Contact Rotary 487 ENG

N° 487 NOV/DEC
2025
Family Edition
Christmas is the springtime
of the spirit; it is pure promise.
Alain
(pen name of Émile-Auguste Chartier)
1

2026
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EDITORIAL
‘Christmas is the springtime of the spirit;
it is pure promise.’
– Alain (pen name of Émile-Auguste Chartier)
Not turning away our gaze… We live in a world where immediacy
often collides with the long term – a world that can unsettle
us with its signs of decline, its crumbling façades, its lapses in
decency, and the risks that surround us. And yet, perspective
endures: the ability to understand today’s challenges, to assess
the strength of our skills – and to recognize their limits. Meeting
those challenges requires a broad, shared effort in which
public authorities and civil society reinforce one another. We all
contribute to this, through our actions and through the Rotary
values that guide us: whenever we uplift the most vulnerable,
whenever we rise above self-interest.
What we need is a natural intuition for living and working with
others – an intuition as simple and grounded as that of a caring
father. It is within everyone’s reach, provided we stay true to our
values, each of us with our own strengths, hopes, and dreams
of a happiness that can belong to all. When choosing between
ideas and egos, I will always choose ideas. For this conviction,
however personal, springs from something profound: the
elegance and generosity of the heart. It is what helps us keep
listening to one another, even in times when depth seems to
fade. It is a challenge, almost an act of quiet resistance against
the “egosystem” that threatens to stifle us, simply by refusing
to look away.
As 2025 draws to a close, I extend my warmest thanks to all our
members in Belgium and Luxembourg. Your dedication, your
commitment in all its forms, and your generosity toward the
many projects in every club make Rotary’s blue and gold shine
brighter than ever. On behalf of the entire
Contact Rotary + eContact Weekly
team, I wish you a festive
season filled with warmth,
magic, love, and beautiful
moments to share.
Paul Van den bossche
Publisher &
Editor-in-chief
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3

FOCUS
Rotary for Télévie:
the power of imagination
In 2024-25, for the first time, Districts 2150 and 2160
joined forces in a national partnership with Télévie,
the major charity event organized by RTL-TVI to raise
funds for the FNRS and cancer research. The clubs’
efforts raised a total of €80,500.
Rotary has decided to do it again in 2025-26, and perhaps your
club has decided to participate – which we encourage you to do,
of course. Perhaps you are also looking for an original idea for
an initiative? It is fair to say that last year, Rotarians from D 2150
and 2160 were not lacking in imagination in this regard. Here are
a few examples that are sure to inspire you. In 2024-25, we were
treated to:
• concerts, such as the Abba cover band (Rc Soignies, photo 1) and
Mister Cover (Rc Liège-Airport)
• an Oberbayern evening (Rc Enghien-Edingen and Rc Silly-Roots
and Hope)
• all kinds of meals, including a “sauerkraut operation” at RC Seneffe
and Rc Ciney, a “wine and cheese pairing” evening organized
by Rc Brussels and Rc Brussels Val Duchesse, and the “tartiflette
& blind test party” at Rc Binche-Leptines
• the Liège Tram operation, organized on the day of the inauguration,
allowing passengers to offset the cost of free tickets on that
day by making a donation to Télévie
• the sale of red heart-shaped bags filled with goodies provided by
local sponsors (photo 2)
• Various bars (champagne, beer, etc.) during carnivals and other
events, such as at Rc La Louvière
• Shows: plays, one-man shows, etc.
• Sales of works donated by renowned artists (photo 3, print
signed by Philippe Geluck)
• chocolate sales, such as at Rc Louvain-la-Neuve (photo 4) or Rc
Wezembeek-Kraainem
• stalls at Christmas markets (Rc Dinant, Rc Seneffe, etc.)
• rallies for vintage cars, such as the one organized by Rc Gembloux.
1
2
3
4
4

As you can see, imagination reigns supreme. We are sure that in
2025-2026, other ideas will emerge, each more original than the
last. As an example, let’s take a closer look at a recent event, the
Rc Comines-Warneton classic car rally, which was a great success
despite the gloomy weather.
BEAUTIFUL CARS AND A COUNTRY MEAL
Smiles light up the faces of all the members of Rc Comines-Warneton
on this late afternoon of 31 August. For its twentieth anniversary,
the Oldtimer Trip Comines once again attracted a large
audience. Over the years, the local Rotary Club’s event has become
a must-see in the region for lovers of vintage cars. It traditionally
ends with a country meal in a green setting.
This year, despite the unpredictable weather, 98 cars were on the
starting line and around 400 meals were served. The champagne
bar, with oysters and snails, was also a great success. The twentieth
anniversary was therefore a good vintage. To give pride of place
to soft mobility, a walk and a cycle ride were also organized on the
sidelines – with mixed results.
From the outside, the event seems to run like clockwork, but the
well-oiled organization is mainly the result of routines that have
been in place for years. “Logistics, website, registration management
and roadbook preparation – there is a huge amount of
work involved beforehand, spread over several months. We try to
control as many parameters as possible in advance and deal with
the unexpected on the day itself”, explain the organizers. “The
only factor beyond our control is the weather, and we feared
the worst when the rain arrived at the worst possible moment
on Sunday morning. But it finally deigned to stop and the public
turned out in force.” The event is also an excellent opportunity
to immerse new members (who have arrived in large numbers
in recent years) in the group’s activities and integrate them into
its functioning. It is a great team-building exercise, whose motto
could be: “It’s possible.”
The town of Comines-Warneton is located at the very end of Wallonia
(don’t mention this to the locals, though, as they will tell you
that, on the contrary, it is at the very beginning). The local Rotary
club is firmly established in the community and always shows solidarity
with the most vulnerable. At the end of 2024, nearly a ton of
food was donated to disadvantaged families in the area as part of
the club’s annual Christmas parcel campaign.
As promised by the club, part of the profits from the old-timer car
show and country lunch were donated to Télévie.
Photos from the Abba cover band concert: tinyurl.com/rotary-abba
One step forward! For 2025-
26, a new challenge has been
launched: ‘Steps for Life’, a
collective challenge aiming to
accumulate ten million steps for
the benefit of research.
5

FOCUS
Télévie, an unwavering momentum
Interview with Olivier Schoonejans (RTL Info), a privileged witness to a
movement of solidarity... and a look at Rotary’s role.
Since 1989, Télévie has been mobilizing French-speaking Belgium
and the Grand Duchy around a single, simple and powerful idea: to
fund cancer research via the FNRS (Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique).
Journalist and presenter at RTL Info, Olivier Schoonejans
is one of its committed faces. Committees, sporting challenges,
‘Télévie en folie’, 20 kilometers from Brussels (see photo), Mons
half-marathon: every year, he increases his involvement with volunteers
and the public.
His initial conviction can be summed up in one sentence: “When
you’re part of RTL, embracing the channel’s values and getting
involved in Télévie is a no-brainer.” Over time, this obvious fact has
become a personal commitment: “You realize the incredible energy
of the committees and associations. The least we can do is give a
little time, a little motivation, and show that we are with them.”
In the field, Olivier’s enthusiasm is contagious. As a sponsor of committees,
particularly in Tubize, he sees the organizers’ dedication
up close: “They work hard all year round. We come and give them a
helping hand. By contributing a little of our time and energy, we see
the impact it has: it pushes them to work even harder. That’s what
makes the meter go up.” This perspective, shared by committed
men and women, is accompanied by genuine emotion in the face
of the resilience of the witnesses, especially the children: “Seeing
these young people fighting and keeping their smiles is impressive.
Every year, it makes an impression on me.”
The history of Télévie is marked by popular and unifying moments
that the journalist spontaneously mentions. Among them, the ‘red
coins’ operation was, in his opinion, a turning point: “It allowed
everyone to participate, even with very little. People said to themselves:
I’m not going to give €15, or go to a flea market or a dinner,
but I have red coins in my pocket—I can give those.” This simplicity
expanded the community far beyond the circle of ‘regulars’: “A very
powerful moment in the history of Télévie.” More broadly, what
strikes Olivier is the unwavering momentum: “Every year, we ask
ourselves: how can we do better? And every year, it gets better
– not just in terms of the amount of money raised, but in terms of
creativity. This community is not dying, it is growing and evolving. It
restores my faith in humanity: for causes like this, people of all ages
and backgrounds still come together.”
When asked about the role of the media, he doesn’t beat around
the bush: “RTL and Télévie are inseparable. Télévie wouldn’t exist
without RTL, and RTL wouldn’t be what it is without the extra soul
that Télévie gives it. At its core, it is the union of the FNRS, doctors,
and a television station that promotes research and the fight
against cancer. The two are inextricably linked.” This sounding
board does not dispense with one requirement: ”Rigour, respect for
witnesses, and the right tone.”
Within this framework, partnerships with associations provide a
structuring force. Olivier praises Rotary’s commitment – €80,500
6

donated in 2025 by districts 2150 and 2160, with the support of
Luxembourg clubs: “It’s extraordinary, and hugely important for
Télévie. Having organizations like Rotary, whose generosity is
almost a trademark, is essential to moving things forward. Every
euro counts, every effort counts. And it’s reassuring to have associations
like Rotary that can ‘go all out’. When Rotary commits itself
fully, it generates results.” Without being overly optimistic, he puts
this contribution into a broader context: “Télévie is a combination
of many things. Rotary alone will not keep Télévie going, but your
contribution clearly strengthens the momentum. We welcome it with
pleasure and enthusiasm.”
Looking to the future, three challenges are emerging. First,
research, with real progress on certain cancers but “still a lot to
be done.” Next, intergenerational transmission: “Parents, grandparents,
schools: the participation of young people is essential.”
Finally, the need to reinvent membership formats: “Continue to
bring people together and invent new ways to involve the public in
fundraising.”
Olivier naturally extends this idea of movement when discussing the
Rotary initiative ‘Des Pas Pour la Vie’ (Steps for Life) – a collective
sponsored walking challenge combining prevention, visibility, and
fundraising, with a unifying walk on April 18, 2026, to Liège Expo:
“The group aspect is exciting, even exhilarating. We walk, we talk,
we motivate each other. Every little effort counts.” In the spirit of
the clubs, the equation is simple and meaningful: 2,000 steps = €10,
10 million steps = €50,000 for research, in addition to other club
activities.
Beyond his role as a spokesperson, Olivier willingly assumes the
responsibility that comes with fame: “I have a public job that I love.
I can’t imagine not putting that fame to good use, with a little extra
soul. Putting our image and energy as public figures at the service
of a cause is a no-brainer. If it’s Télévie, that’s fine with me. It’s part
of my values—and it reassures me about those values.”
And when asked for a quick portrait, the journalist plays along: three
words to describe Télévie? “Energy, solidarity, comfort.” A “moment
in life” that embodies these values? Family, “the moment when
loved ones support someone who is sick.” A personal soundtrack?
Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, “because it takes you through all the
emotions, it goes slowly then quickly, it makes you cry, it makes
you laugh, and it ends in a grand finale.” An artist capable of uniting
generations? Jean-Jacques Goldman, “for his ability to bring people
together around simple, unifying things.” In painting? Monet, “in his
gardens.” And, on a lighter note, a dish to share? Meatballs in ‘sauce
lapin’, a special recipe from Liège – “with fries, of course” – or a
homemade pizza on Friday night.
In conclusion, his message to Rotarians is persuasively sober: “We
all have a good reason to give, a good reason to get involved. Cancer
affects everyone in one way or another – fortunately, not always
in a dramatic way. Everyone knows why they can take action.” For
our network, the invitation is clear: continue, amplify, bring people
together. Télévie has proven that the media, researchers, and a
community can join forces. It is up to us, Rotarians, to convert the
try – step by step.
Stéphane Dor
Rc Herstal
Télévie in figures
• Since 1989, Télévie has raised more than €267 million
and enabled the FNRS to support nearly 3,000 researchers
and as many projects in the fight against
cancer.
• The 2025 edition raised €13,351,977. The entire amount
will be used to fund 99 projects (including five major
inter-university projects) and 104 scientists, opening up
new avenues for better understanding and treating the
disease.
• Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Belgian
people, records are broken year after year. The 2025
edition was no exception to the rule: the amount raised
exceeded that of the 2024 edition by more than €1
million. This increase is reflected in the funding (9 additional
projects and 5 additional scientists supported in
2025).
• The grand closing ceremony took place on May 10, 2025,
and the new research projects began on October 1.
• The FNRS emphasizes that the allocation of funds
is very rigorous: national and international experts
evaluate projects based on criteria such as scientific
excellence, feasibility, and originality.
7

