One of my favorite volunteering memories is from Global Serve the City Day. We all got together and had a little party at the end. Last time, we even played a trash bingo game—you had to collect as much trash as possible to fill out the rows.
Have you learned something new about yourself through volunteering?
Taking on the coordinator role has been a great experience for me. I had never taken on a leadership position before, and it taught me so much about how to communicate with and engage people. Since I work in IT, this was a completely different environment, and I really enjoyed stepping out of my comfort zone.
How do you think today’s project impacts the community in the short and long-term?
Today’s project makes a big difference in both the short and long term. In the short term, we’re helping to keep the city clean and beautiful by picking up a lot of trash. In the long term, it’s about protecting the environment and making the city a nicer place for everyone to live.
Why should other Amsterdammers give volunteering with STC a go?
Volunteering with STC is a great way to build a network and become part of a community. You get to contribute something meaningful to the city while meeting really nice people along the way.
