A Special Moment: Koert Bloemers as Sinterklaas or Sint Nicolaas at the Dutch Embassy

At Van Express, we spend most of the year talking about logistics networks, middle-mile efficiency, and European cross-border delivery solutions. But sometimes, the most meaningful moments have nothing to do with operations — and everything to do with people.

This past weekend, the CEO of Van Express, Koert Bloemers, put his usually busy schedule aside for something far more magical. After receiving an invitation by Ambassador Mina Noor, he spent his Saturday at the Dutch Embassy, in the role of Sinterklaas, surrounded by more than sixty excited children who were determined to uncover one mystery: Was he the real Sinterklaas… or just a very tall Dutchman with a surprisingly authentic beard?

Their reactions said everything. The looks of amazement. The shy smiles turning into laughter. The bold, wonderfully honest questions — the kind only children are brave enough to ask.

Koert handed out presents one by one, and as he later shared, every moment went straight to the heart. There is something extraordinary about seeing the holiday season reflected in the eyes of a child: pure belief, curiosity, and joy.

Families from the Dutch community in Prague celebrated Sinterklaas event together

The celebration brought together many families from the Dutch community in Prague and nearby vicinity, filling the embassy with warmth, cheerful noise, and just the right amount of holiday chaos — exactly how a Sinterklaas gathering should feel.

Wearing that iconic red coat also brought a quiet reminder: leadership is not only about business decisions and numbers.  

Sometimes it’s about kneeling down to hand a gift to a child who truly thinks you were on a rooftop only minutes earlier.

By the end of the day, Koert’s hands were full of gifts, his Sinterklaas beard had slipped to the side more than once, and his heart was completely full.

And, in true Dutch tradition — yes, he may have kept one chocolate letter for himself.

At Van Express, we’re proud of moments like these. Moments that show the people behind the operations, the compassion behind the logistics, and the values behind the brand.

Because delivering joy matters — in business, and beyond it.

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