Iconic Band-Aid Action Belgian Red Cross-Flanders gets underway
Is your 10 euros already there? Over the next two weeks, the more than 12,000 volunteers of Belgian Red Cross-Flanders will hit the road for their iconic Band-Aid. To kick off the third year of the Plaster Action, they chose an original first this year: comic book heroes Suske en Wiske & Jommeke joined forces to support the action and can be seen together on the plaster cover. The first plaster was sold today in Mechelen, where the Red Cross has its headquarters, to Minister Caroline Gennez and Mayor Bart Somers.
After more than 60 years of selling stickers, Belgian Red Cross-Flanders changed tack in 2023 with its first plaster campaign. It was an instant hit: 400,000 plasters were sold. In 2024 this success was confirmed, with 405,000 plasters sold, good for over 4 million euros. The proceeds go entirely to the 215 local Red Cross branches and help them purchase ambulances, intervention clothing, first aid equipment and social initiatives.
"We hope to score at least as well this year as well," says Philippe Vandekerckhove, Chief executive officer, CEO of Belgian Red Cross-Flanders. "Every plaster sold is an investment in first aid, resilience and in the work of our volunteers."
Unique: comic book heroes join hands
Both cartoon characters are no strangers to Belgian Red Cross-Flanders. Jommeke previously appeared on the sticker in 1994, 2005 and 2014, while Suske and Wiske had the honor in 1986, 1995 and 2020. But for the first time in more than 20 years, they are appearing together on the packaging of a Red Cross patch. A historic collaboration that makes the anniversary year of both comic book heroes extra special.
This year, both Suske and Wiske and Jommeke celebrate an anniversary: Jommeke turns 70, while Suske and Wiske celebrate their 80th birthday. Standaard Uitgeverij is highlighting this with a unique collaboration with Belgian Red Cross-Flanders. Not only do both comic book heroes appear on the plaster covers, from October 2 they also shine together in a special comic strip, written by Kristof Berte (Jommeke) and drawn by Dirk Stallaert (Suske and Wiske).
"We are immensely proud that two Flemish comic book icons are committing to our Plaster Action. This will undoubtedly contribute to successful sales and thus additional support for our local Red Cross branches," said Vandekerckhove. "The combination of cartoon characters and our stickers or plasters is by now a real tradition. Since 1961 we sold stickers, three years ago we switched to plasters. The support from Flemish people remains great, and for that we are extremely grateful."
A useful band-aid, a tangible support
The plaster is not only a symbol of support for the Red Cross, but also a practical product. It is one large, oblong plaster that you can cut to size. Thanks to the resealable packaging with ziplock closure, the plaster is kept hygienically.
"A warm and caring Flanders is inconceivable without the efforts of volunteers. The more than 12,000 volunteers of Red Cross Flanders are the silent heroes who, both in Flanders and worldwide, come to the rescue without hesitation in times of need. Their unconditional commitment deserves not only our appreciation, but also our support." says Minister Caroline Gennez.
"As the home of Red Cross Flanders, Mechelen is the familiar place for the kickoff of the annual Pleister Action. This year it will have an extra dimension, because Mechelen has been elected European Volunteer Capital. Thus, more than ever, this iconic campaign and the city that puts volunteering center stage form the perfect match." says Bart Somers, mayor of Mechelen.
"With one patch you support the operation in your neighborhood. It's a small act with a big impact. Together we can make sure our volunteers are always ready to help," closes Vandekerckhove concludes.
When and where?
From April 24 to May 8, 2025, thousands of Belgian Red Cross-Flanders volunteers will set out to sell band-aids at intersections, markets and other locations in Flanders.
Online purchases can be made at www.koopdepleister.be and at local chapters.
Price: 10 euros per patch, which will fully benefit local chapters.