AMAZING ROTARY
René Van Raemdonck:
an innovator devoted
to quality of life
Anyone who meets René Van Raemdonck (°1947, Rc Ninove-Dendervallei) immediately
notices that he is not a man of big words. He keeps things simple, looks for
solutions that help people move forward, and lets the results speak for themselves.
From patient lifts to ergonomic beds, from nutritional supplements to self-help
books: his work revolves around one guiding thread – supporting people in their
quest for a better quality of life.
FROM MS PATIENT TO GLOBAL PATENT
René’s entrepreneurial story begins in medical equipment. “We
actually started by accident,” he says. “I made a device for an MS
patient, something that didn’t exist yet. It quickly became clear that
there was a great need for it.” The prototype developed into a patent
and became the foundation of the company Handi-Move, now
known worldwide for its patient lifts. Today, 85% of production goes
to export – an impressive figure.
Later came ergonomic beds, developed on the basis of two other
patents, helping especially people with back pain and sleep problems.
René now holds eight patents, and more may follow. Innovation
runs through his career like a red thread – always practical
in nature and always driven by the question: how can this improve
people’s lives?
AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT WITH FAMILY ROOTS
His entrepreneurial blood didn’t come from nowhere. Van Raemdonck
grew up in a family where nearly everyone ran a business, often
in the laundry and dry-cleaning sector. He chose a different path
himself, but he inherited the entrepreneurial spirit and perseverance.
He describes his leadership style as atypical: “I always work
in friendship and with respect for everyone. Being the boss is just
one role within a bigger whole. I never need to be right – the best
solution for the company is automatically the best solution for me.”
Research and development play a crucial role in that. He doesn’t
see mistakes as failures, but as steps towards success. “You simply
learn the most from what goes wrong.”
AFTER RETIREMENT: A NEW MISSION
When his sons Stefan and Paul took over the companies, René
found a new field of work. His interest shifted to a domain where
he believes much can still be gained: supporting cancer patients.
“The medical sector does fantastic work with surgery, radiation and
medication. But so many additional possibilities remain unused,” he
explains. “Nutrition, exercise, relaxation, supplements – all of these
strengthen the body, allowing it to recover faster and better.”
8

Personal touches
When asked which character trait he would like to change,
he answers with a smile: “A little more patience and inner
calm would be welcome. And perhaps being better at
languages.”
His favourite soundtrack? Misty by Errol Garner – a song
he asks pianists to play wherever he travels in the world.
His favourite artist? Willem Vermandere, for the deep
humanity in his lyrics.
Visiting Rc Bangkapi (Bangkok)
And his favourite dish to share with a Rotary friend? Very
simple: moules-frites, in a cosy setting…
To spread this vision, he founded Camfida, which serves as a
knowledge center and publishing house. The books and brochures,
such as the recent Full Steam Ahead Against Cancer, are written
by medical journalist Hilde Maris, who translates complex scientific
information into clear language. René also launched Benfida, a producer
of nutritional supplements developed to support the body as
much as possible. “A strong body can withstand illness better and
recover faster. Supplements are no miracle cure, but part of broader
support,” he emphasizes.
COMPLEMENTARY, NOT ALTERNATIVE
Van Raemdonck makes an important distinction between the terms
complementary and alternative. “Complementary methods reinforce
classical medicine; they don’t replace it. A cancer patient must always
follow medical treatments, but should also actively contribute
by optimizing lifestyle and nutrition.”
The book Full Steam Ahead Against Cancer is therefore not a vague
pamphlet, but a scientifically grounded guide that offers patients and
their relatives clear, practical information. “I wanted to avoid people
losing sight of the forest for the trees. Patients deserve clarity.”
HEALTH AS A DAILY CHOICE
His own lifestyle reflects the same principles. He eats healthily, with
lots of vegetables and little sugar, bread or alcohol. Exercise, sauna,
massage and sufficient sleep are part of his routine. He also attaches
great importance to relationships. “Family, friends, colleagues,
customers, suppliers – I try to keep all contacts pleasant. That is
just as important for your health as nutrition or sport.” His personal
life rule is simple yet effective: worry only about what truly matters,
and you end up with very few worries.
He does not hold a medical degree, but he does not see this as an
obstacle. “I gather knowledge, translate science and collaborate.
What I know is complementary to what doctors know. It’s about
working together, not competing. The medical world still works too
little in a holistic way.”
ROTARY: ALMOST 50 YEARS A MEMBER
Besides being an entrepreneur and publisher, René is also a dedicated
Rotarian. Since 1976 he has been part of the movement; next
year he will celebrate his golden jubilee. He has served twice as
president, has visited countless foreign clubs and especially enjoys
the international character of our movement and the mutual friendship.
Ethics and empathy are, for him, the essence of Rotary. “That
is reflected in my work, in how I deal with people, and in my choices
as an entrepreneur.”
“René is one of the figureheads of our club.”
“René has been a member since 1976, and he has already
taken on the role of president twice – with great dedication!
René is best described as a gentle and attentive man,
always willing to listen. Modest in his manner, yet steady
and confident in his ideas. For me personally, René is a
cornerstone of our club – someone I enjoy speaking with
at our meetings. You always learn something from him,
and that is exactly what makes him so fascinating.
What strikes me again and again is his great service to the
community of Ninove and our region. Not through grand
gestures, but in the quiet and sincere way he supports
people facing health challenges. In short: René is a true
ambassador of our club, and of Rotary’s values and principles.”
Dirk Vanderpoorten
President Rc Ninove-Dendervallei
ROTARY BENEFIT
Order the book Full Steam Ahead Against Cancer with a 5% discount + free shipping using the code Rotary5
via this link. In addition, the publisher donates an extra 20% to the social projects of his Rotary club.
9

AMAZING ROTARY
Mobilization for Ukraine
does not stop
Since February 2022, numerous Rotary initiatives in
support of Ukraine have been launched in Belgium.
A few months ago, in an effort to bring together all
the active forces, we created the group “Rotarians
Support Ukraine”: an association bringing together
members from different clubs in D 2150 and 2160
who want to help the Ukrainian people suffering from
the large-scale invasion of their country.
Without Borders) collected and stored it. The next step was to find
a transporter capable of making the journey to Ukraine safely and
with the guarantee that the equipment would arrive at its destination.
Once the carrier was identified, the semi-trailer journey still
had to be financed! A call for donations was therefore launched
among clubs and companies wishing to invest in the project. In
addition to private donations, the transport was largely financed by
the pharmaceutical company SERB.
The projects have focused on different areas that have evolved over
time in order to best meet the needs of the moment. They have
been carried out in collaboration with the BeLux-Ukraine Intercountry
Committee (ICC).
During the winter, the main focus was on sending generators to
enable essential institutions (hospitals, schools, homes, etc.) to
continue operating despite power cuts caused by Russian bombing.
Boxes of clothing were also sent to refugees displaced within the
country, who had often lost everything as a result of the bombing.
Later, thanks to close contacts with certain local Rotary clubs
(notably the French-speaking Rc Kyiv Balzac), another large-scale
initiative was launched: the shipment of medical rehabilitation
equipment to the Novovolynsk hospital, located near the Polish
border. The hospital treats civilian and military casualties in an area
that is more protected and further from the front line.
The project began in early March. A list of critical equipment was
drawn up, and the Belgian Rotary organization HSF (Hospitals
Once all the pieces of the puzzle had fallen into place, it was time to
load the truck and then track its progress. On June 27, part of the
Rotarians Support Ukraine group gathered at HSF in Champion to
help load the semi-trailer truck with 100 cubic meters of rehabilitation
equipment. The convoy was ready to go! The chain of Rotary
friendship worked wonders in ensuring logistical follow-up at every
stage, with the skills of the various members of the group proving
to be a real asset.
MISSION (QUICKLY) ACCOMPLISHED
On July 2, after numerous administrative and customs delays,
the truck finally arrived at its destination: the central hospital in
Novovolynsk. The equipment was carefully unloaded and quickly
installed, and a few days later, the first rehabilitation room was
already operational.
On August 21, I traveled to Ukraine for two weeks, partly to visit my
host daughter, Arina, and her family in Kobelyaky (central-east),
and partly to meet with the mayor of the city and several Rotarian
friends to discuss potential longer-term projects.
10

A week later, I left for Poltava and then Kyiv,
where I met other Rotarian friends living in
the capital. It is a beautiful and very lively
city! What is remarkable is the resilience
and courage of the population, who refuse
to be discouraged despite the war and the
rain of drones and missiles that regularly
fall on the city. Just a few hours after the
massive bombing on the night of August
27-28, stores in the affected area reopened.
Even in difficult living conditions, residents
continue to live as normally as possible. We
have much to learn from this population,
which shines with courage and solidarity...
After two days in Kyiv, I joined a group of
Rotarians to travel across Ukraine from east
to west. When we arrived in Lutsk, a minibus
was waiting to take us to Novovolynsk, the
June 27: the big departure
destination of our trip. We were welcomed by the mayor, who had
invited delegations from all the countries that had supported the
city and its hospital: Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Slovakia, Bulgaria,
France, and Belgium. The next day, we organized visits to two of
the centers supported by Rotary (Belgian and French): the Novovolynsk
Central Hospital and the orphanage/reception center for
war refugees.
Resilience and poetry
To shelter war orphans and families close to the front line who have
lost their homes, the Ukrainian government is moving them west to
reception centers, where they can rebuild their lives and send their
children back to school. As Novovolynsk is located in a “quiet” zone,
the city was assigned a group of refugees. Unfortunately, the building
intended to house them was in no condition to receive them in a
dignified manner. Lacking the necessary resources, the city turned
to its partners, including Rotary, for help in renovating the building.
This is where Rotary France stepped in (via ICC France-Ukraine),
notably to install proper sanitary facilities. During the visit, we met
several residents, including a woman who had lost everything...
except the poetry books she writes. She was very happy to share
one of her poems with us (see photo).
rest of the equipment sent. We met patients undergoing rehabilitation,
who were happy to share their progress after several weeks of
care.
The end of the trip was devoted to celebrations of the city’s 75th
anniversary (including a very moving ceremony in tribute to the
victims of war) and a long meeting with the Belgian ambassador
to Ukraine to discuss strengthening cooperation
between our two countries, including through
Rotary. To honor the local culture, the trip
ended with a concert by a renowned artist,
Oleg Skrypka, a Rotarian from Kyiv.
On September 1, I set off for Belgium,
filled with emotions and ideas, but with
a heavy heart at leaving my friends and
loved ones behind, promising them I
would return soon!
We then went to the hospital where Oleg, the director, welcomed us
and showed us the results of the renovations carried out thanks to
donations from various sources, including the equipment sent at the
end of June. Specializing in the care of war wounded, the hospital
has focused primarily on two inseparable services: mental health
and rehabilitation (the latter not yielding the desired results until
the former has improved).
We saw the first rehabilitation room equipped with the equipment
sent, which was operational less than three days after the truck
arrived. A second, larger room is still being renovated to install the
Alain Brisy
Rc Louvain-la-
Neuve
11

