Raffinerie Tirlemontoise is a loyal partner of the Belgian Federation of Food Banks. Together they like to give some extra attention to people who are having a hard time during the holidays. And that is necessary, because 1 in 5 Belgians is currently at serious risk of poverty and social exclusion. You can help by donating, by offering help, but also by simply sending a free Christmas card via www.sweetchristmas4all.be.
Alarming figures
In 2022, an average of 209,450 people per month knocked on the doors of the 676 organisations affiliated with the Food Banks in Belgium. That is 18.2% more than in 2021, because more and more young adults (+25%), single-parent families (+46%) and refugees (+22%) need food aid. According to the European poverty indicator, approximately 15% of Belgians live in poverty. Tiense Suiker spoke to 4 of them. The stories of Hafsa, Mireille, Marietta and Viviane can also be found on the SweetChristmas4All website.
Living in poverty does not only mean “having little money”. Participating in social activities also becomes more difficult, resulting in isolation and loneliness. That is why the work of the Food Bank is so incredibly important. People receive a food parcel there, and at least as important: they experience support from fellow sufferers, meet other people and make new friends. In this way, the Food Bank can be a springboard to a new future.
You can help with a Christmas card
With the campaign “SweetChristmas4All” Tiense Suiker wants to raise awareness. You can help by becoming a volunteer or by donating a meal. But it is also possible by sending a digital Christmas card to the less fortunate via the website of SweetChristmas4all. This is possible until December 24th. Every little bit helps!
Annual campaign
This is the sixth time that this successful campaign has taken place. Last year, thousands of heartwarming e-wishes were sent to the less fortunate and the volunteers of the food banks. And they are looking forward to it again this year. Many less fortunate people do not have the opportunity to celebrate and are often dependent on others during this period. The card campaign is a way to take them along in the family Christmas atmosphere and to show them that we are there for them and are thinking of them during this period.
Guy Paternoster, CEO of Tiense Suiker, fully supports the campaign: “As a well-known brand and as a leading player in the Belgian food industry, we are convinced that it is our responsibility to make valuable contributions to society.”
Incidentally, this is not the only campaign by Tiense Suiker: earlier this year, the sugar producer also launched a major jam campaign, in aid of the Pelicano Child Poverty Foundation.
