Magda Verkamer, 67, paid at least €70,000 to take 68 relatives to Djerba
Belgian retiree Magda Verkamer invited 68 family members to Djerba for a holiday she paid for, saying she wanted to enjoy time with them.
Magda Verkamer (67) from Oudenaarde marked her retirement by funding a family holiday to the Tunisian island of Djerba for 68 relatives, a trip that cost at least €70,000.
Last week she organised the stay on Djerba and told relatives that, in the end, her money would go to them anyway, so she wanted to enjoy time with family while she could. "It was truly fantastic," Verkamer said.
Not everyone in her extended family was able to join: some had university lectures, others live in the United States, and a few could not travel for health reasons. During the days on the island, relatives could follow their own schedules, but Verkamer asked that everyone gather at the table at 6:30 p.m.
Previous family trip and professional background
Thirteen years earlier, when she turned 55, Verkamer arranged another family trip and hosted 56 relatives. This latest journey was larger and, by the family count, included 68 people.
Verkamer spent her career in eldercare and social services: she worked as head of the social work department at the CM health insurance, served as director of a nursing home in Ghent, and was commercial director for elderly care at the company Cevi.
Photo: press material from the event
