Sjaak van der Meer, Chairman
Sjaak van der Meer is the Chairman of the Foundation and in daily life married to Marjan, they have 2 children together and live in Lisse.
Sjaak is 58 years old and works as an independent entrepreneur in various areas. Actually he is an expert in the field of mechanical security, but 6 years ago he sold his old company and took over a marina which he now successfully operates. In addition to the marina, Sjaak and Marjan recently also have an apartment complex where apartments are rented out in the recreational sector.
As a family they have a warm heart for the Queros Indians, this has moved Sjaak to work as chairman of this foundation and help to a better life for the Qeros population.
From his business insight, he is an added value to ensure that the collected money is spent correctly.
Linda Joyce Dane, Secretary
Linda Joyce Dane is the Secretary of the Foundation and lives in Rotterdam.
After more than 30 years of working in healthcare and social assistance, she now works independently as an Energetic Therapist.
In 2009 she met the Apaza family for the first time and immediately kept them close to her heart. In recent years she has visited Peru several times and then stays with the Qeros. In Alto Cusco, Marcapata, San Jeronimo, Ocongate and Quico.
She experiences life there with the Qeros, also under the difficult circumstances they find themselves in.
Especially the connection these people have with nature and their respectful way of life, to Mother Earth, the Apus; spirits of the mountains and to their fellow man, made a deep impression.
But it soon became clear to her that they need help in order to get ahead. After some friends agreed on this, the Foundation was founded.
Jo Smeets, Treasurer
Jo Smeets is married to Maria Smeets-Wouters and they live in Stein, Limburg. Jo is currently working in a facility department of a chemical company.
He first came into contact with the Paqos from Qeros in 2014 and has since been a student of the Paqos, which he will remain for the rest of his life. He was touched by their simplicity and purity. This feeling was only reinforced after the visit to Peru, which also included the village of Quico. He was able to see and experience the appalling circumstances under which people live there.
Despite these circumstances, Jo also saw that this population shows unconditional love towards everyone, heartwarming and without judgment. This has made an unforgettable impression.
In the creation of the Foundation, Jo did not hesitate for a moment when he was invited for the position of Treasurer on the board.