ROTTERDAM, 9 June 2025 – All 205 teams participating in the 34th Roparun completed their route in Rotterdam. The multi-day relay focused on raising funds for palliative cancer care.

Roparun concludes at the Coolsingel with over 200 teams

The 34th edition of the Roparun ended on Monday as all participating teams crossed the finish line in Rotterdam. Covering more than 500 kilometres, teams departed on Saturday from either Enschede or Clastres in northern France. The first group to arrive around midday was Team 14 – 14 in ’t uur, while the final team to complete the course was Team 293 – Steamwork.

Support pledged for Dutch “wensambulances”

This year's Roparun was marked by an announcement from the Roparun Foundation (Stichting Roparun) regarding a long-term commitment to fund all “wensambulances” (wish ambulances) in the Netherlands. Minutes before the first teams departed, the organisation pledged to allocate over €5 million in its future budgets. This amount is based on a replacement cycle for the two main Dutch providers: Stichting Ambulance Wens and Vereniging Wens Ambulance Nederland. These services enable individuals in the final phase of life to fulfil a last wish, supported by specialised medical transport.

Focus on palliative cancer care

Each year, Roparun teams collect funds in support of palliative care for individuals living with cancer. The donations are distributed to projects and organisations that aim to improve quality of life during treatment or at the end of life. Each team consists of roughly 25 members, including a maximum of eight runners and a support crew made up of cyclists, drivers, caterers, masseurs, and navigators.

Festivities were organised along the route in several towns and cities to encourage participants and foster a sense of community during the three-day event.

Emotional moments along the route

“This edition of the Roparun moved us deeply in a positive way,” said Roparun director Lesly Wolters. “Every kilometre, every step, every tear and smile hit even harder this year. We saw teams pushing their limits, volunteers giving their all, and spectators lining the route with heartfelt support.”

Wolters reflected on the communal spirit, stating that the Roparun builds connection—not only between participants, but also among those who share a common goal: to add life to days when no more days can be added.

The final donation amount is set to be revealed on Saturday 5 July during a closing event.

Ten-year financial commitment for ambulance charities

Shortly before the start of this year’s run, the Roparun Foundation declared its intent to take on the financing of all Dutch wensambulances for the next ten years. The anticipated investment for this initiative stands at approximately €7 million, allowing the continuation of services that grant final wishes through specialised ambulance transport.

Community fundraising throughout the year

The Roparun is supported by continuous grassroots fundraising efforts. Teams organise diverse activities throughout the year to raise money, including car washes, letter deliveries, and even miniature versions of the Roparun itself. In 2024, the event raised nearly €4.5 million. All proceeds go toward non-medical support services for people undergoing cancer treatment.

ROTTERDAM, 16 May 2025 – A new campaign launched by the municipality of Rotterdam is directly addressing perpetrators of sexual street harassment, particularly young men, in an effort to shift street culture norms.

Rotterdam campaign challenges street harassment norms

The municipality of Rotterdam has introduced a campaign titled Wees een Baas, aimed at tackling sexual street harassment (seksuele straatintimidatie or SSI). Unlike previous efforts, this initiative targets potential offenders—primarily men aged 17 to 30—by promoting respectful conduct as a form of strength.

The central message of the campaign reads: “A real man doesn’t shout, hiss, or whistle. Be a boss.” The campaign counters toxic masculinity by presenting respectful behaviour as a more powerful alternative. The term ‘baas’ (boss), commonly used as a compliment in youth culture, has been intentionally chosen to resonate with the target group.

Barbershop conversations and social media outreach

One of the campaign’s central components is a pop-up barbershop on Eendrachtsplein. The informal setting is intended to appeal to young men, offering a space for discussion while they receive a free haircut. Influencer Rarko, known within youth circles and acting as a role model, will engage visitors in conversations about street harassment. His direct and approachable style is intended to make the topic more accessible.

These conversations will be filmed and integrated into the campaign’s social media rollout, scheduled to run from 9 June to 20 July 2025. In addition, digital displays throughout the city will showcase the campaign visuals during weeks 21 and 22.

City alderman launches the campaign

Alderman Pascal Lansink-Bastemeijer marked the campaign’s official launch by taking a seat in the barbershop himself. Speaking afterwards, he stated:
“As a city, we are clear: sexual street harassment has no place here. With this campaign, we are not here to judge, but to invite young people to be part of the solution. By opening the dialogue, we can work together towards a safer city.”

Practical information

Location and event details
A public launch event featuring the pop-up barbershop will take place on Friday, 16 May 2025, between 16:00 and 20:00 at Eendrachtsplein. Photos and video footage will be captured for communication purposes.

Getting there

Eendrachtsplein is located in the city centre of Rotterdam, near Witte de Withstraat and Museumpark. It is easily accessible by tram, metro, and bicycle. The area is known for its lively atmosphere and youth-oriented venues.

