Vebego Foundation: making the world a better place together
In 2025, Vebego Foundation (an independent entity, funded by Vebego Group) continued to support children, young people and colleagues who could use a helping hand, both in the Netherlands and abroad. Chair Rob Westerlaken looks back with pride on a year defined by commitment and cooperation.
‘2025 leaves us with a warm feeling, not because of one project or moment, but because of the collective efforts of so many committed colleagues, volunteers and partners,’ says Rob. ‘It’s what we carry and make possible together,’ he continues. ‘That’s where we make a difference. Without our people, there would be no impact.’
From local to international commitment
Collaboration was evident throughout Vebego Foundation’s work in 2025. Across a wide range of social initiatives, two questions kept coming up: what’s needed and how can we help? The ‘Mijn Inzet, Mijn Project’ programme allowed colleagues to make a difference in their own communities. With partners such as Sam& voor alle Kinderen and Stichting Jarige Job, Vebego Foundation once again created many meaningful moments. In September, the foundation entered into a partnership with Humanitas, a Dutch volunteer organisation that supports people in finding their own strength. The foundation also supported international projects in Sri Lanka, Morocco and Ghana.
Focus on financial concerns and the importance of dialogue
Recognising and discussing financial concerns was an important theme in 2025. Many employees find it difficult to talk about this, often out of shame or uncertainty. However, spotting problems early can prevent them from getting worse. ‘Vebego Foundation therefore organised a course, provided by one of our colleagues,’ says Rob. ‘It was attended by 110 colleagues and received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5. The number of participants and their scores show how great the need is and how much impact initiatives like this have.’
International growth of Vebego Foundation
Vebego Foundation also took important steps internationally. Foundations in Germany and Switzerland continued to develop and are making an increasing impact. ‘We hope that they will become as big as the foundations in the Netherlands and Belgium, although we are already looking across the border with pride,’ Rob emphasises.
The first project in Germany was particularly special: 50 colleagues volunteering to work with Make-A-Wish Deutschland. Make-A-Wish fulfils the dearest wishes of seriously ill children between the ages of 3 to 17. More than 615,000 wishes have already been granted worldwide, including some now made possible by our people. The result was a series of special moments for the children and their loved ones, showing what can be achieved through collaboration.
Building a solid foundation together
Vebego Foundation also built a solid and future-proof foundation within the board, which is now back at full strength. This enabled Rita Brouwer, who supported the board during the transition phase, to step down with confidence. In a further change, we welcomed Rahel Wagner to the board. Rahel took over from Shirley Jane Michael, in Switzerland. Strong cooperation within the board provides a solid basis for Vebego Foundation’s work, now and in the future.
Looking ahead to 2026
The groundwork has been laid. Now it is time to build on it. In the coming period, the focus will be on strengthening the ambassador network, increasing Vebego Foundation's visibility in Germany and Switzerland, and more actively engaging volunteers across the organisation. In addition, a volunteer construction trip to Sri Lanka is planned for 2026. ‘I hope we can continue to take meaningful steps together, and that colleagues will keep supporting one another,’ says Rob.