Bekina supports local projects such as Heuvelheem

As a proud partner of Streekfonds Oost-Vlaanderen, Bekina commits to help enable social and sustainable initiatives in the region through the regional network #Streekmotor23. One of these projects is The Green Connection at the Heuvelheem experience garden in Wannegem-Lede. We visited this project.

The right match of values

At Bekina, local commitment is part of our DNA. We operate worldwide but our daily operations and production are still taking place in Kluisbergen. That was one of the reasons for entering into a partnership with Streekfonds Oost-Vlaanderen so we can help create local impact.

59 projects can count on the support of Streekfonds Oost-Vlaanderen. Many of these projects focus on themes that are also important values for Bekina. Heuvelheem, for example, is a perfect fit with our company thanks to shared values such as diversity, connection, ecology and circularity. It was very valuable for us to see how those values come to life there in a warm and inclusive way.

A garden that makes people shine

Heuvelheem is a service centre for adults with (suspected) disabilities. Within Heuvelheem, you can indulge professionally on talent floors such as The Experience Garden. Their latest project 'The Green Connection' is a social project with local impact. Together with the clients of The Experience Garden, they have set up a neighbourhood initiative around composting. The idea is that they regularly go round to collect GFT waste from local residents in Wannegem-Lede. The waste will be processed into quality compost and used in their vegetable garden and flower beds. They want to make it an ecological and cyclical process but also create new social connections between neighbours, clients and the location.

When we visited the project, we saw immediately the connection between people and nature. They take care not only of the residents, but also the environment. This is also exactly what we want to achieve as a company: a sustainable future that benefits people and the environment.

The power of 'Streekfonds Oost-Vlaanderen'

Streekfonds Oost-Vlaanderen (East Flanders Regional Fund) plays a crucial role in this story. They invests in local projects and/or initiatives with added value for people and planet. Divided over five regions, including #Streekmotor23 as a regional network in the Flemish Ardennes and the Dender region. Annually, project ideas can be submitted by NPOs, organisations, associations, etc. The selected social projects (59 this year) first conduct their own crowdfunding campaign, raising funds from individuals, companies and organisations. Then the amount raised is doubled by the Regional Fund with a maximum of 6.000 euros. Made possible thanks to the financial support of companies such as Bekina.

Gratitude and warmth

Besides our financial sponsorship, we also donated several pairs of our safety boots, hats and buffs as well as buckets. Ideal for working in the garden. Their gratitude and warmth was amazing. To feel the appreciation for the support they receive is the best thing we can wish for as a partner. It is very nice to know where our contribution is going to and that it enables tangible change. For example, Heuvelheem plans to use the money to buy new equipment such as an electric wheelbarrow and tumblers. The electric wheelbarrow is important to collect the waste and the tumblers to process the waste into quality compost as independently and ergonomically as possible.

We are happy to help make a difference in our neighbourhood!