What FEESTvarken vzw does

FEESTvarken vzw is a Belgian non-profit association (vzw) founded in 2013-2014 that addresses child poverty by delivering birthday packages to children aged 1-12 in families facing financial hardship. The organization operates across Belgium through partnerships with over 80 municipal social services (OCMW/CPAS) and social partner organizations, which identify eligible children and distribute packages valued at €45-60 containing a new age-appropriate gift, treats for classmates, party supplies, and celebration materials. Package volume grew from 154 in 2014 to 3,511 in a recent year, reflecting steady scaling of direct aid operations. The organization also runs educational workshops on child poverty for schools (developed with Thomas More Hogeschool) and corporate teambuilding sessions that combine volunteer engagement with social impact.

The business model is primarily donation-driven, with 68% of income coming from companies and private individuals; donations of €40+ qualify for a Belgian fiscal certificate offering up to 45% tax reduction. A secondary revenue stream comes from a merchandise webshop selling branded items including a children's book, IPA beer, gin (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), glasses, and accessories, with operations now extending to the Netherlands. In-kind contributions from corporate partners (Unilever, Albert Heijn, Bol.com, Clics Toys, DHL) significantly reduce package costs, while subsidized logistics via PostNL enable cost-effective distribution. The organization is volunteer-led with 65 active volunteers (including individuals with vulnerabilities such as autism, burnout, or poverty experience) and a small staff of 6, with no proprietary technology platform — operations run on manual coordination, a basic webshop, and standard social media channels. The 2024 relocation to a larger dedicated facility in Lille reflects the organization's continued institutional growth.

Name

FEESTvarken vzw

Legal name

Feestvarken vzw

Website

https://feestvarkenvzw.be

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

FEESTvarken vzw is a Belgian non-profit founded in 2013 that delivers birthday packages to children in poverty across Belgium, serving 3,511 children annually through partnerships with over 80 municipal social services and funded primarily by donations and corporate sponsors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Child Welfare Social Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Gift, Novelty, and Souvenir Retailers (45942)

SIC

Greeting Cards (2771)

akta.pro primary industry

Birthday Party Services (HSACACAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Kids Party Entertainment (Clowns, Magicians, Characters) (HSACACAG)

Keywords

• Child poverty relief
• Birthday packages
• Social services nonprofit
• Corporate social responsibility
• Community fundraising

Headquarters

HQ city

Lille

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Individual and Corporate Donations: Donations from individuals and companies constitute the primary revenue stream. 68% of the organization's income comes from companies and private individuals. Donations of €40 or more qualify for a tax certificate in Belgium, offering up to 45% tax reduction.
2. Merchandise and E-commerce Sales: Sale of branded products including the 'Feestvarken' children's book (€16.95), Feestvarken IPA beer (€35/box of 12), premium gin (€40), non-alcoholic gin (€21), glasses (€5/unit or €28/set of 6), keychains (€3), buttons (€2), birthday cards (€2/€5 set), and postcards. Orders placed via a web form with payment request sent to customer.
3. Corporate Sponsorship and Gifting: Companies sponsor Feestvarken through financial contributions, in-kind donations of toys and party supplies, and employee volunteering programs. Sponsorship invoices are provided.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

FEESTvarken vzw provides birthday packages to children aged 1-12 living in poverty in Belgium. Each package, valued at €45-60, contains an age-appropriate gift, treats for classmates, party supplies (cups, plates, bunting, balloons), and materials to host a birthday party at home. Packages are distributed through municipal social services (OCMW/CPAS) and partner organizations across Belgium. The organization also sells branded merchandise via a webshop, runs child poverty awareness workshops for schools, and offers corporate teambuilding sessions.

