Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – De Warmste Week in Genk ended with a €68,000 donation. Wim Dries, city staff, 395 initiatives, Pommelien Thijs’ performance, and local businesses boosted community spirit and economy.
As VRT News reported, De Warmste Week in Genk closed today, Dec 24, 2025, at 6 p.m. with a final show. On Friday afternoon, Dec 19, 2025, Wim Dries, speaking for the city, handed over a check for €68,000 to De Warmste Week. City employees had organised 26 initiatives that raised over €30,000. The city added extra funds to reach the total of €68,000.
What made Genk’s 395 initiatives a success during De Warmste week?
The community’s participation went beyond the city staff. Throughout Genk, residents and local organisations carried out 395 initiatives in support of De Warmste Week. These included fundraising events and other projects that engaged people across the city.
“As mayor, I’m happy, the business owners are happy, and all residents with an invisible illness are happy,”
says Dries.
“This has created an incredible sense of community. I’m touched by all the activities that were organised. You can feel that the issue is alive and well; the sense of community was present every day in Genk.”
The city set up large parking areas and organised a shuttle. Officials mentioned that even with very large crowds, such as on Tuesday evening, Dec 23, 2025, for Pommelien Thijs’s performance, no incidents occurred.
“Medical services, fire department, police, and VRT: everyone agrees it was a flawless edition,”
Dries continues.
“It’s fantastic to see so many visitors coming to the city for a week without any significant incidents. That’s a sign that we’ve prepared well together. My thanks go out to all the staff and volunteers who helped.”
The mayor said he hopes De Warmste Week will continue to be held in Genk in the future.
“As far as we’re concerned, this is definitely worth repeating. We’re surprised by the impact of an event like this. The Warmest Week will remain welcome in Genk in the coming years. We’ll soon hold a debriefing with VRT, and from there we’ll explore further options for the future.”
Local businesses, especially in hospitality, also benefited from the visitors.
“The various Genk hospitality businesses we surveyed indicated a 35 percent increase in turnover compared to a peak summer month,”
adds Alderman for Economy Kathleen Partoens.
The annual charitable initiative known as De Warmste Week has been organised by Radio Studio Brussel since 2009. It is a December event that raises funds each year for social and humanitarian needs throughout Belgium. In Genk, over the years, numerous residents and local organisations have taken part in the fundraiser by creating hundreds of initiatives.