AMAZING ROTARY
Vibrant Day focuses on social impact
and future-oriented solutions
“Let’s feel each other’s energy, pick up the vibration
and create impact together!” That was the motto of
District 2130’s Vibrant Day, held on 13 September at
Odisee University College in Ghent.
DG Etienne Verhasselt opened the meeting with the latest news
from the district. A new Sustainability Committee will be launched,
focusing on both environmental and socio-economic aspects. A
Mental Health working group will promote initiatives in this area,
ranging from “School Without Bullying” to combating intra-family
violence and drug abuse. DRFC Luc Van der Biest is preparing the
establishment of an Endowment Fund within the district. And since
several district positions will become vacant next year (treasurer,
assistant governors), vacancies will be published on Polaris.
Speaking on behalf of the district, Dominiek Callewier (RC Kortrijk-Groeninghe)
made a notable appeal to mobilize our “sleeping resources”
in order to increase our social impact. “The idea that every
club needs a well-filled ‘war chest’ is a myth. Moreover, inflation
keeps eroding the value of our savings.” In Kortrijk, Rotary invested
in the purchase of a house in 2017, which was made available to
Kompas, a nonprofit organization, where young people recovering
from addiction learn to live independently. Thanks to developments
in the real estate market, the property has already gained substantially
in value.
Harriette Verwey, the Dutch RI Director (who also oversees Flanders),
came to promote the Rotary Action Plan, which helps clubs
make well-considered long-term choices. She urged everyone to
aim high. “It’s okay if it hurts a little – afterwards the sense of fulfilment
is all the greater.”
This year’s workshops - put together by DGE Jan Broodcoorens
-included not only the “classic” themes (youth, Foundation,
finance, membership) but also several broad societal topics.
Melanie De Roose shared a powerful personal testimony about
intra-family violence and abuse. In 2023 she published her autobiography
and founded vzw Fonkel, which organizes peer support
for children who experienced domestic violence, works preventively
on resilience, and raises awareness about family violence
and child abuse. Fonkel also helps schools create a safe environment
where children can voice their concerns. Using tailored tools,
children learn that talking is the best solution, even when their
(family) context puts them under enormous stress. “Everyone -
and certainly Rotarians - can play an important signalling role. It’s
about not looking away, asking targeted questions, and offering
pathways to help.”
12
Stefaan Haspeslagh (VIVES / KU Leuven) offered a critical view on
the latest developments in artificial intelligence. “AI can be a powerful
tool for increasing productivity and efficiency, reducing costs,
improving customer experience, and optimizing decisions through
large-scale data analysis.” The emerging field of deep learning
involves training neural networks to recognize complex patterns in
data. This technology mimics how the human brain works and can
learn autonomously from large datasets without explicit programming.
One major risk, however, is its ‘black box’ nature: it is often
unclear how the system arrives at certain decisions, which can be
problematic in sectors such as healthcare and the judiciary.
In the closing keynote, labour economist Professor Stijn Baert
(Ghent University) shared his vision of the Belgian labour market.
It is no secret that Belgium performs poorly in terms of labour activation.
Baert sees several remedies. First, the tax system must be
adjusted to narrow the gap between gross and net wages, thereby
increasing the difference with welfare benefits. Belgium currently
has the highest tax burden in the world, with 52.7 euros of every
100 euros in labour costs going to the state. On diversity, Baert
noted that global field experiments show age discrimination to be
more widespread than ethnic discrimination, indicating additional
obstacles that need to be addressed. He also discussed the impact
of AI: “Jobs with routine, predictable tasks - such as telemarketing,
accounting, transport and production work - are vulnerable. In
contrast, professions requiring strong social skills, creativity or complex
problem-solving (such as therapists, engineers and managers)
face a low risk of automation. “I believe the overall balance will be
positive: globally, the number of ‘man-hours’ will increase. New tech
jobs will emerge and productivity will rise, enabling us to spend
more money - for instance on leisure and travel - which in turn
creates jobs. What will be crucial is our willingness to keep reskilling
ourselves.” A conclusion that resonated strongly with the Rotary
audience at Odisee Ghent - a campus that specializes in lifelong
learning…
S.V.
© Rita Galle

AMAZING ROTARY
D 2140 focuses on dynamism
and visibility
Gaining inspiration from speakers and from one another
in order to create even more impact through more
dynamic clubs - that was the goal DG 2140 Paul Vandeloo
had in mind when he organized the Vibrant Club
Day on 18 October at the Provincial House in Leuven.
PDG Emma Groenen began by reminding everyone of Rotary’s top
priority: End Polio Now. Thanks to our efforts, and those of our
partner organizations, an estimated 20 million people have been
spared from polio infection. This has saved roughly 27 billion dollars
in global healthcare costs. Between now and 2050, an additional
saving of around 14 billion dollars is expected. It is therefore vital
that we maintain our efforts to finish the job.
Do you know the concept of the elevator pitch? It’s a short, powerful
presentation of an idea, product, or of yourself, delivered in 1
to 2 minutes. The aim is to spark interest quickly. The term comes
from the idea that you could give the pitch in an elevator ride to the
top floor. PDGs Bart Purnal and Dominiek Willemse demonstrated
this convincingly for the Paul Harris Society and the Endowment
Fund, respectively.
• Dare to innovate. A fitting quote: “The Stone Age didn’t end because
we ran out of stones!”
“News is anything important or noteworthy.” With this quote from
Siegfried Bracke, former journalism lecturer Patrick Pelgrims (Rc
Laarne-Lochristi) summed up how mainstream media approach
news coverage. To get past the “gatekeeper” and gain editorial
attention, it is best to keep several things in mind:
• Highlight human stories—of beneficiaries, members, or volunteers.
Don’t make “the club” the main character of your press
release.
• Present your information accurately, attractively, with an appropriate
tone (no cheerleading!) and clearly.
• Think first and foremost about the reader and why they would be
interested.
• Consider preparing different versions of your press release depending
on the target audience.
• Provide a title that captures attention and a subtitle with more
factual information. This makes the journalist or editor’s job easier.
• Include a link to high-quality images and mention a contact person
(who is actually reachable!).
“Growth architect” and business coach Koen Van den Brandt
offered an external perspective on Rotary’s challenges regarding
member recruitment and retention. He encouraged us to “make the
invisible visible” and to take the stage more often with authentic,
human stories. Some concrete tips:
• Ensure that members regularly interact with beneficiary organizations
so they can see the results of their efforts firsthand.
• Perception is everything—also online: create an attractive website
that focuses not on “meetings” but on actions.
• Regularly question the customs and habits within the club. Not
only in plenary sessions—also create space for individual feedback.
More introverted people often have the best ideas.
• Don’t tell people why they should join Rotary—tell them why you
chose Rotary (and continue to choose it).
After an extra-long coffee break (to encourage networking), incoming
club presidents received their training during the Pre-PELS,
while others explored a wide range of topics in smaller groups. The
more “administrative” sessions - on the district’s new insurance
policies, VAT legislation, and electronic invoicing (mandatory from 1
January 2026) - drew a lot of interest. But questions such as “How
do we stay in better contact with alumni?”, “How does Rotaract view
its collaboration with Rotary?”, and “How do you create an appealing
flyer to present your club?” were also discussed. Too much to cover
within the scope of this article, but those interested can find the
presentations on Polaris!
S.V.
Photos: Peter Wolters
13

AMAZING ROTARY
Easing the double
burden on prisoners
and their families
What can clubs do?
Most prisons in Belgium are dilapidated and overcrowded:
at the end of September 2025, Belgium’s
37 prisons, with a total capacity of 11,098 inmates,
were expected to house 13,156 prisoners. As a result,
small cells, originally designed to be single occupancy,
are now occupied by two or even three people.
Prisoners live in discomfort and promiscuity, which
inevitably leads to resentment and conflict.
As prison staff unanimously agree, and as prison directors shout to
the media: “Prisoners are sentenced by the courts to deprivation of
liberty, but not to deprivation of dignity!” They suffer enormously
from this undeserved double punishment, as do their families and
loved ones. This is also the case for people subjected to any form of
psychiatric internment.
While we wait for our leaders and public authorities to find solutions
to the problem of facilities and improve the criteria and conditions
of incarceration (which, let’s face it, will unfortunately take time),
what can we do, at our Rotary level, to help prisoners and their
loved ones?
WHY AND HOW CAN WE PROVIDE SUPPORT?
Rc Bruxelles-Renaissance, with the help of Inner Wheel Bruxelles
Renaissance, has been initiating actions for several years to help
prisoners and their loved ones, guided by the advice of psychiatric
care staff and prison officers and psychologists.
The first initiative dates back to 2017, following a visit to the “Les
Tamaris” section of the Beau Vallon psychiatric institute in Namur.
One of the members was struck by the dramatic improvement in
the condition of a schizophrenic patient thanks to her participation
in the art therapy workshop (drawing, painting, illustration). The
Rotary delegation admired the works of art, some of which were
quite remarkable, and especially a large collective canvas created
by all the ‘Tamartists’.
In 2017, the Culture Committee of the Bruxelles-Renaissance
Rotary club discovered the art therapy workshop in the ‘Tamaris’
pavilion of the Beau Vallon psychiatric institute
14

Eager to support this workshop beyond a modest budget for
supplies of canvas and paints, the club asked the question: How
else can we help you? The answer came quickly: “Help us get out,
help us get out of here!” Having neither the power nor the medical
expertise to sign discharge forms, the club organized an exhibition
of their works outside the center, in the prestigious Hôtel de Groesbeeck-de
Croix, in the heart of Namur. The ‘residents’, accompanied
by their ‘guardian angels’, were delighted to explain their work,
regaining their self-confidence thanks to the admiring glances and
comments of the visitors. The event also provided an opportunity
for friendly exchanges of pennants with five clubs from Namur.
The works of the ‘Tamartistes’ exhibited in the prestigious Hôtel de
Groesbeeck-de Croix, now the Museum of Decorative Arts in Namur
Thanks to its privileged contacts with the management of Jamioulx
prison in Charleroi, Rc Bruxelles-Renaissance was able to meet with
prison officers and psychologists, who confirmed the benefits of art
therapy. One prisoner was particularly happy to show us the guitar
he had just received. A group of inmates, under the guidance of a
teacher, created a gigantic mural on one of the walls of the prison
courtyard. Here too, the club modestly supported their artistic
activities (painting and pottery workshop) while collecting books for
the library and board games. As the library quickly filled up, the club
continued its efforts by selectively providing the most requested
publications (comic books, school books, etc.).
An inmate happy to show off the guitar he has just received
More recently, the Rotarians of Bruxelles-Renaissance visited the
prison in Mons, which has three separate sections (men, women,
and psychiatric), each with distinct characteristics and needs that
require the expertise of specialized prison psychological staff.
On certain holidays (Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, Father’s Day)
and birthdays, the club provided gifts—stuffed animals, dolls, toys,
and board games—which were given to the children of inmates
through the psychologists specifically in charge at Jamioulx and
Mons. This led the Rotarians to meet with Relais Enfants-Parents,
which, on the occasion of its 30th anniversary, is publishing a detailed
brochure of its activities. This association can provide clubs
that wish to do so with the contact details of the psychologists in
charge of the prisons closest to their meeting places.
A very poor library that the club hastened to expand
Why not expand this initiative?
What if other clubs wanted to “coach” a prison or psychiatric institution?
Here is a non-exhaustive list of possible actions, based on
the experience gained by the Bruxelles-Renaissance Rotary club
since 2017, which are inexpensive or free:
• Material support for art workshops: painting, drawing, graffiti,
pottery
• Selective collection of books (most requested publications) for
the library
• Collection of stuffed animals, dolls, board games, and gifts that
inmates can give to their children and spouses on holidays or birthdays
• Organization of exhibitions of works created by inmates and their
children: “Art brut et art en herbe” (Raw Art and Budding Art).
• Contacting the Relais Enfants-Parents, which will be invited to
give an interactive presentation of its activities at a statutory meeting
of Rc Bruxelles-Renaissance in early 2026.
Fresco painted by a group of inmates on one of the walls of the
prison courtyard
Interested clubs are invited to expand this pioneering initiative
through “cultural sponsorship” of prisons in their region. In fact,
each prison has specific needs, depending on its infrastructure and
population, which must be identified. Other initiatives than those
mentioned above may also prove useful. That is why it is desirable
to set up a Rotary think tank.
If your club is interested in participating in an initial working meeting
in early 2026, please contact Dr. Robert Paridaens, member of Rc
Bruxelles-Renaissance, a club chaired by Nicole Schuhmann (email
paridaensrobert@gmail.com, tel. 0475 20 35 24).
Info: relaisenfantsparents.be
15

IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME
Amid the forests of Westerlo rises the
imposing Château de Merode, for centuries
the stronghold of one of Belgium’s
oldest noble families. Today, Prince
Simon de Merode (°1981) oversees the
estate, with his gaze directed as much
toward the future as the past. Since
assuming responsibility for the castle in
2006, he has combined careful heritage
management with staging historical
spectacles and creating a unique
Christmas experience…
Prince Simon de Merode:
“Creating an emotional connection
is the best way to spark interest
in history.”
You did not inherit the castle, but bought it from your uncle. Why
did you want to settle here?
I grew up in the French Ardennes, also in a castle - albeit a much
smaller one. Each year the family gathered in Westerlo for Christmas,
so I had many memories of the estate. At a certain point my
uncle no longer had the strength to maintain it, and his children
did not wish to take it on. When the question arose whether I was
interested, I seized the opportunity. I sensed a dynamic spirit in the
Kempen: people work hard here, and there is strong interest in the
castle and its history. To convince the bank to grant me a loan, I had
to draw up a business plan. That eventually grew into Historalia,
with which we have now been producing musical spectacles for
eleven years. Honestly, I mostly followed my intuition at the time.
I also believe you don’t need to be a great intellectual to start a
company - you need to work hard, be aware of your limitations, and
surround yourself with the right people.
Many castles today are owned by the government, for example
through Herita. How do you, as a private owner, try to offer added
value?
If historical buildings can be saved by the government, I’m all for it.
It’s a good solution for families who no longer have the energy or
means to maintain them. But something of the estate’s “soul” does
get lost… Conferences and other activities are organized, which is
fine, but authenticity gradually fades. What makes our castle unique
is that it has been in the same family for nearly 700 years. People
sense and appreciate that authenticity.
What were the biggest challenges in renovating the castle?
Our first project was replacing all the windows: 220 double-glazed
units: quite an investment. We also renewed the bluestone in the
courtyard, restored many paintings, and saved the ‘donjon’, whose
wooden structures had been damaged by wood-boring beetles.
Since the 2022 energy crisis we have installed a new heating system
based on aquathermy, and added solar panels. I daresay that
today we live in one of the most sustainable castles in the country.
You are a prince, but of course that is not a profession. When
people ask about your occupation, what do you say?
The family owes its princely title to Frédéric de Merode, an aristocrat
who fought in the Belgian Revolution of 1830 and was mortally
wounded at the Battle of Berchem. His courage made him a national
hero and a symbol of young Belgium. In recognition of his sacrifice,
King Albert I granted his descendants the title “Prince de Merode”
in 1929. I sometimes compare the title to a street name, in that it
commemorates the merit of a historical figure.
Professionally, I am director of several family companies. About
90% of my time goes to Historalia. This year we had two productions:
1830 at Wijnendale Castle and Anne Boleyn at Hever Castle
in England. Together they generated nearly six million euros in
revenue and employed around 300 people. That requires quite a
bit of coordination… I am not directly involved in content or artistic
choices; I have a strong team for that. But I safeguard Historalia’s
values. I want us to present family shows that are both educational
and entertaining. I also define the framework in terms of budget
16

Musical spectacle Jeanne d’Arc (2024)
and timing. We are currently preparing the musical Napoleon, which
will be performed next summer in Westerlo. I plan to put the leading
actors, Jelle Cleymans and Jef Hoogmartens, in touch with writer
and Napoleon expert Johan Op de Beeck soon. They can certainly
learn a great deal from him.
How did the production of Anne Boleyn in England come about?
It was our first international venture, with a British cast linked to the
Royal Shakespeare Company. Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII,
grew up at Hever Castle. My sister Eliane married Charles Astor, a
descendant of the American family who bought the estate in 1903.
At her wedding reception I struck up a conversation with the current
manager, and that set things in motion. For the English this was a
new concept. They have a strong musical tradition, of course, but
this type of heritage-based musical theatre was something they
had never seen. The reactions were exceptionally positive: we
received 21 press reviews with four stars or more.
Which historical figure would you still like to make a musical about?
If given carte blanche, I would create a spectacle about Leopold
II. Unfortunately, in today’s climate that poses too great a risk. Les
gens bien pensants have written him off, but I think it’s too easy
to judge someone’s actions 150 years later by today’s standards.
Everything is far more complex than people think. Sadly, society
has become very polarized. Calm, critical thinking is going out of
fashion. Perhaps that will change with the rise of AI, which—like
a permanent assistant—might provide more perspective? Every
character has multiple facets, and all of them deserve to be shown.
Realistically, I think a musical about the Burgundians or Emperor
Charles V is more feasible.
Kerstmagie (Christmas Magic) starts again soon. What does it
involve?
The castle opens its doors for a theatrical experience filled with
Christmas atmosphere, lighting effects, music and wonder. We
started it in 2015 to have an event in winter as well. We focus
especially on families with children. The event now takes place in
six castles, each with its own story, performed by live actors and
written specifically for the location. Afterwards, everyone can take a
picture with Santa Claus - always a huge success!
Nobility is traditionally associated with the idea of noblesse
oblige—those who possess much also bear responsibility. To
what extent do you identify with that principle?
I try to help where I can—though I say “yes” less often than I used
to. I have served on the board of the UZA Foundation and on a
foundation supporting research into rare diseases. At eighteen I
already had a sort of non-profit that screened films in children’s
hospitals. Schools in the area may visit the castle free of charge. I
find it important that children connect with our heritage. It plants a
seed that will hopefully grow into a lifelong appreciation. I also regularly
make the castle available for fundraisers, for the social services
of Westerlo, the educational NGO Cunina, or the Olivia Fund, which
supports research into childhood cancer.
Which art form do you enjoy most?
I have great admiration for poets. I feel a strong affinity with
Arthur Rimbaud, for example, who like me grew up near Charleville-Mézières.
Unfortunately, I have little time nowadays to read
poetry; it requires time and focus. For the moment, I stick to audiobooks,
mainly on history, philosophy and politics.
Do you have a special connection to a piece of music?
Yes, the Canon by Pachelbel. It was played at our wedding ceremony
as we entered the church.
Suppose you could have dinner with one historical figure. Who
would it be, and what dish should be served?
If I may choose subjectively: Field Marshal Jean-Philippe-Eugène
de Merode. Several portraits of him hang in the castle, and he
is one of the iconic figures of the family. He served in the army
of the Holy Roman Empire under the Habsburgs. During the War
of the Spanish Succession he took part in major battles. He was
known as a courageous commander who worked closely with the
Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugene of Savoy. He also initiated
significant architectural changes to the Westerlo estate. It would
undoubtedly be a fascinating evening. What exactly should be
served matters far less…
Steven Vermeylen
ROTARY BENEFIT
Visit Kerstmagie (at any location) with a 10% discount! Book your tickets at www.kerstmagie.be using the discount
code KMROTARY25.
17

IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME
Christmas markets
with a difference
Kinderleven - Vie d’Enfant is a 100% Belgian non-profit organization whose core
beliefs resonate with Rotary values: access to education and schooling improves the
long-term living conditions of children and their families. Frédéric Struyf, one of the
association’s co-presidents, explains how it works and what real impact it has on the
lives of thousands of young people.
Originally launched by two friends from Antwerp who wanted to
help children in the developing world, the initiative gradually grew
and became more professional, eventually becoming a non-profit
organization in 1979. Today, it provides financial support for numerous
projects benefiting disadvantaged young people in South
America, Asia, and Africa, including both well-established projects
and new initiatives currently being launched.
Artisanal jams...
Receiving no public subsidies, Vie d’Enfant is self-financed in two
ways: through private donations, on the one hand, but also and
above all through various activities and events. “Our flagship fundraising
event is the Christmas markets, called Christmas Solidarity
Shoppings,” explains Frédéric Struyf. “We organize them from start
to finish, and believe me, it’s a huge job. They take place in Brussels,
Liège (Florzé), Namur (Upigny), and Antwerp. We offer around
twenty very varied stalls: crafts, second-hand goods, games, decorations,
organic and fair trade groceries, second-hand books and
clothing... The range of items sold is therefore very wide, from the
latest games (negotiated at a good price directly with suppliers) to
purely artisanal products such as jams prepared by our members.”
while the ratio is impossible to achieve for new products such as
wine or decorative items, it is greatly exceeded for everything related
to crafts, second-hand goods, and used books offered by our
members and volunteers. One example among many: throughout
the year, my wife and her friends sew decorative fabrics to cover—
and embellish—reusable bags from department stores. These sell
very well. The profit margin is obviously attractive, as it only costs
us a little material, with the labor being provided free of charge by
the seamstresses.”
Everything is done to keep costs to a minimum in order to ensure
the best possible financing for projects: “We manage to reduce
costs in certain locations. In Brussels, for example, the market has
been held for 15 years inside a company building, on a floor of
unoccupied offices. The boss lets us use them free of charge every
year for the duration of the event. Logistics is also a very important
item, but it is provided on a voluntary basis.” This army of volunteers
(around 500 in 2024) and numerous sponsors make it possible to
significantly reduce the costs associated with, for example, publishing
the non-profit organization’s newsletter, designing, printing, and
sending invitations to markets, maintaining the website, etc.
…and customized bags
Several thousand people participate in these activities each year.
The general rule remains the same: for every €10 spent, €5 must
be donated to the projects. This is obviously an average, because
So, does Vie d’Enfant have any employees? “Not a single one. We
have around 100 active members who pay an annual membership
fee that covers all overhead costs, which are kept to a minimum.
This year, we distributed a total of around €350,000, which enabled
18

us to support 29 projects. The four Christmas markets bring in
around €200,000 in net profits. The rest comes from donations, but
also from other activities we organize, such as bridge tournaments,
golf competitions, and concerts.” It should be noted that Vie d’Enfant
has been monitored and analyzed since 2005 by Donorinfo, an
independent guide to the transparency of charitable organizations,
which confirms that all the money raised is used to finance projects,
with overhead costs being virtually zero.
Not at the donors’ expense
With around 30 projects to support each year, demand is huge and
many people come knocking on the door... What determines the
choice to support a particular initiative? “There are a whole series of
criteria and conditions to be observed. We need to be able to keep
an eye on the accounts and receive reports, invoices, supporting
documents, and photos. Every project must have a Belgian contact
person who vouches for the accuracy of the information provided
and the proper use of the money donated. It is common for this
person to visit the site to check on the progress of operations and
collect the necessary documentation. I insist that she pay for this
trip out of her own pocket and not with the non-profit organization’s
money! We don’t do humanitarian tourism here...”
cocktail party—this is the case with the Wezembeek-Kraainem
Rotary club for Christmas Shopping in Brussels. The aim is to bring
together as many family and friends as possible, who will visit the
stands and not leave empty-handed. In Upigny, they also have the
opportunity to enjoy a festive meal on site. In Liège (Florzé), the
club organizes an exclusive Partners Night for its members before
the official opening, with a preview of the stalls as a bonus.”
The future? “We feel that with around 30 projects supported each
year, we have reached a certain limit. Our non-profit organization
works well, but we want to keep the structure as simple as possible.
All the activities carried out by our members and our ‘army of volunteers’
require a great deal of organizational rigor. We are delighted
to be able to count on people’s generosity at all levels,” concludes
Frédéric Struyf.
Denis Crepin
More info and details about the projects:
www.kinderleven-viedenfant.be
The range of projects supported is quite broad, although the
focus is on education. These range from simply supplying school
materials to building new classrooms or sanitary facilities, as well as
initiatives in the areas of nutrition, health and sometimes even water
(well drilling). “By freeing young people from the chore of fetching
water, we are preventing them from dropping out of school... Very
often, we do not finance the entire project, but carry it out in partnership
with local actors who also contribute to it.”
Rotary cocktail parties
Several Rotary clubs have decided to support Vie d’Enfant on a
more or less regular basis (Rc Antwerpen-Zuid, Namur-Citadelle
[see box], Wezembeek-Kraainem, Liège-Ouest, etc.). ). In most
cases, the Rotary club finances, organizes, and serves the opening
Frédéric Struyf visits children at a Moroccan school in Maghraoua.
Vie d’Enfant has financed a new extension with accommodation
for the teacher and sanitary facilities for the pupils.
Quick fire questions
• How do you feel when you think of Vie d’Enfant? Proud,
because for many years our team has managed to
raise more than €300,000 for the most disadvantaged,
but also lucky when I see how well off we are here in
Europe.
• An artist to name off the top of your head? Julos Beaucarne,
not so much for his music as for the quality of his
lyrics... and his deeply humanistic personality.
• What is your favorite dish? Shrimp croquettes. Not just
anywhere, but I won’t advertise...
• What is your favorite color? And why? Blue, because
everyone in my family has blue eyes!
Testimonial from Rc Namur-Citadelle:
“We have been supporting the non-profit organization Vie
d’Enfant since 2014 by organizing a cocktail party during
the inauguration of their Christmas Solidarity Shopping
event in Upigny, which usually takes place at the end of
November. We organize this cocktail party with the help
of the members of Inner Wheel Namur Citadelle, who
prepare the zakouskis. We invite our friends and acquaintances
to ensure we have as many participants and
visitors as possible. We are continuing this activity again
this year because it enables the non-profit organization
to increase its sales and profits, which are donated in full
to their projects. We remain in close collaboration with Vie
d’Enfant because there is a great friendship between the
respective members.”
19

IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME
A must for
Rc Genval for
16 years:
the ‘A Book
for Christmas’
campaign
Rc Genval is proud to lead a wonderful initiative in its region, year
after year, in support of children who are sometimes forgotten—
those who have been living in institutions for years because they
cannot return to the warmth of a family home.
This large-scale social initiative is now in its 16th year, but its principle
remains the same: to give a book to disadvantaged children
(aged 0 to 18) who have been placed in institutions at the request
of a youth court judge or judicial protection services.
Last year, requests from no fewer than fifteen institutions were met,
resulting in countless moments of happiness and smiles when the
gifts were handed out. The books distributed enable young people
to enrich their culture while developing their imagination.
donated are purchased by our members or our network, supplemented
by donations from partners (publishers, companies, etc.).
For the past seven years, the public has also been able to participate
through the many bookstores associated with the initiative:
“book boxes” are placed in these stores so that anyone who wishes
to do so can buy a book to donate and drop it off there.
In practical terms, every year starting in September, the books to be
Our initiative has enjoyed unwavering success over time, both
among beneficiaries and within our club, where the organizing
team is large and happy to strengthen Rotary friendship through an
initiative that is unanimously supported, as it is exclusively for the
benefit of emotionally distressed children.
Since its inception, “A Book for Christmas” has enabled the Genval
Rotary club to donate more than 10,000 books, thanks to the
generosity and collaboration of many people: bookstores, partners,
friends of the club... We would like to express our sincere gratitude
to them all!
At the beginning of December, the campaign traditionally ends with
a wonderful festive evening during which Father Christmas and his
Rotary elves hand over the many parcels of books to the various
representatives of the institutions.
What more can we say to conclude, other than that this must-see
event organized by the Genval Rotary Club has been a great open
book for 16 years, in which children are truly the heroes...
Preparing the packages
Thierry Scoumanne
20

IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME
Music between
towers and
Christmas lights
When the Christmas lights cast their warm glow over
Antwerp’s city centre, Rc Antwerpen-Metropool once
again invites music lovers on a unique journey of discovery.
On Sunday 14 December, the Musical History
Tour will take place for the second time: a musical
walk through the city’s most beautiful locations, enlivened
by more than twenty artists and bands from a
wide range of genres.
The idea originated a few years ago as a classical concert with
three performances at a single venue. But the organisers wanted
more. “This new formula gives us much more freedom,” says Rotarian
Marc Van Mael, one of the driving forces behind the project.
“We take the audience not only on a journey through the history of
music, but also through Antwerp’s heritage. Some locations are truly
unique; think of the cathedral’s rood loft, the ‘Schoon Verdiep’ at
City Hall, or the fourteenth floor of the Boerentoren. And there are
even some hidden gems, private places that are rarely accessible to
the public.”
The Shots: cover band led by Guillaume Van der Stighelen
Each location hosts an artist or band for an intimate concert of
around half an hour. From classical to jazz, from pop to punk and
bossa nova - and even a touch of flamenco. The tour promises a
rich musical palette. Participants can map out their own routes via
the website, reserve tickets, and walk from concert to concert at
their own pace. All of this takes place in the heart of the city, where
the Christmas market is buzzing with atmosphere at the same time.
A break with steaming mulled wine or hot chocolate completes the
experience…
The programme features names such as Jean Bosco Safari, soprano
Elise Caluwaerts and cover band The Shots, led by creative
all-rounder Guillaume Van der Stighelen. “Most artists perform for
free,” says Marc. “For the bigger names, where that wasn’t possible,
we developed a corporate sponsorship formula. This keeps
the costs under control and ensures the event remains financially
healthy.”
Marc has been active in fundraising for his club for about ten years.
In his experience, it is increasingly difficult for an individual club
to organise something big. “Our members are getting older, are
less professionally active, have fewer connections in the business
world… That’s why it seemed sensible to us to build connections
outside our organisation as well. First and foremost with Mercy
Ships, which provides free medical care with hospital ships in
countries where this is needed. This organisation will also receive
a significant portion of the proceeds. We also work together with
NEOS Antwerp, the network of enterprising seniors. Volunteers from
these organisations help welcome visitors at the various locations.”
The Musical History Tour once again promises to be much more
than just a concert series: it is a unifying experience that brings together
music, heritage and solidarity. A perfect way to discover the
heart of Antwerp - and warm the hearts of others at the same time!
S.V.
Bulgarian ensemble in the City Hall
More info: www.tmht.be
21

INTERVIEW
Voices
Against Silence
Melanie De Roose & Triene-Mie Le Compte
In the past four years, the number of reports of intrafamilial
violence in our country has risen by a quarter.
Every day, Belgian public prosecutors receive an
average of 184 reports. In September, District 2130
set up a working group at the initiative of DG Etienne
Verhasselt to propose initiatives for victims and preventive
measures. Triene-Mie Le Compte and Melanie
De Roose, both members of this working group,
know all too well what the issue is about…
Triene-Mie Le Compte was a victim of psychological partner
violence for twenty years. In her marriage, she gradually ended
up in a situation of “intimate terrorism”: a pattern of control,
manipulation, threats, and isolation. She was barely allowed to
go out alone, was humiliated, and lived constantly in tension and
fear. When she finally found the courage to end the marriage, the
situation became extremely dangerous: her husband sent a hired
killer after her. She narrowly escaped. Today, Triene-Mie is committed
to raising awareness about partner violence. Together with
Anne Groenen, PhD in criminological sciences and family mediator,
she wrote the book When Love Becomes Survival, weaving her
story together with insights and advice for victims, bystanders,
and professionals. She also founded the website Partnergeweld
Overleven (Surviving Partner Violence), a platform with stories,
information, and tips for anyone affected by partner abuse.
Melanie De Roose was confronted with intrafamilial violence and
abuse by her stepfather as a child. In 2008, she lost her mother,
completely “torn down” by years of stress and worry. She kept
these traumatic experiences to herself for a long time until she
decided to speak out and help others. In 2023, she founded the
nonprofit Fonkel, whose mission is to offer peer support and guidance
to children confronted with intrafamilial violence and abuse.
Through Fonkel, Melanie organises workshops that teach children
resilience and emotional strength, while providing a safe space to
share experiences. Her purpose is to empower children so they can
“shine” again.
Why did you decide to go public with your stories?
Triene-Mie: At first, I just wanted to distance myself from
my painful past. But after a few years, I realised that leaving
everything behind wasn’t an option. I can’t forget, and it has
shaped who I am today. So I decided to do something constructive
with it: help others through my book, my online platform, and
my lectures. That way, the misery of 20 years of partner abuse
wasn’t in vain.
Melanie: For me, everything accelerated when, through a workplace
development programme, I was assigned a personal mentor.
He immediately noticed how insecure I seemed and asked why. I
collapsed and cried for an hour and a half while telling him my story.
Gradually, I found the strength to write down my experiences and
dedicate myself to helping others. Perhaps partly to make my mother,
who I was very close to, proud. My initial idea was to combine
peer contact with individual coaching of victims. But that didn’t
work: I couldn’t maintain enough emotional distance; every story hit
me too hard. With Fonkel, I can now focus on organisational tasks
and giving talks.
What prejudices or misconceptions do you encounter?
Melanie: Many people think that a bad childhood means you’re
scarred for life, that things can never improve. I try to bring a different
message: you don’t have to stay stuck in the negative. Life can
get better and it has so many beautiful things to offer.
Triene-Mie: There is a misconception that partner violence mainly
occurs in “lower” social classes. That’s completely untrue, it occurs
in all layers of society. I also often face incomprehension about
why I didn’t leave my husband sooner. Some reactions even verge
on victim blaming. People don’t realise how you become gradually
trapped in an isolated situation, with escape routes disappearing
one by one.
Where can Rotary make a difference?
Triene-Mie: Regarding partner violence: by helping to raise
awareness of the “red flags” for victims, perpetrators, professionals,
and bystanders. Warning signs are often subtle at first but
become clearer as a pattern emerges. Control and jealousy, such
as constantly wanting to know where you are, are major signals.
Isolation from friends and family, financial dependence, and small
humiliations undermine self-confidence. Other red flags include
boundary violations, gaslighting, threats, and unpredictable mood
swings. A poster or media campaign to raise awareness would be
very welcome.
Melanie: I believe Rotary can help create broad support for our
projects, and those of others. The clubs are deeply rooted in local
22

© Veilig Huis
communities and can, for example, help establish contacts with
schools and local authorities.
DG Etienne Verhasselt calls on Rotarians to act as early-warning
signals. How can they do that?
Triene-Mie: If you notice someone’s behaviour changing and you
suspect something is wrong, don’t hesitate to ask how they’re
doing. They may not tell you much the first time. But you’ve planted
a seed: they know your door is open. Patience is crucial, even if
nothing changes immediately. Also point them towards possible
support: through a GP, family, or the 1712 helpline for questions
about violence, abuse, and child maltreatment.
Melanie: In cases of child abuse, schools are usually the first to
raise the alarm. If necessary, they contact the Confidential Centre
for Child Abuse. It’s important that affected children continue to
have a safe space; removing them from their home right away is often
not the best option. Patience, reassurance, and giving the child
time to process something so profound are key.
How can the government make progress?
Triene-Mie: In the UK, psychological abuse has been explicitly
criminalised for several years as part of the broader approach to
domestic violence. Psychological and emotional abuse are recognised
as forms of “controlling or coercive behaviour,” which can lead
to prison sentences and civil protection measures. We should have
that too. Additionally, when reports are filed with the police, they
should more often look at the broader picture. There is too often an
ad hoc approach, whereas more attention should go to history and
context.
Melanie: In Flanders, a recent pilot project Handle with Care
informed schools immediately after police intervention in cases of
domestic violence. That allowed schools to provide appropriate
support right away. Unfortunately, GDPR regulations prevented a
wider rollout. In any case, the key remains systemic work—involving
family networks and breaking the isolation around those affected.
How difficult was it to keep believing in goodness, and in love?
Triene-Mie: I’ve always been able to see the good in people; I
was raised that way. But learning to trust again was very difficult. I
noticed I couldn’t fully open up, always remained on guard. Things
are much better now: I found a good, stable relationship and am
now happily married (to Daniël Troch, past president of Rc Sint-Gillis–Stekene–Camasiacum,
ed.). That’s thanks to Daniël’s boundless
patience. He never forced anything. The sense of safety I find with
him is fantastic.
Melanie: Trust is also a stumbling block for me. I’ve been in a new
relationship for a year and a half, after separating from the father of
my children. I notice that I always remain alert, afraid old patterns
might return. Open communication is essential for me. It brings
peace and helps me manage my fears.
What brings you relaxation?
Triene-Mie: I enjoy walking, playing sports, and reading. I read
almost everything except thrillers.
Melanie: I’m also an avid reader; I especially love stories. I’m writing
my second book now. At home, I enjoy creating a cosy atmosphere.
Cooking for my family truly gives me joy. I also love concerts and
festivals. My taste is broad, from Pink Floyd and Nick Cave to Sylvie
Kreusch.
Triene-Mie: Music is something I rediscovered after my marriage;
it can truly revive me. Back then, I was only allowed to listen to
evangelical hymns—other genres were considered ridiculous by
my husband. Now I listen to Amy Winehouse, The Beatles, jazz,
classical music…
Final question: if you were to invite each other for dinner, what
would you serve?
Triene-Mie: My first husband didn’t allow me to cook; I never
learned. Luckily, Daniël loves to cook. I’ll happily leave the menu to
him. I’ll buy a cake and set a beautifully laid table (laughs).
Melanie: I inherited one recipe from my mother, from the early ’90s:
scampi in a creamy tomato-and-pepper sauce with herbs… Simple
but delicious. I used to prepare it for every boyfriend I brought
home, always a success.
Triene-Mie: Sounds delicious indeed - maybe we really should plan
that dinner?
Melanie: Deal!
Steven Vermeylen
More info:
www.partnergeweld-overleven.com / www.fonkel.net
23

