Red Cross Flanders launches annual plaster campaign

23 April 2026

Red Cross Flanders launched its annual plaster campaign in Haacht on Thursday, with a symbolic kick-off at Don Bosco De Puzzel primary school. Beloved television characters Samson & Marie purchased the first plaster of 2026 in the presence of around 100 children, parents, teachers and volunteers.

Over the next two weeks, more than 13,000 volunteers will travel across Flanders selling plasters in support of their local branches. The campaign is one of the main sources of income for the organisation’s 205 local branches, helping to fund disaster relief, lending services and first aid training.

“One plaster costs 10 euros. With that, you directly support Red Cross operations in your neighbourhood. With the proceeds, the branches can make targeted investments in their operations and thus strengthen disaster preparedness in Flanders,” said Hans Verstraete, chairman of Red Cross Flanders.

_{© BELGA VIDEO SARAH VAN HECKE}

After three record years, the organisation is once again aiming for a strong campaign. In 2025, 410,000 plasters were sold, raising 4.1 million euros. Verstraete commented on the campaign’s continued importance: “The importance of disaster preparedness is more relevant than ever today, whether it concerns a major crisis or a smaller local emergency. It is thanks to the support of thousands of Flemish people who buy a plaster that we can continue to professionalise our operations and be prepared in case of emergency.”

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This year’s plasters feature characters from the Studio 100 universe, including Samson & Marie, marking the company’s 30th anniversary. Widely recognised in Flanders, Samson & Marie are children’s television characters centred around a talking sheepdog and his human companion, part of a long-running family entertainment franchise produced by Studio 100.

“Samson and I consider it a great honour to appear on the plaster together with our Studio 100 friends and thus support the Red Cross plaster campaign. This is very important to us, because we love helping. And the Red Cross volunteers? They are true heroes! Thank you for everything you do,” said Samson & Marie. “We call on everyone to buy a plaster and support the local branches.”

Following the launch, volunteers immediately began selling plasters in the streets and at local sales points. The campaign runs until 7 May, with all proceeds going directly to local Red Cross branches.

_{#FlandersNewsService | The kick-off of the Red Cross Flanders band-aid campaign, Thursday 23 April 2026, in Haacht.
© BELGA PHOTO SARAH VAN HECKE}

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