Product overview

FEESTvarken vzw is a Belgian non-profit organization fighting child poverty by delivering birthday packages to children in need across Belgium. The core offering is the 'Verjaardagspakket' (Birthday Package) containing gifts, treats, party supplies, and celebration materials valued at €45-60, delivered in partnership with municipal social services to children aged 1-12. The organization also operates a merchandise webshop selling branded items including the 'Feestvarken' children's book by Kathleen Amant, beer, gin, glasses, postcards, and accessories. Supplementary offerings include educational workshops on child poverty for schools (kindergarten through secondary), teambuilding activities for companies, and a poverty awareness walking experience. The organization serves approximately 3,511 children annually through partnerships with over 80 municipalities across Belgium's provinces.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Verjaardagspakketten (Birthday Packages) Complete birthday celebration packages delivered to children aged 1-12 living in poverty in Belgium. Each package is valued at €45-60 and includes an age-appropriate gift, treats for classmates (cake or pancake mix, sweets, or letter cookies), party supplies (cups, plates, bunting, balloons), and extra items (books, candles, wrapping paper). Packages are distributed discretely through municipal social services (OCMW/CPAS) and partner organizations to preserve dignity.
• Boek 'Feestvarken' (Feestvarken Children's Book) A children's book written by Kathleen Amant for Feestvarken vzw that raises awareness about child poverty through a positive story focused on friendship. Sold via the webshop for €16.95.
• Feestvarken Bier (IPA Beer) A New England IPA beer (6.5% alcohol) featuring juicy citrus and floral flavors with emphasis on hop aroma and lower bitterness, sold in boxes of 12 for €35 via the Feestvarken webshop.
• Feestvarken Premium Gin A premium gin with a unique and personal touch, presented as a Feestvarken edition, sold for €40 per bottle via the webshop.
• Feestvarken Premium Non-Alcoholic Gin A handcrafted non-alcoholic gin of Belgian origin with Mediterranean aromas including rosemary notes, suitable for mocktails, sold for €21 per bottle via the webshop.
• Feestvarken Glazen (Branded Glasses) Branded glasses featuring the Feestvarken vzw logo, sold individually for €5 or as a set of 6 for €28 via the webshop.
• Feestvarken Sleutelhanger (Keychain) A colorful keychain featuring the Feestvarken design for keys, bike locks, or bags, sold for €3 via the webshop.
• Verjaardagskaarten (Birthday Cards) Greeting cards featuring illustrations from the 'Feestvarken' children's book, used to wish someone a happy birthday or celebration day. Sold for €2 each or €5 for a set of 3 via the webshop.
• Sensibiliseringsworkshops (Child Poverty Awareness Workshops) Educational workshops on child poverty for schools, including programs for kindergarten, primary, and secondary education developed with Thomas More Hogeschool and De Link vzw experts. Sessions align with official curriculum objectives and aim to foster empathy and social awareness among students.
• Teambuilding Activiteiten (Corporate Team Building Activities) Customized teambuilding events organized for companies, linking corporate values with social themes during fun activities at the Lille warehouse or client-chosen locations. Teams participate in packaging birthday packages, awareness exercises, and reflection activities, providing a measurable CSR experience.
• Belevingswandeling Armoede (Poverty Experience Walk) An interactive 4.5km walking experience through Domain de Renesse with tasks and opportunities to strengthen inner reflection, organized around International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Used as a fundraising and awareness event.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3,511 birthday packages delivered to children in poverty in a recent year, growing from 154 packages in 2014
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles8 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

