Satellite event: Local action in your neighbourhood with a local digital currency: "Heerlens Heitje"

In 2021, the municipality of Heerlen (NL) introduced a local digital currency, "'t Heerlens Heitje," to promote green, social actions within neighborhoods, founded with help from the EU's Urban Innovation Actions. The name “‘t Heitje” derives from the Dutch proverb “Heitje voor Karweitje,” meaning a little reward for a small task.

Residents can join the platform to earn the currency by suggesting or performing small jobs, which can then be used to purchase items or services from local businesses. Small jobs for instance include painting, clean-ups and makes spaces green and biodiverse. This initiative also helps to reduce public spending on maintaining and improving public spaces.

During this events EUClimatePact ambassadors in the border euregion of Meuse-Rhine (Hasselt, Liège, Maastricht, Sittard, Heerlen, Aachen) and local residents of Heelerheide are invited to learn more about 't Heerlens Heitje and we will perform some local tasks. The event programme is as following:

• 12:00 Free lunch
• 13:00 Opening speech by team 't Heerlens Heitje and the local green climate mayor Kim Hooiveld
• 13:15 Round 1 of clean-up/painting/regreening tasks
• 14:15 Break coffee and vlaai
• 14:45 Round 1 of clean-up/painting/regreening tasks
• 15:45 Closing
• 16:00 End