INTERVIEW
“A true artist
marvels throughout
his career.”
Valère Burnon is a 27-year-old Belgian concert
pianist from Marche-en-Famenne. Although Rotary
had already recognized his rare talent in 2013, it was
this year that he came to the attention of the public,
thanks to his third place finish in June at the Queen
Elisabeth International Music Competition. “I went
there and remained myself, without imposing any
constraints on myself.”
In March 2013, at the age of 14, you won the Breughel Competition,
organized by several Rotary clubs in Brussels. Do you
remember that?
Yes, I remember the Rotary logo on my diploma... It was the first
time I had played at Flagey, which was a good omen for the future!
I had already received several awards before, but this was my very
first “first prize”.
What made you switch to the piano at some point?
It’s true that the violin was my first choice. However, my parents
realized that I could also reproduce everything I heard by ear on a
keyboard. From then on, they enrolled me in piano lessons, and it
took on an increasingly important role in my life. It was probably a
better fit for me.
Since then, you have won several other competitions... How do
you feel about this competitive aspect, given that you are an
artist and not an athlete?
Competitions are a necessary gateway to performing on stage. We
try to be objective about performance, but it often comes down to
a few details, to questions of feeling... I saw the Queen Elisabeth
Competition as the culmination of years of preparation. I went there
determined to remain authentic and with the aim of enjoying myself.
In my opinion, that’s the best strategy to adopt before a competition.
In any case, the standards are very high, which can only push
us to work even harder and improve. It enriches our experience,
even when we don’t reach the final.
We know you as a pianist, but you are also a violinist; in fact,
that’s the instrument you started with...
Unfortunately, it’s been a while since I’ve had the opportunity to
play my violin. There are times when you must make choices... But
this learning experience has not been wasted because, as Frank
Braley, my teacher at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, says, having
been able to experience another musical perspective inevitably
enriches my piano playing today.
You play as a soloist, in chamber music ensembles, and with
orchestras. Which format do you like best? And why?
I don’t have a preference; each of these practices has its advantages
and disadvantages. As a soloist, you’re the only one in charge,
you have more freedom, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility.
In chamber music, you have to learn to be flexible, but it also
brings you great richness through dialogue and the exchange of
energy. Finally, the orchestra carries you and pushes you forward,
but in return it demands a high degree of adaptation. So all three
practices bring me different experiences, and I wouldn’t want to
do without any of them. Currently, concerts with orchestras are in
vogue, sometimes to the detriment of solo recitals and especially
chamber music. And yet, the piano repertoire is enormous in the latter
category, and there is really a lot of fun to be had.
Among the composers or pieces you have performed, is there
one that particularly excites you, one that you will never tire of?
There are many, but I often cite Rachmaninoff as the composer who
touches me the most. And perhaps above all, I remember his Piano
Concerto No. 3, which means so many things to me, especially the
beautiful emotions I felt during the Queen Elisabeth finale. I also
24

listen to Mozart’s concertos very regularly, and I never tire of them.
To complete the trio, I would mention Brahms. There are three quite
different aesthetics, but each one moving in its own way. I also
really like Ravel, Debussy, Mahler... It’s impossible to limit myself to
just one name.
Since 2022, you have been teaching chamber music at the Conservatory
of Liège. What does this teaching role bring you?
A musician must be able to convey emotions to the audience when
on stage, but I believe it is also important to pass on this skill to
the younger generation – even if there isn’t much of an age gap
between my students and me! However, this activity is currently on
hold as I have many concerts to perform.
You are currently in residence at the Queen Elisabeth Music
Chapel...
“Residence” isn’t really the right word because, as I live in Marcheen-Famenne,
it wouldn’t have made sense to rent a studio for the
whole year like a student artist from another continent. It is also
possible to rent a soundproof studio by the night, which is handy for
rehearsing at any time, at your own pace. The place is conducive
to productive work retreats, which is why I stayed there for the two
months leading up to the Queen Elisabeth Competition. I will be
there until at least the end of the academic year.
The Chapel is based on two main pillars: teaching of the highest
quality—I benefit from the invaluable advice of Frank Braley, Avo
Kouyoumdjian, and Jean-Claude Vanden Eynden—but also the 300
or so concerts it organizes each year, either on its premises or at
prestigious venues such as Flagey and Bozar. A large part of the
teaching therefore takes place on stage, and this is undoubtedly
what makes the Chapel so special and gives it its excellent reputation
as a school.
Apart from classical music, what other passions or activities fuel
you?
At this very moment, music really takes up my whole life! I’m a bit
of an oddball because, unlike most of my colleagues, I only listen to
classical music and have never opened myself up to other styles...
what you’re offering. It’s a lifelong endeavor... I often discuss this
with Jean-Claude Vanden Eynden (who, in 1964, won third prize in
the Queen Elisabeth Competition at the age of 16, editor’s note) and
he explains to me that, even today, he is still discovering things and
managing to solve puzzles about how to play this or that piece. An
artist must be able to continue to marvel throughout their career,
especially since we are fortunate enough to work on timeless,
exciting pieces.
What is your favorite color? Can we associate a particular color
with a particular note or harmony?
I really can’t answer the first question; I have no preference. On
the other hand, yes, I do associate colors and lighting effects with
harmonies. There are also composers known as “synesthetes,” such
as Alexander Scriabin and, later, Olivier Messiaen, who theorized
this ability to see a particular color with a particular musical chord. I
really like his aesthetic, but I think he was still a little “off”.
If you could have dinner with a historical figure, who would you
choose? And what dish would you serve?
I would obviously have liked to meet Mozart, even though I fear I
might have been disappointed, as his wholehearted and energetic
personality probably hid a difficult nature. And then Rachmaninoff,
who is an interesting and touching character, just like his music. It
would have been fascinating to talk to him. As for the dish, I would
simply have opted for my mother’s spaghetti!
Denis Crepin
You are still very young. So you must have a particular project
that you dream of accomplishing?
To be able to make a living from my concerts for as long as possible.
The dream is currently coming true, but who knows if it will
last? It’s risky to plan beyond two or three seasons, and that’s the
daily concern of an artist. Fortunately, since September, I’ve been
playing a lot in Belgium, including in Flanders. I’d like to open up
more internationally.
When you look back on your career, which is still short but already
rich, what word comes to mind?
I would say fulfillment, because that’s how I saw the Queen
Elisabeth Competition. But, as I just said, after that you have to
persevere, constantly question yourself, and never be satisfied with
Info: www.valereburnon.be
Concerts under the auspices of Rotary
• January 22, 2026, at 8 p.m.: solo recital at Theater
Elckerlyc, Frankrijklei 85-87, Antwerp (organized by
Rc Antwerpen-Zuid). Tickets: tinyurl.com/3j2xe4yy
• February 7, 2026, at 7 p.m.: Valentine’s Day concert
at the Maison de la Culture in Arlon (organized by Rc
Arlon). Info & tickets: tinyurl.com/5n7rpata
• March 4, 2027: concert at the Opéra de Liège (organized
by Rc Liège as part of its centenary celebrations)
25

ROTARY GLOBAL
Let us give with gratitude
This November, as we celebrate The Rotary Foundation, I
invite you to consider not only what we give but why we give.
The Foundation is more than a fund for projects. It is the
beating heart of our promise that service, rooted in trust and
friendship, can create lasting change.
Our Action Plan calls us to increase our impact, and the Foundation
is how we make this vision real. Since 1988, Rotary and
our partners have immunized nearly 3 billion children against
polio. We have committed more than $2.6 billion to this cause,
and last year alone we directed $146 million toward the final
push for eradication. These numbers are significant, but the
true impact is not in statistics — it is in the lives of children who
will never again fear polio. It is in the hope restored to families
and the peace built in communities once defined by disease.
But polio is only one story among many. Each year, Rotary
Peace Centers train new generations of leaders who will
transform conflict into dialogue and division into understanding.
In 2023-24, nearly 100 new fellows began their studies,
continuing a legacy of more than 1,800 peacebuilders from
over 140 countries. When we invest in them, we are planting
seeds of peace that will bear fruit for decades to come.
The Foundation also touches lives through district and global
grants, supporting projects large and small. A clean water
well for a rural community, scholarships for young professionals,
medical care in the wake of disaster — these are not
temporary gestures, but steps toward dignity, resilience, and
opportunity. And when natural disasters strike, our Foundation
allows Rotary to act quickly with disaster response grants.
Our Foundation is not about what we can do alone but what we
can do together. Each contribution, no matter its size, joins with
others to create a collective act of faith in humanity and in the
future. This November, let us give with gratitude, with joy, and
with hope. Through our Foundation, we
Unite for Good, and in doing so, we leave
behind not only projects but a legacy of
peace, trust, and Service Above Self.
Francesco Arezzo
President RI
Undeniable impact
As we celebrate Rotary Foundation Month, let’s reflect on the
many ways the Foundation makes the world better. Rotary is
extraordinary, and the Foundation amplifies that impact.
I encourage all of you — in Rotary and Rotaract clubs — to
discover this for yourselves. Go beyond the local level and
engage with The Rotary Foundation globally. You can partner
with clubs to boost literacy in Guatemala or fight malaria in
Zambia. You can make a difference with clean water initiatives
reaching millions or maternal health programs saving lives
across continents.
Many of you have asked about the status of Rotary’s biggest
impact project in history — our long-term commitment to polio
eradication. Recently, RI President Francesco Arezzo, International
PolioPlus Committee Chair Michael McGovern, and I met
with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the army leadership
of Pakistan. Everyone is fully committed to eradicating polio
once and for all. We were absolutely convinced by the work of
Pakistan’s emergency operations centers, where experts plan
and coordinate vaccination.
While some governments scale back support for polio eradication,
Rotary remains committed to its pledge to raise $50
million again this year. This meeting reaffirmed our unwavering
commitment to finishing this historic mission.
What excites me most is seeing how each of us can make a real
difference through our Foundation. I urge everyone — especially
newcomers to Rotary — to explore these opportunities.
We members fund, sustain, and deliver projects. That’s why
the Foundation consistently earns top ratings from Charity
Navigator. If you don’t want to lead a project, you can still
be part of the Foundation through annual support. We have
incredible opportunities before us, and the
impact we achieve together through The
Rotary Foundation is exponential. The
proof is undeniable.
Holger Knaack
Foundation trustee chair
26