77 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Vebego FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Vebego Foundation's mission is to work together for a better tomorrow for children and youth in poverty. They support colleagues financially in volunteering, work with partners, and organize construction trips. They support Feestvarken vzw financially and by deploying employees. Employees can come in teams to pack birthday packages, set up actions, or become ambassadors.
• PostNL BelgiëcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 August 2021PostNL supports Feestvarken vzw logistically with delivery of birthday packages since August 2021. Additionally, the company runs annual campaigns for 3 consecutive years enabling people to print free shipping labels to send gifts to Feestvarken vzw.
• Charles River Associates (CRA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharles River Associates employees try to come monthly to help in the warehouse with packing birthday packages and other work. They have raised money through their parent company and have already financially supported Feestvarken vzw twice.
• Clics ToyscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerClics Toys develops sustainable, educational toys for young children made from recycled plastic. The collaboration evolved from providing toys for birthday packages to developing joint projects from start to finish built by Feestvarken vzw against a financial contribution.
• KPMGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKPMG started by helping purchase toys with gift vouchers donated by employees who chose to give to a charity. KPMG has also come multiple times with a team to help and financially supports Feestvarken vzw.
• Unilever (Ola Happy Birthday Foundation)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerUnilever supports Feestvarken vzw financially and materially for birthday packages: cardboard boxes, ice tea, and sausages (zwanworsten).
• Nike BelgiumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNike sponsors Feestvarken vzw during a staff Christmas market where teams support a chosen charity. They have also donated footballs and storage bins for the warehouse.
• Albert Heijn BelgiumcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBirthday packages always contain a treat for the birthday child. Albert Heijn donates Haribo sweets bags or letter cookies annually for inclusion in packages. Albert Heijn is a proud partner providing confectionery donations.
• Bol.com (Bollebozen)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerBol.com's Bollebozen initiative donates 'Letterpret!' activity books to Feestvarken vzw — for each sold copy, one is donated. Bol.com also regularly donates reading books. The initiative aims to keep children's reading levels up during summer holidays and promote reading pleasure.
• De Link vzwcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThrough De Warmste Week 2022, budget was received to deploy an experienced expert in the organization. In 2024, Nebahat or Cassy attend weekly to support workshops, advise schools on poverty policy, and review the total operation with an poverty lens.
• Thomas More HogeschoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudents from teacher training programs have developed poverty awareness workshops for Feestvarken vzw over several years. Additionally, the electromechanics program runs a multi-year project to design a gadget vending machine for the organization.
• Thomas Huis WestmalleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSince the start of 2024, Karen or Geert with some residents come every Wednesday morning enthusiastically to help with packing, sorting, and other work at Feestvarken vzw.
• Monnikenheide-SpectrumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFor years, Monnikenheide clients from day care folded wrapping paper and packed birthday packages. Although no longer neighbors, Monnikenheide continues to supply folding paper for packages. Previously, up to 250 boxes per month were processed by their clients.
• Gemeente BoomminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 130 children in the municipality of Boom.
• Gemeente KasterleeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 106 children in the municipality of Kasterlee.
• Gemeente HerentalsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 104 children in the municipality of Herentals.
• Gemeente TurnhoutminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 373 children in the municipality of Turnhout, one of the largest municipality partners.
• Gemeente EvergemminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 111 children in the municipality of Evergem.
• Gemeente WuustwezelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 115 children in the municipality of Wuustwezel.
• Gemeente WemmelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 97 children in the municipality of Wemmel.
• Gemeente HerenthoutminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 52 children in the municipality of Herenthout.
• Gemeente EssenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 57 children in the municipality of Essen.
• Gemeente LilleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 64 children in the municipality of Lille (headquarters location).
• Gemeente SchildeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 37 children in the municipality of Schilde.
• Gemeente VosselaarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 27 children in the municipality of Vosselaar.
• Gemeente BrechtminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 29 children in the municipality of Brecht.
• TotalEnergies BelgiumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTotalEnergies links employee safety performance to charitable donations. The safer they work, the more money is released for various charities including Feestvarken vzw.