ROTTERDAM, 3 June 2025 – Residents across Rotterdam are being encouraged to register activities for Burendag, which returns in September for its twentieth edition. The annual event aims to strengthen social ties in neighbourhoods throughout the city.

Twentieth edition of Burendag encourages Rotterdam neighbours to connect

Rotterdam residents can now register to take part in Burendag 2025, the twentieth edition of the annual neighbourhood event designed to bring neighbours closer together. The nationwide initiative, taking place during the weekend of 27 September, is jointly supported by coffee brand Douwe Egberts and the Oranje Fonds.

Over the past two decades, Burendag (literally “Neighbours’ Day”) has grown into a recognised moment for local communities to come together for informal activities such as street games, shared meals or joint clean-up projects.

Data shows increased neighbourhood contact

According to the organisers, the event continues to meet a rising need for accessible social contact within communities. Research indicates that more than 60 percent of neighbours experience increased interaction following Burendag. Nearly half of participants report being more likely to ask their neighbours for help afterwards.

Small gestures such as accepting a parcel for someone else (84.1%), short conversations on the street (83.6%), and simply greeting one another (83.5%) were cited as the most common forms of neighbourly interaction.

Organisers highlight the importance of community

Sandra Jetten of the Oranje Fonds said that social participation often begins close to home. “Feeling included in society starts in your own neighbourhood. It is encouraging to see what neighbours come up with each year to mark Burendag – from sharing coffee and playing games to organising shared meals or tackling practical tasks together.”

Kathelijne Malcontent from Douwe Egberts Netherlands also noted the event’s impact. “We see that Burendag has become a recurring tradition which helps build warm, lasting relationships. That is something we value, and we are committed to involving even more neighbours in the future.”

Activity kits and financial support available

Those in Rotterdam wishing to host a Burendag activity can register via the official website (www.burendag.nl). Whether the plan involves coffee, a street barbecue, board games or a communal clean-up, the emphasis is on helping neighbours get to know one another.

Participants can request a new version of the Burendag activity kit to support their event. In addition, the Oranje Fonds offers the option to apply for a budget of up to €350 to help with costs.

ROTTERDAM, 12 May 2025 – A new edition of Rotterdam’s week against sexual street harassment has begun, with a renewed focus on awareness, discussion and empowerment. Highlights include a theatre installation at Schouwburgplein and a nighttime protest walk.

Rotterdam launches third week against street harassment

The third edition of the Rotterdam Week against Sexual Street Harassment (Week tegen Seksuele Straatintimidatie) is taking place from 12 to 18 May 2025. The city is once again turning attention to a persistent issue that disproportionately affects women, girls and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Despite ongoing efforts, sexual street harassment remains a common experience in Rotterdam. In 2024, reports submitted through the StopApp increased by 300%, a trend the municipality sees as both concerning and reflective of growing awareness. Research conducted by Erasmus University found that 84% of women in Rotterdam have encountered some form of harassment in public spaces.

The municipality, together with a range of partner organisations, is using this theme week to further raise awareness, encourage conversation and provide practical tools for action. This year’s approach is said to involve more initiatives and partners than previous editions.

Stronger demand for education and awareness

The growing number of reports is not seen in isolation. The city notes a rising demand for educational tools such as guest lectures and workshops in schools and community centres. For years, Rotterdam has pursued a structural approach to tackling street harassment.

Alderman Pascal Lansink-Bastemeijer commented: “We see that the number of reports continues to grow. That unfortunately means too many Rotterdammers are still affected. I hope this week will reach a large audience and increase both awareness and the willingness to take action.”

Theatre installation invites personal experience

A central event this week is the immersive theatre installation Psst.. Hé Schatje! at Schouwburgplein. Visitors are guided individually through a series of rooms where they encounter performances, audio, and information designed to simulate experiences of street harassment. Experts will be present to engage in conversation with attendees after the walkthrough.

The installation is open to the public from 12 to 15 May, daily from 18:00 to 20:00. For the first time, the experience will also be available in English.

Night walk signals resistance to sexual violence

The campaign week concludes with the Nacht Tegen Seksueel Geweld (Night Against Sexual Violence), an overnight walk through the city. More than 800 participants are expected to walk 20 kilometres across Rotterdam from Saturday 17 to Sunday 18 May. The event aims to serve as a visible statement against sexual intimidation and violence.

Mayor Schouten will join the route in support of the cause. Proceeds from the event will support Plan International projects that address gender-based violence globally, through safer urban spaces, education on girls’ rights, and youth empowerment.

Directions to Schouwburgplein

Schouwburgplein is a large open square located in Rotterdam’s city centre, near the Doelen concert hall and the Rotterdamse Schouwburg theatre. The area is accessible by tram, metro (Stadhuis and Rotterdam Centraal stations), and is a short walk from Rotterdam Central Station.