Testimonial

What should happen with my money when I pass? Not everybody considers this question, which is confronting and perhaps uncomfortable. But answering this question can lead to something beautiful. To Annemieke Rijke, this question is not about the end of a life, but about giving a meaningful start to young lives.
DA drug stores, Gall & Gall, and Xenos: her portfolio boasts an impressive list of companies. Annemieke studied Economics at the Erasmus University Rotterdam and has almost 30 years of retail experience, mostly in a management role. With the knowledge and experience she gained during those years, she is now an independent entrepreneur committed to supporting future leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations.
Ties with the university
Her ties to Rotterdam and the university are important Annemieke’s choice to include the Erasmus Trustfonds in her will. “My accountant asked me what would happen with my assets if I were to pass. That question raised more challenges than I had expected. It was quite complicated, and was it even worthwhile to establish these matters beforehand? But as an entrepreneur, I set funds aside for financial setbacks and my retirement. Combined with my home equity, there’s a good chance I’ll leave a considerable amount. And I want that money to help young people. Of course, the fact that I have no children plays a role in these considerations.
Supporting young people
“I am involved with initiatives for students and starting professionals, and I can see how much that means to them – and to me. I am an advisor and also became a professional mentor for both young professionals and entrepreneurs.” With a named fund, she has marked her legacy to continue doing the work she cares about: helping a generation of people who are starting to shape their lives.
“I hope to inspire others to think the same way. Establishing your will can be inspiring and meaningful. Doing so even persuaded me to start ‘my’ fund while still alive. “It’s no longer about the end of my life, but about giving a meaningful start to many young lives.”