• Aveve OostmalleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAveve Oostmalle and Brecht host a Feestvarken stand selling Feestvarken products and promoting the organization. On customer day, they gave Feestvarken beer as a gift. Feestvarken purchases cake and pancake mix at wholesale prices from Aveve.
• DHL Parcel BelgiumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page, DHL provides parcel delivery services.
• ProeffminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProeff delivers healthy ready-to-eat meals for kids, students, parents, and grannies. With each order, customers can optionally donate a chosen amount to Feestvarken vzw.
• Studio LalaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStudio Lala has featured Feestvarken vzw on social media multiple times and donated various party items.
• Give A DayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGive A Day is a matching platform for volunteering. Feestvarken vzw uses the platform to find helping hands. Give A Day also acts as intermediary between companies seeking teambuilding with social impact and Feestvarken vzw.
• De Warmste TeamsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDe Warmste Teams offers a database of professional providers for staff activities including teambuildings, workshops, and events. A significant portion of their commission goes directly to Feestvarken vzw's daily operations.
• Atelier WattminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAtelier Watt is a design bureau that makes magnets from child-themed images (dinosaurs, etc.) for birthday packages, and magnets with the Feestvarken logo for sale, using leftover material from laser cutting work.
• Aroma CommunicatiecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAroma is a fixed partner donating copywriting and design skills. Together they developed an accessible, SEO-friendly website that elevated Feestvarken's online presence. Aroma is credited as the creator of the Feestvarken website.
• VTZ (Catering VTZ)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerVTZ has helped in various ways: making soup and breakfasts for sale, creative material support, and serving as a stop on the experiential poverty walk. A warm ambassador and supporter.
• Gwen RotsaertminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArtist Gwen Rotsaert creates 3D canvas art. A percentage of each personal artwork sale goes to FEESTVARKEN vzw. Ordering a 3D artwork contributes to a sustainable and warm society.
• The Walt Disney CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDisney wants to support with animation material at events and has already donated many gadgets.
• By BirtheminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBy Birthe offers original greeting cards for every occasion. They sell reusable furoshiki fabric wraps and a portion of sales supports Feestvarken vzw.
• WhizzkidsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWhizzkids develops digital skills competitions and provides question series about Feestvarken vzw for primary and higher education students. Students search the Feestvarken website for answers about its operations.
• Gemeente MerchtemminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 53 children in the municipality of Merchtem.
• Gemeente BrasschaatminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 56 children in the municipality of Brasschaat.
• Gemeente WesterlominorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 128 children in the municipality of Westerlo.
• Gemeente TorhoutminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 162 children in the municipality of Torhout.
• Gemeente MerelbekeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 133 children in the municipality of Merelbeke.
• Gemeente BalenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 147 children in the municipality of Balen in 2025.
• Arc-en-Ciel vzwcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerArc-en-Ciel vzw focuses on less privileged children and youth in Wallonia and Brussels. Through this partnership, Feestvarken vzw delivers birthday packages to children of approximately 24 organizations, extending coverage to Wallonia and Brussels.
• Onder 't perron (BuSo Ten Dries & Verburght)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerStudents from BuSo Ten Dries and Verburght (special needs education facilities) assemble birthday packages monthly. These packages are sent to East and West Flemish municipalities partnered with Feestvarken vzw.
• BuSo Kristus KoningminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBuSo Kristus Koning (secondary education for students with learning difficulties, behavioral disorders, or autism spectrum) comes annually once a week with a class or individual students to help with logistical tasks at Feestvarken vzw.
• Gemeente WijnegemminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner distributing birthday packages to 75 children in the municipality of Wijnegem.
• SalinominorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page.
• CombideeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page.
• Cartamundi (via Wearenova)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page.
• Dierickx Leys Private BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page. A private bank providing financial services.
• BeobankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page.
• ProtimeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page. A workforce management software company.
• ImmovrsityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page.
• VerburghtminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page. A facility for persons with disabilities.
• LentekindminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page. A center for children with disabilities.
• Stadsbader ContractorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page.
• AddicomminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page.
• Manneke (via Amant)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page.
• Globis ConsultingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page.
• Janssen Pharmaceuticals BelgiumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page.
• PelicanominorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page.
• Hapag-LloydminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page.
• Ondernemend MalleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page. A local entrepreneurial network.
• CAW De KempenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page. A center for general well-being that helps people in poverty. Also makes knitted toys from donated wool.
• Fedasil MerksplasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page. The federal agency for asylum seekers provides support to asylum seekers including children who receive birthday packages.
• PayokeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page. An organization supporting victims of human trafficking.
• Rode Kruis (België)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page. The Belgian Red Cross supports vulnerable populations including children.
• Malubimpa (via Vluchtelingenwerk/Gastvrij Netwerk)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page. An organization supporting refugees in Belgium.
• MPI OosterlominorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page. A care facility for people with disabilities.
• Bluesideup (via OCMW Hooglede)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page.
• De Brem - VliegertjesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page. An extra partner organization.
• GI De Zande - BeernemminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page. A judicial youth institution.
• Gevangenis HoogstratenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the Feestvarken partners page. Women prisoners make knitted toys from donated wool for birthday packages.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• CAW (Centrum Algemeen Welzijnswerk): CAW De Kempen is an existing Feestvarken distribution partner and broader CAW network provides social welfare services across Flanders. They are comparable as Belgian social-assistance providers serving families in poverty, with overlapping beneficiary populations and complementary missions around poverty alleviation in Belgium.
• Make-A-Wish Belgium & Luxembourg: Make-A-Wish Belgium grants wishes to children with critical illnesses. It is comparable as a charity fulfilling meaningful childhood experiences for vulnerable children in Belgium, with a similar donor-and-corporate-partnership model and comparable volunteer engagement, though its beneficiary definition differs (medical condition vs. poverty).
• Plan International Belgium: Plan International Belgium is part of a global child-rights organization focused on equality and inclusion for girls and children. It is comparable as a child-focused donor-funded charity operating in Belgium with similar school engagement and corporate partnership models, though with an international rather than purely domestic scope.
• Welzijnszorg: Welzijnszorg is a Belgian non-profit fighting poverty and social exclusion, with strong roots in Flanders and a similar donor-driven fundraising model including annual community campaigns. Comparable as a Flemish non-profit addressing child and family poverty through donor and community support.
• Sint-Vincentiusvereniging België: Sint-Vincentius is a Belgian volunteer-led non-profit providing direct material aid (food, clothing, household goods) to families and individuals in poverty. It is comparable as a similarly volunteer-driven, donation-funded Belgian charity distributing tangible aid to vulnerable populations, though it serves broader demographics rather than focusing on children.
• Pelicano: Pelicano is a Belgian non-profit that provides direct material and financial support to children growing up in poverty in Belgium. It is the most directly comparable peer to Feestvarken vzw, addressing the same underlying beneficiary population (children in poverty in Belgium) through a similar donor-funded model with corporate and individual giving.
• SOS Children's Villages Belgium: SOS Children's Villages Belgium supports vulnerable children through family-based care, education, and advocacy. It is comparable as a Belgium-based child-welfare charity with a similar donor-and-corporate-partnership model and similar volunteer fundraising infrastructure, though with a residential care focus.

Broad incumbents

• Child Focus Belgium: Child Focus is the Belgian centre for missing and sexually exploited children. Comparable as a high-recognition, donor-supported Belgian child-welfare organization with similar corporate partnership and volunteer engagement models, though focused on a different specific child-protection issue.
• UNICEF Belgium: UNICEF Belgium is the Belgian arm of the UN children's fund. It is comparable as a high-recognition child-welfare donor-driven organization, but it operates at much larger scale with global scope rather than local Belgian service delivery.

Regional players

• Kinderpostzegels (Stichting Kinderpostzegels Nederland): Kinderpostzegels is a Dutch children's charity raising funds for vulnerable children in the Netherlands and internationally. It is comparable as a child-focused, school-engaged (via stamp-selling tradition) nonprofit with a similar brand-recognition-driven fundraising model, though operating primarily in the Netherlands rather than Belgium.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Feestvarkenvzw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/feestvarkenvzw
• Instagraminstagram.com/feestvarkenvzw
• TikToktiktok.com/@feestvarkenvzw

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about FEESTvarken vzw