September 2023, novice filmmaker Reiky de Valk, only 23 years old, took his own life. He gained fame as an actor in popular Dutch tv-series such as SKAM,Follow de SOA, Hockeyvaders, Oogappels and Dertigers.
This tragic loss has left family, friends and colleagues devastated. How could this happen? Reiky seemed to have it all: he was loved, handsome, talented and successful. He had countless friends and spread love to everyone around him. But behind his smile lay deep gloom, a hidden struggle that no one knew.
In our contemporary, individualistic and performance-oriented society, young people are exposed to immense pressures. They are confronted with a housing crisis, climate problems, political uncertainty and financial stress. Moreover, they experience the constant pressure to live a seemingly perfect life on social media. These high expectations apply in particular to young people in the creative sector, where opportunities are scarce, cancellation is always looming
Where, moreover, the pressure is extremely high to be brilliant, authentic, creative, beautiful, smart and successful again and again.
Our goal is to encourage and inspire young creatives to live life from a place of inspiration, purpose and connection. We do this based on the idea of the soul tribe: a community of elder- & young creatives with whom we can share, heal and celebrate in various initiatives and in various ways.
“You’re not supposed to suffer on your own. We’re supposed to heal in community,” says Anouk de Valk, mother of Reiky and one of the founders of the Reiky4Life Foundation. “Reiky has given us the assignment to spread more light and love in the world. With this foundation we honor his life and our love for him.” The Reiky4Life Foundation will act as a platform for both offline and online initiatives aimed at promoting sharing, healing and celebration within communities.
We want to be the change we need to see in this society. We’re in it together, so let’s rock the boat!
Every contribution, no matter how small, will help us realize this goal. Support us on
NL31 INGB 0104 9162 14 in the name of A. de Valk stating donationReiky4life
Thank you so,so much! The R4L soultribe
