De Warmste Week 2024, centered around the poignant theme of loneliness, achieved remarkable success, raising €8,907,834 through 5,609 actions aimed at supporting 276 projects dedicated to this pressing social issue. Throughout the week, which ran from December 17 to 24, notable presenters including Sander Gillis, Kawtar Ehlalouch, Maureen Vanherberghen, Joris Brys, and Fien Germijns broadcasted live from Het Warmste Huis in Brugge, producing over 146 hours of radio and television programming.
This year's edition attracted more than 165,000 visitors to 't Zand, showcasing the immense public interest and solidarity demonstrated throughout Flanders. Maureen Vanherberghen, reflecting on her first experience as host, expressed her deep impressions, stating, “Wauw! Mijn eerste keer als presentator van De Warmste Week en ik ben echt overdonderd door de warmte en solidariteit die ik in Brugge en bij uitbreiding in heel Vlaanderen gevoeld heb.” This sentiment echoed the feelings of many who witnessed the collective effort to address loneliness.
The initiative not only raised significant funds but also captured the hearts of participants who rallied around various events. Among the heartwarming stories was Ingrid Boumans’, who bravely walked with bandaged legs to shine a light on lymphoedema, raising over €1,600. Presented with warm recognition by Fien Germijns, her story exemplified the spirit of the week as she stated, “Eenzaamheid is de wereld niet uit, maar we hebben het thema wel op de kaart gezet.”
The week was filled with engaging activities, evidenced by the presence of numerous performers who contributed to the vibrant atmosphere. Famous artists including Pommelien Thijs, Oscar & the Wolf, and Brihang entertained the crowds every evening, turning 't Zand to the warmest spot in the country. The mayor of Brugge, Dirk De fauw, expressed his pride over the event's success, remarking, “Wat een ongelofelijke week ligt achter ons! Brugge werd overspoeld door een golf van solidariteit, warmte en verbondenheid.”
Another exciting feature was the participation of ambassador Francisco Schuster, who ingeniously tied his campaigning with social engagement by joining action groups across Flanders. “Ik ga met een warm hart terug kijken op De Warmste Week, het was heel fijn om elke dag met een bekende gast langs verschillende acties te gaan!”
The outreach of De Warmste Week extended beyond just entertainment; its core message of reducing loneliness made significant waves. Calls to the Tele-Onthaal hotline spiked by 23% during the week, underlining how prevalent and urgent the issue is within the community. This year's funds will directly support projects focused on reintegration and connection, aiming to create environments where individuals feel understood and accepted.
Frederik Delaplace, the CEO of VRT, emphasized the impact of collective efforts, stating, “Als we de afgelopen week ook maar één Vlaming in eenzaamheid een hart onder de riem hadden gestopt, was deze Warmste Week al geslaagd geweest.” With the message ringing true, the atmosphere of compassion extended far wider, demonstrating the power of community.
This year also reflected the youth's involvement, as Ketnet-wrapper Thomas De Smet engaged younger audiences with baking sessions featuring various famous personalities. They baked delicious cookies, embodying the collective effort within the younger generation to combat loneliness. Thomas remarked on the inspiring stories he heard, emphasizing, “De verhalen die ik afgelopen periode heb gehoord van Ketnetters over hun soms trieste situaties waren tegelijkertijd ontroerend en hartverwarmend.”
The total statistics for this year’s initiative are significant: 276 projects will be funded, 183,245 cookies baked, 10,510 requested records played, and 153,748 knitted flame plushies sold. With all funds directed to the DWW fund managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, the full impact of the funds is yet to be realized as they get allocated to various endeavors targeting loneliness.
The closing of De Warmste Week 2024 has not only solidified its place as an annual highlight but has also set the stage for future initiatives. There’s great anticipation for the next edition, scheduled for the week before Christmas 2025, which will surely attract even more attention and participation. The Warmste Week has proven, once again, to be not only about fundraising but about fostering deep connections and awareness across Flanders, making strides against loneliness all year long.