OUR HISTORY
‘So many battles in court!’
Have you heard of Sylvia Whitlock?
In 1987, she became the
first woman to be president of
a Rotary club, following a long
legal battle between her club
and Rotary International. Today,
Rotary International awards
an annual prize in her name to
recognize individuals who have
advanced the cause of women
around the world.
In 1976, Rotary club of Duarte, California,
decided to admit women into its ranks,
thereby violating Rotary International’s
rules. Banned by RI, the club engaged in
a legal battle that culminated in 1987 with
a landmark decision by the United States
Supreme Court: Rotary clubs cannot exclude
women from membership.
Since then, attitudes have fortunately
changed. Not enough, some would say...
At the RI Convention in Calgary last June,
Björn Lange, editor-in-chief of Rotary
Magazin (Germany and Austria), had the
opportunity to meet briefly with pioneer
Sylvia Whitlock.
Ms. Whitlock, you were the first woman
in Rotary’s history. What was it like back
then when you wanted to join a club?
I was working as a principal at the time
and the director of the school invited me
to his club, where of course there were
no women yet. That was in the Duarte
Unified School District. Look at the pin on
my jacket. It says: Ex-Rotary Club. Rotary
kicked the club out at the time because
women were banned. So we called ourselves
the Ex-Rotary Club and sued Rotary
International. And finally, after eleven
years of litigation and many hearings, the
United States Supreme Court ruled that
Rotary must admit women. That was the
breakthrough!
Pioneer Sylvia Whitlock
When exactly did you officially become a
Rotarian?
That was on May 4, 1987. I fought for it. For
eleven years! So many battles in court!
Today, the proportion of women in Rotary
worldwide is about 25 percent, in the
USA at least 30 percent, in Germany and
Austria only about 14 percent 1 .
This can also be seen positively: You still
have great potential for growth and development.
Certainly, there are women in
Germany and Austria who can encourage
other great women to join and get involved.
About ten percent of the clubs in Germany
and Austria are pure men’s clubs and
want to stay that way. What do they say
to these clubs?
Quite simply: There are rules of the game
that they have to abide by. According to
RI’s bylaws, they cannot call themselves
Rotary clubs unless they are open to
women.
Sure, but some of these clubs pretend not
to find the right women.
Ah, those poor people! (Laughs loudly)
They should come to me, I’ll help them
search.
Ms. Whitlock, at the age of 90 you flew to
a convention again. Was it worth it?
It was, I like it. A great place, a great city,
strong sessions and lots of nice people.
But if, like me, you need help to get from
A to B, it’s not easy. The lack of mobility is
the biggest shortcoming of this convention.
I noticed that at least a third of the participants
of this convention are female.
That’s right. I’m very happy about that, but
there could be more.
How do you see Rotary’s future?
Rotary is the answer to the most important
questions. Take a look around the House
of Friendship: Everywhere you will find
answers to the big questions of our time.
Also on the most important one, namely
how we can solve conflicts. Wherever
people do not have access to clean water,
where there is homelessness, Rotary is
the answer. Look at what we’ve achieved
in eradicating polio. It took 40 years, but
we almost made it. This shows that it is
feasible and that we can achieve so much
together. And we have to listen. At a time
when no one is listening, Rotary needs to
listen and act.
1 In BeLux, there are 1,457 women out of a total of 9,923 active members, representing 14.68%.
27

URBAN ADVENTURES
Ghent in Winter Glow
© Martin Corlazzoli / Stad Gent
© Martin Corlazzoli / City of Ghent
Some cities win you over instantly, and Ghent is
definitely one of them. Think: medieval towers,
buzzing squares, canals shimmering in the sunlight,
and a youthful, creative vibe. Add a generous dash of
Christmas magic, and you’ve got the perfect recipe
for a winter city break.
THREE TOWERS AND A CASTLE
Begin your exploration at the Korenmarkt, where Ghent’s famous
skyline unfolds: St Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry, and St Bavo’s Cathedral
proudly stand side by side. Inside the cathedral, an absolute
world treasure awaits: The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van
Eyck brothers. Even if you’re not an art connoisseur, the delicate
details and impressive restoration will leave you in awe.
A stone’s throw away rises the Gravensteen above the city. A sturdy
castle with keeps, battlements, and a good dose of medieval charm.
Inside, you’ll discover how the Counts of Flanders once lived; outside,
you’re treated to panoramic views.
MUSEUMS WITH BITE
Ghent breathes culture—not just from the past. At S.M.A.K., you’ll
find fresh contemporary art that isn’t afraid to challenge or intrigue.
The Museum of Fine Arts houses an impressive top collection spanning
600 years. Until 4 January, the exhibition Transcripts of a Sea
by renowned photographer Stephan Vanfleteren is on display. His
photographs of the sea offer inspiring motifs to view the evolution
of marine painting in a new light.
Design Museum Gent, on the other hand, showcases sleekly designed
objects, furniture, and installations.
Be sure to visit the Book Tower as well, Ghent’s sometimes forgotten
“fourth” tower. This modernist masterpiece by architect Henry
van de Velde (1930) holds more than three million books and manuscripts
from Ghent University. From the panoramic floor, you’ll enjoy
a breathtaking view of the city. With its clean lines and Art Deco
style, the Book Tower is not only a treasure trove of knowledge but
also an architectural icon.
DINING IN STYLE
A day of cultural discovery will spark your appetite - and Ghent
happens to be a foodie’s paradise. The city is known as the vegetarian
capital of Europe but offers a great culinary experience for every
type of eater. A few recommendations:
• Publiek: Michelin-starred but without the stiffness. Chef Olly
Ceulenaere surprises with inventive combinations that taste both
local and worldly.
• De Superette: sourdough bread and wood-fired pizzas in an
industrial setting—the perfect spot for a casual night out with
friends.
• Volta: dine in a former power station with high ceilings and refined
dishes.
• Le Botaniste: plant-based heaven. Think colourful bowls and
surprising wines in an apothecary-style interior.
And don’t forget the local specialties: a Gentse Strop from Brouwerij
Roman in a cosy café, or a few cuberdons—those purple raspberry-filled
“noses”—as a sweet pick-me-up along the way.
WINTER MAGIC
In December, you’ll find yourself in the middle of the Ghent Winter
Festival, a charming Christmas market stretching across the Korenmarkt,
Sint-Baafsplein, and the City Pavilion. Warm your hands
on a cup of mulled wine and pick up artisan gifts. There’s even an
ice rink. The historic facades in the background make this a picture-perfect
Instagram moment. In the evening, the city transforms
once more: follow the Light Plan walking route and discover how
bridges, squares, and buildings are bathed in a fairytale glow.
28

BOOKS
The Richest Man of the Modern Age
Who comes to mind? Probably Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark
Zuckerberg or Bill Gates - but you’d be wrong! We’re talking about
Jacob Fugger, born in Augsburg (Germany) in 1459. This was the
era in which Christopher Columbus crossed the oceans in search
of a new route to India, Magellan sailed around the world to prove
that the Earth is round, and Leonardo da Vinci painted his Mona
Lisa. Jacob had barely left his teenage years behind when he
was sent to the minor seminary in Venice. But in Europe’s most
opulent city, he discovered not only the pleasures of nightlife; he
also developed a fascination for the financial world. He became
especially intrigued by the system of double-entry bookkeeping,
described by the mathematician Luca Pacioli, which he would go
on to apply with brilliant mastery.
He became, among other things, banker to Archduke Sigismund
of Habsburg and subsequently to his successor, the future Emperor
Maximilian I, to Charles V, and to Popes Sixtus IV and Julius
II. In exchange for loans, he secured guarantees on their assets—
mainly mines. Since his clients systematically failed to repay him
(as he had anticipated), he was able to seize these assets without
difficulty. He also developed the trade in indulgences on behalf of
the papacy. Finally, he financed the famed Swiss Guard to protect
Pope Julius II, who spent more time waging war than caring for
the souls of his faithful…
gaining ground as he accumulated his wealth. Throughout
his life, he supported these movements with his immense
fortune.
Yet a mystery surrounds him even today: what is the true origin of
his enormous wealth? Did it stem solely from his mining activities
and coin minting? Various researchers analysed his accounting
and noted that these activities yielded around 5% return in good
years. He became a target of Luther, as receiving interest was
considered contrary to religious doctrine. Fugger, however, sought
an agreement with Pope Leo X, who issued a decree banning
loans with interest unless there was “labour, cost or risk” involved.
Naturally, all of Fugger’s loans met these criteria… Still, this alone
cannot fully explain why his wealth grew by 700% after he took
over the family business.
This book takes you on a fascinating journey in which the city of
Antwerp plays an unmistakable role. Co-author Bernard Van den
Bogaert was a top executive at the family-owned De Koninck
Brewery and a member of Rc Antwerpen-Schelde. Sadly, he
passed away in April of this year.
But it would be a mistake to reduce Fugger to his extraordinary
talent for handling numbers and amassing wealth. His personality
had many more facets. A glimpse at his youth already provides
insights into his psychology. From the age of ten, he wandered
through his parents’ workshops to learn the techniques of weaving.
He was curious about everything. He enjoyed visiting the
elderly residents of his (Jewish) neighbourhood to immerse himself
in their history. Later, when the New World was discovered,
he realised that brazilwood could produce a red pigment used for
dyeing textiles.
At the height of his success, the Fugger enterprise had numerous
branches. These not only served Jacob’s commercial ambitions
but also enabled him to build an unprecedented network of
informants. This allowed him to establish valuable business connections
and stay ahead of his competitors in every field.
Fugger also had a remarkable ability to align himself with the
humanist movement and the Renaissance, which were rapidly
ROTARY BENEFIT
Order this book for €25 via this link (NL) or this link (FR).
Shipping is free.
29

AGENDA
DEADLINES
Cet agenda reprend un aperçu des activités les plus importantes figurant
dans le calendrier en ligne de Polaris, au 15 du mois précédent et en mode
‘public’ (cochez également la visibilité ‘district’ et ‘multidistrict’). Vous désirez
mettre en avant une activité de votre club ? Demandez alors nos tarifs publicitaires
préférentiels.
Info: rotarycontact@rotarybeluxservices.org
PROCHAIN NUMÉRO
DATE DE PARUTION : 15.01
PÉRIODE : 15.01 – 28.02
DEADLINE : 31.12
ROTARY AT A GLANCE
WORLDWIDE
Rotarians : 1.167.882 Clubs : 36.625
Rotaractors : 143.470 Clubs : 9.841
BELUX
Rotarians : 9.908 Clubs: 288
Rotaractors : 768 Clubs: 43
COMPTES BANCAIRES
D 2150
District: BE86 0018 5183 2050
Fondation: BE84 0019 5928 9559
Polio: BE49 0019 5929 0771
Jeunesse: BE85 3632 0205 7306
D 2160
(BEL): BE84 0018 6824 5359
(LUX): LU18 0030 5474 8046 0000
Fondation - Fonds annuel: BE 97 0018 8663 5549
Fondation - Polio: BE75 0018 8663 5751
DATE HOUR CLUB ACTIVITY PLACE
24.11 12h30 Bruxelles-Ouest Jean-Émile Vanderheyden, ‘Le burn-out
professionnel et/ou privé’
Chalet du Laerbeek,
av. du Laerbeek 145, Jette
24.11 19u Dendermonde Rudi Vranckx, ‘Mijn kleine oorlog, 35 jaar aan
het front’
Kasteel van Lebbeke
24.11 19u Gent Bart Verbeke, ‘Restauratie van schilderijen’ Kasteel Coninxdonck
25.11 19u Jabbeke Amizant: vakanties voor kinderen en jongeren met
een beperking
Het Oosthof
26.11 19u Kortrijk Wine Art: kaas, wijn & fototentoonstelling Bel&Bo Deerlijk
30

