Ghent (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): In 2024, the Refugee Walk had 3,400 participants and raised over €700,000 for refugee services. Organized by Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen, the event’s success was highlighted by director Tine Claus.
The Refugee Walk started in 2016 with 708 people walking together to raise awareness and money for refugees. Since then, it has grown a lot, and the 2024 event was completely sold out with 3,400 participants. Walkers can choose between two routes, a 20-kilometer route for a moderate challenge and a longer 40-kilometer route for those who want to push themselves more. Both routes represent the tough and often dangerous journeys that refugees go through to find safety.
What impact does the Refugee Walk have on raising funds and awareness for refugees?
Participants usually walk in teams and raise money through sponsorships and donations to support refugees. This money helps pay for important services like legal help, education, and programs that assist refugees in settling into their new lives. The Refugee Walk has become more than just a physical challenge, it’s a meaningful way for people to connect with and help the refugee cause, building empathy and understanding for their struggles.
Participants in the Refugee Walk pay a 10-euro registration fee, which helps cover some of the event’s costs. On top of that, they get sponsored by friends, family, and supporters who donate more money to help. This way of raising funds brings in a lot of money for Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen vzw, the group organizing the event that helps refugees. For the 2024 event, they aimed to raise 400,000 euros, but the support from participants and their sponsors was much more than they expected.
By the end of the event, over 700,000 euros were raised, which is more than 300,000 euros over the goal, and donations are still coming in. This is also 200,000 euros more than what was raised in 2020, showing more support for refugees. The money will help provide important services like legal help and education, showing that more people care about the refugee crisis. Tine Claus, the director, thinks the event did well because of the election year, and it’s nice to see so many people supporting a welcoming society. The funds will help Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen with services for new refugees, and the last walkers are expected back by 9 p.m.
