Record: Red Cross volunteers sold 410,000 plasters

The third edition of the Band-Aid Action was again a success. This year 410,000 plasters were sold. 5,000 more than last year and suddenly a record for the Plaster Action. The proceeds of €4,100,000 will go entirely to the more than 200 local branches of Belgian Red Cross-Flanders. Chief executive officer, CEO Philippe Vandekerckhove speaks of a success: "In the name of all our volunteers, I really want to thank all the Flemings who bought a plaster. The Flemings have shown their heart. With the funds raised, the departments can buy teaching materials for free first aid training, save for ambulances, intervention equipment and so much more."

After more than 60 years of sticker sales, Belgian Red Cross-Flanders switched to band-aids in 2023. The Fleming seems to like that choice: 400,000 plasters were sold in 2023, last year that figure rose to 405,000. This year, that success is confirmed with a new record of 410,000 plasters. Meanwhile, the band-aid - resealable, cutable and usable - is not only a practical product, but also a powerful symbol of a warm Flanders.

Volunteers on the streets

Over the past two weeks, thousands of Belgian Red Cross-Flanders volunteers took to the streets. You found them at supermarkets, markets, crossroads and so many other locations. Always with the same goal: collecting funds for the operation in their own neighborhood.

"They are all committed people who do this voluntarily, in their spare time," says Vandekerckhove. "They ensure that Belgian Red Cross-Flanders can be present wherever it is needed: from disasters and CPR to festivals and residential care centers. They literally take care of Flanders."

Enabling local operation

All proceeds from the Band-Aid campaign go to local chapters. With this they fund, among other things:

In all, more than 200 departments participated in the action.

Belgian Red Cross-Flanders would like to expressly thank all Flemish people who have supported. "Thanks to you, our organization remains ready - in every municipality, for everyone who needs help, and we can help each other" concludes Vandekerckhove.

Figures by province