Homeland Poverty in figures
Our country, Belgium, does not escape the international observations on growing poverty. And figures do not lie. According to the EU-SILC (European Union Statistics on Income and Living conditions), Belgium counts over 1.600.000 poor, or put differently, 14.7% of our population lives under the poverty threshold (19.5% of Walloons and 10% of Flemish).
Another study conducted by the Statistics Center of the University in Antwerp shows that in 2008, 44% of Belgians had trouble to make ends meet. This same study shows that in Belgium, one worker out of 7 is poor, the phenomenon of “working poor” does exist in Belgium.
These startling figures can not leave us uncaring. It is time for us to act upon our citizen duties and to take immediate action as to guarantee the basic necessities to all our fellow citizens.
Goal to be reached
After collecting and distributing 250 baskets during the 2009 edition, and 511 suring the 2010 edition, we decided to renew the action by synergizing with other NGOs and commercial partners as to reach the distribution of at least 1000 baskets in 2011. The TOGETHER project starts taking shape and we will ensure this project's constant growth and longevity.
Financial means
To finance the project, we turn toward people and our business partners to purchase food baskets which will be given to the needy families. The cost of each basket is 15€.
Donations are collected through bank transfer, credit card (website) or in cash during collects organized by our volunteers in shopping malls in Brussels as well as at our business partners'. The donations are counted on our website as to guarantee maximum financial transparency.
To reduce the additional costs (logistics, marketing, development), we also call upon external partners who generously take care of these expenses.
Criteria to select the families
The 2011 edition of our action will be restricted to the Brussels' zone, but we forecast to extend the project to the national level at our next editions.
In order to justly aim the families who will receive our baskets, we turned to state agencies and private authorities who have this information. Because the Brussels' CPAS agencies are in touch with these families on a daily basis, it will be up to these social partners to define the criteria selecting the families in question.
Content of the basket
A particular strain was made as to guarantee the quality of the food filling the baskets. We indeed defend the principle according to which it is indecent to compromise the food quality under the pretext that it is a donation.
The baskets' content was carefully chosen to bring a maximum support all the while respecting a reasonable budget of 15€.
Offered basket : cost 15€
Olive oil fried chips
40g
The content may be modified without prior notice following available stock and/or an agreement with food suppliers.
Term
The distribution of the baskets will take place in December 2011 in different locations (the distributions are generally organized in various partnering CPAS locations)
Thanks
We want to express all our gratitude to those who, from close or far, contributed to the existence of this generous solidarity project. Thanks to your efforts, we have been able to help hundreds of families in need and hope to help and support many more in 2011 and the years to come.
Thank you !