Entrepreneur House in Mechelen crowned Enterprise with the Biggest Heart in Flanders

More than 5 plasma donations per employee - that is the remarkable achievement of the Mechelen Entrepreneurs' House over the past year. With that exceptional score, the Mechelen business center leaves behind more than 200 other Flemish companies and wins the title "Enterprise with the Biggest Heart" of Flanders, an initiative of Belgian Red Cross-Flanders.

The award is part of the "Enterprise with a Big Heart" campaign, an initiative of Belgian Red Cross-Flanders. The goal: to encourage companies to motivate their employees to donate plasma at one of the 15 donor centers in Flanders. After all, plasma is literally life-saving: it is used in the production of essential medication, in the treatment of severe burns and for newborn babies with severe jaundice.

"This recognition shows that even small companies can make a big difference," says Vincent Verbeecke, spokesman for Belgian Red Cross-Flanders. "It's not about absolute numbers, but about commitment: whoever achieves the highest number of plasma donations per employee wins. The Entrepreneurs' House in Mechelen shows their strong social face with their effort."

The road to self-sufficiency

Belgian Red Cross-Flanders wants to collect at least 5% more plasma in 2025 than last year. That corresponds to some 10,000 additional liters, or 7,500 new donors. This growth is necessary: Flanders today is still partly dependent on plasma imports from abroad. This entails risks, both in terms of availability and affordability.

"We want to become self-sufficient, just like blood is already today," Verbeecke explained. "For that, we need everyone. Companies play a crucial role in this: they can encourage their employees to donate plasma, alone or in groups. The Entrepreneur House and the more than 200 other participating companies prove that it can be done, and that solidarity within the business community has tangible impact. The 228 participating organizations represent more than 100,000 employees. Contrast that with the 40,000 plasma donors on an annual basis, and you immediately see the gigantic potential and impact these companies can have."

The Entrepreneurial House

"We are proud of this recognition," said Guanita Croo, assistant office manager of the Entrepreneur House. "With us there is a strong social commitment. Donating plasma, blood or platelets was a logical step for many: it takes barely an hour and you save lives. Thanks to the possibility of doing this during working hours, participation became a lot easier. Going to the donor center together with colleagues gave it extra meaning. Several companies within the Entrepreneurs' House also contributed on their own initiative, which added to the joint character. As an organization, we therefore actively supported this initiative."

Company with most donations, KBC

The company responsible for the largest number of donations this edition is KBC. With no less than 570 plasma or blood donations, they stood out. David Moucheron, CEO KBC Belgium: "At KBC, we believe in the power of solidarity and commitment. Our colleagues gave blood en masse - a warm act with great impact. Their commitment shows what we stand for: being there for our customers and for the community of which we are a part. That's why we support initiatives like those of Belgian Red Cross-Flanders."

VOKA

"This campaign brings social commitment and entrepreneurship closer together." Voka, the Flemish network of enterprises, also fully supports the project. "Onderneming met een Groot Hart shows how companies can take up their social role, not with words, but with concrete action," said Hans Maertens, Chief executive officer, CEO of Voka. "We therefore congratulate the House of Entrepreneurs."

A total of 228 companies participated in the first edition of Enterprise with a Big Heart this year. A new year's edition starts today. All companies wishing to participate in the challenge are more than welcome.

Registration is available at: www.rodekruis.be/OMGH.