DATE HOUR CLUB ACTIVITY PLACE
26.11 19u Vilvoorde Faja Lobi, ‘Herbebossing in de DR Congo’ Hotel Abbey
27.11 12h15 Luxembourg-
Horizon
Sven Baltes, ‘Jonk entrepreneuren Luxembourg’
Park Hotel Alvisse,
route d’Echternach 120,
L-1453 Luxembourg
27.11 19u30 Diksmuide 86XX Meet & Greet : maak kennis met de club! De IJzertoren
27.11 19u30 Landen Rotary Info Café: Red onze bijen De Rietgors, Landen
28-30.11 La Louvière Vente de sapins Nordmann + bar
(aussi les 12 et 13 décembre)
Espaces Verts Masse & Fils,
rue de la Croix du Maïeur 10,
Strépy-Bracquegnies
29.11 9h Luxembourg-Kiem Plantation d’arbres (réserve Rotary) Rue de Dalheim, Medingen
29.11 18u RAC Leuven Soirée Vinifiée : tasting Portugese wijnen OC Genadedal
29.11 18h Vallée du Geer
(Glons)
Paëlla solidaire + spectacle flamenco.
Info: Paul Lemoine
Salle de l’école de Voroux,
rue Provinciale 26, Voroux-lez-Liers
29.11 18u30 Brakel-Zwalmvallei Viering 10-jarig bestaan Gare C – feestzaal station Oudenaarde
29.11 19u Oudenaarde Casino Royale Royal Golf Club Oudenaarde
30.11 14u30 Turnhout &
Hoogstraten-
Kempen
Euregio Jeugdorkest, Akari Bastiaens & Jef Neve
De Warande, Turnhout
02.12 19u30 Hasselt-Juniperus Benefietavond Reginald Moreels & Architecten
zonder Grenzen
Krekelhof Hasselt
04.12 19h15 Seraing Soirée théâtre: ‘Apocalypse non’ (Marc Herman) Comédie en Île, rue Méan 11,
4020 Liège
04.12 19u45 Landen Steven Vanbergen, ‘Everything is possible.
Mijn weg naar de Ironman.
Aulnenhof, Walshoutem
06.12 18u30 Leuven Diner@Lampeke: culinaire beleving voor het
goede doel
Buurtwerk ‘t Lampeke
06.12 19h30 Brussel-Bruxelles
Atomium
Soirée théâtre: ‘Le prénom’.
Info: josehans62@gmail.com
Théâtre Royal des Galeries,
Galerie du Roi 32, 1000 Bxl
09.12 19h Bruxelles Valérie Glatigny et Pierre Jadoul, ‘L’enseignement
de demain’
EPHEC Bruxelles, Campus Woluwe -
info@rotary.brussels
10.12 19h Luxembourg-Hearts Christmas Dinner. Info: Damien Welsch, Michel Faltz Tubbo (igloo transparent sur la place
de l’Europe)
31

AGENDA
DATE HOUR CLUB ACTIVITY PLACE
11.12 12h15 Luxembourg-
Horizon
Daniel Becker, Conseil national d’Éthique
Park Hotel Alvisse,
route d’Echternach 120,
L-1453 Luxembourg
12-14.12 Waterloo Stand au marché de Noël (foie gras, champagne,
gaufres…)
Devant la maison communale
de Waterloo
13.12 16h30 Liège Ville Mosane Vente de sapins Nordmann et stand au marché
de Noël (huîtres, saumon, foie gras, bulles…)
Domaine de la Tour de Tilice,
rue Tilice 101, Juprelle
13.12 18h Bruxelles-Altitude
e.a.
Dîner + spectacle de mime ‘Les Petites Aventures’
Théâtre du Collège Saint-Pierre,
av. Coghen 205, Uccle
13.12 20h La Louvière Concert Gaspesie French Cover (bar champagne &
restauration 18h30)
Église Saint-Joseph,
place de Bracquegnies
15.12 19h Sept Fontaines Avant-première cinéma: ‘The Penguin Lessons’ Cinés Wellington, chée de Bruxelles
165, Waterloo
16.12 21u E-club of Belgium 1
Passport
Sjarabang: a welcoming place where art is a
leverage for social inclusion
Online
18.12 19h30 Louvain-la-Neuve Repas festif de fin d’année. Info: Olivier van Cutsem Abbaye de Clerlande,
allée de Clerlande 1, Ottignies
18.12 19u30 Menen Barnyard Bigband & showkoor Spotz-On:
‘White Christmas’
Fabriekspand
18.12 19h30 Saint-Ghislain PN, Pierre Degand, ‘Le réseau Séquoia pour les 50+’ Chez Romano, rue Neuve 18, Boussu
18.12 19h30 Wavre Gisèle Maréchal, ‘Climat et environnement:
de la fresque à l’action’
Hôtel Ibis Styles, bd de Lauzelle 61,
Louvain-la-Neuve
19.12 13h30 Herstal ‘Tournée du Père Noël’ (dans les homes de l’entité).
Info: Dimitri Tsalos
Départ: boulangerie-pâtisserie Pelzer,
Herstal
13.01 12h30 Esch-sur-Alzette Dr Marc Jacoby, ‘The power of sleep’.
Info: Gerry Wagner
De Spackelter, rue de Luxembourg 2,
Leudelange
15.01 12h15 Luxembourg-
Horizon
Raoul Schaaf, ‘Le travail social au service des
personnes en danger de marginalisation’
Park Hotel Alvisse,
route d’Echternach 120,
L-1453 Luxembourg
24.01 19h Binche-Leptines Soirée tartiflettes et blind test Maison de village, rue Albert Bastin,
Vellereille-les-Brayeux
24.01 19u30 Brugge ‘t Vrije Nieuwjaarsconcert met Dirk Brossé & Prima
la Musica
Concertgebouw Brugge
24.01 19h30 Lessines Concert du Nouvel An (JB Band Baudour) avec bar
champagne & tapas
Théâtre Jean-Claude Drouot,
rue des Quatre Fils Aymon, Lessines
26.01 19u Dendermonde Lezing ‘Jan Leyers bij de Duitsers’ Kasteel van Lebbeke
27.01 19h Esch-sur-Alzette Prof. Dr Jean Ehret, ‘Luxembourg School of Religion
and Society’. Info: Gerry Wagner
De Spackelter, rue de Luxembourg 2,
Leudelange
31.01 19h30 Durbuy Course caritative (5 ou 10 km) + animation Ruelles de Durbuy
32

SHOT ON SITE
Limburg has gained a new club. Rc Bilzen-Alden
Biesen now has a satellite club: Bilzen-Hoeselt. The
club was launched under the presidency of Johnny
Stegen, who is also active as Chair of Public Image
for D 2140. DG Paul Vandeloo personally came to pin
the new members.
That same day, another enthusiastic team - from
Rc Bruxelles-Sud, Bruxelles-Tercoigne, and Bruxelles-Europe
- joined 200 young scouts and guides.
After a short quiz on environmental protection and
the harmful impact of plastics, they got to work in
Wolvendael Park in Uccle, where they collected
around 200 kilos of waste in just over an hour.
On Sunday, 12 October, a major cleanup day took
place in the parks of Brussels. Rc Bruxelles-Ouest
and Rc Brussel-Bruxelles Atomium were present in
Laerbeek Park. Armed with garbage bags and litter
pickers, they tackled the waste.
For the first time, a rubber duck race was held in Charleroi on the Sambre -
an initiative of Rc Gilly-Charleroi and Rc Fontaine-l’Évêque – Montigny-le-Tilleul.
A floating barrier was installed to catch all the ducks, the entire site was cleaned
afterwards, and the use of disposable materials was kept to a minimum. The ducks
were rented from a non-profit organization and returned afterwards. The proceeds go
to Maison Mieux-Être, an organization that supports people with cancer.
33

SHOT ON SITE
On 24 August, Rc Durbuy organized a culinary
walking tour in the beautiful, rural (and sunny)
surroundings of Ouffet. Participants enjoyed seven
gastronomic stops, with dishes carefully prepared by
a caterer. Local and seasonal products were central,
in an atmosphere that highlighted the richness of
local terroir and artisanal gastronomy.
On 7 September, Rc Fléron showcased its best side
with its “Rallye d’Ancêtres,” which, under a radiant
sun, brought together old-timer enthusiasts and
Rotary friends. On the program: a drive along the
region’s most scenic roads, an aperitif in Aubel, and
a barbecue to round off the day. In short: a festive
day dedicated to friendship and solidarity, as the
proceeds go to several local associations.
After 33 stages and 2,405 kilometers by bike, Dorothée
(Rc Esch-Bassin Minier) and her husband Michael
reached Santiago de Compostela. They cycled
the route in support of End Polio Now. The photo
was taken at Monte do Gozo, a hill that holds special
meaning for pilgrims: it is where they see the towers
of the Santiago Cathedral for the first time…
Several members of Rc Gaasbeek-Pajottenland
visited the Rainbow4Kids project in Kenya. The
project supports the most vulnerable children in
Maweni (Ukunda). They receive quality education in
a recently built school. In addition, they are taught
important values and receive two nutritious meals
per day (breakfast and lunch).
Ghent’s Rotaract clubs
kicked off the new working
year on the water. They
enjoyed a successful interclub
gathering aboard the
Party Boat - an event full of
music, dancing, and good
vibes.
34

SHOT ON SITE
A few years ago, an Ypres Rotarian saved someone’s
life through resuscitation. Not long after, Rc Ieper
launched a project to promote cardiopulmonary resuscitation
skills. In local schools, hundreds of young
people have already learned how they can make
a difference. During the Open Business Day, the
club, together with the Red Cross, was once again
present at the Jan Yperman Hospital. Young and old
could learn how simple and important it is to dare to
perform CPR.
Het Wachthuis in Haacht offers a safe space for
people with mental and/or social vulnerabilities,
outside of mental health care structures. With
the support of Rc Keerbergen, a “Comfort Space”
(Troostplek) was created there. Anyone may sit
there - in silence or in conversation - simply to be…
without judgement and in connection with others.
Rc Sint-Truiden went on a… wine safari. Despite the
pouring rain, the Rotarians thoroughly enjoyed a tour
in golf carts through the Haspengouw wine region.
Tastings from Gloire de Duras, Domein Cuvelier, and
Schorpion delighted the senses.
With “Kasterlee-on-Wheels,” Rc Kasterlee organized
a pleasant family cycling tour along all of the municipality’s
beautiful spots. With great cycling weather,
a wonderful atmosphere, and enthusiastic participants,
it was once again a day to remember. The
pop-up terrace by the Nete was transformed into a
lively dance floor, and of course there was a wide
range of snacks and drinks. The proceeds go to
Mastival, an inclusive festival for young people from
special education and residents of care institutions.
The Interclub Greater Tournai
unites 25 service clubs with
nearly 700 members. On 3
September, the annual coordination
meeting took place
at Espace Wallonie Picarde.
Seventy-five representatives of Rotary, Lions,
Kiwanis, Fifty-One, Soroptimist, Inner Wheel, Round
Table, etc. attended. In the photo you can see DGE
2150 Christophe Cossyns, DG 2150 Alain Vanrillaer,
Lions Past Governor Richard Paris, and PDG 1620
Paul Coppens.
35

What amount did Rotary donate
to Télévie in 2025?
Is Alain Van de Poel the first Belgian
to become RI Vice President? If not, who preceded him?
With Yinka Babalola we will have an African RI President next year.
Was there previously an African who held this position?
Bill Gates has decided to donate almost his entire fortune.
How old did the iconic entrepreneur turn last month?
Where will the newest Rotary Peace Center be opened?
ANSWERS
• 80.500 €.
• Clément Morraye (Rc Gent) in 1961–62.
• Yes, Jonathan Majiyagbe (Nigeria) in 2003–04.
• 70 years.
• In Pune, India.
In our next issue:
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
FOCUS: The King Baudouin Foundation and the Rotary Foundation. For several years now, through the Rotary Belgium
Fund at the KBF, you can support Rotary Foundation programs while benefiting from tax deductibility. We take a
look at how this is going and whether further forms of cross-fertilisation are possible.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly conquering our world — from chatbots writing essays to algorithms predicting
diseases. But do these machines really understand what they are saying, or are they merely repeating what they
have heard? Eva Robbrecht (RC Ghent-North) analyses how language models like ChatGPT work, why they seem so
impressive, and where their limits lie.
The Arte Amanti Festival has grown over nearly two decades from a series of small-scale concerts into a full-fledged
international music festival. Founder Reinilde Leyers offers a stage to both young talents and established musicians,
creating unique musical encounters.
Interview: Lorenzo Gatto, award-winning violinist and advocate for accessible classical music.
36