De Warmste Week 2024, the beloved annual charitable initiative organized by VRT, closed its doors this year with impressive results. The event raised 8,907,834 euros, surpassing last year’s total and reflecting the increasing commitment of the community to combat loneliness, the central theme of this year's campaign.
Throughout the week, which spanned from December 17 to 24, presenters from MNM and Studio Brussel—Fien Germijns, Sander Gillis, Kawtar Ehlalouch, Joris Brys, and Maureen Vanherberghen—hosted non-stop radio and television broadcasts from Het Warmste Huis, located at 't Zand in Brugge. The presenters engaged with numerous visitors, listening to their touching stories and playing requested songs.
The public responded enthusiastically, with over 165,000 attendees visiting the venue to participate and show solidarity. This year, the number of actions organized climbed to 5,609, leading to nearly 154,000 knuffelvlammetjes (plush toys) sold and over 10,500 requested songs played, aiding the monumental fundraising effort.
Among the memorable moments was the performance of popular artists such as Oscar and the Wolf, Pommelien Thijs, and others, which drew massive crowds and created high-energy atmospheres at every concert. “What an incredible week lies behind us! Brugge was overwhelmed by a wave of solidarity, warmth, and connection, and as mayor, this makes me immensely proud,” said Dirk De fauw, the Mayor of Brugge, highlighting the success of the event.
The initiative went beyond just fundraising; it sparked conversations about loneliness across Flanders. The impact was palpable, as calls to Tele-Onthaal, the helpline dedicated to mental health support, surged by 23 percent during the event. “One in two Flemish people sometimes feels lonely, and we need to do something about it,” stated ambassador Eva De Roo, emphasizing the necessity of addressing this widespread issue.
Not only did the event bring financial success, but it also demonstrated the collective will to overcome personal and societal challenges. With the funds raised, 276 projects aimed at alleviating loneliness will be realized through the DWW fund, managed by the Koning Boudewijnstichting.
Maureen Vanherberghen, who presented for the first time, expressed her heartfelt emotions: “I am truly overwhelmed by the warmth and solidarity I felt here in Brugge and throughout Flanders. The unique stories of the activists and visitors touched me deeply. Together, we can make a difference against loneliness, now and every day of the year.”
The success of De Warmste Week is not solely measured by the money raised but also by the relationships built and the awareness spread throughout the community. Frederik Delaplace, CEO of VRT, reflected on the community's engagement, asserting, “If we managed to support even one Flemish person experiencing loneliness, this Warmste Week was already successful.”
This year’s edition encapsulated not just charity, but also the spirit of togetherness, proving once again the power of community action. There’s hope and determination within the commitment to continue fighting against loneliness long after the last song has played and the final donation counted.
Looking forward, the impact of De Warmste Week is clear. The funds raised will be utilized for significant projects through 2025, and as the community rallies together, there’s confidence we can create lasting change. Everyone involved—from the presenters to the volunteers, artists, and attendees—played a role, making this initiative not just successful but transformative.
Indeed, the memories made and connections forged during this week of solidarity remind us all of the warmth of community spirit. With aspirations to diminish loneliness, De Warmste Week becomes not just an event, but also a movement aimed at fostering connection and support wherever it is needed.
