QbD Group Foundation
At the QbD Group, we invest in people every day. We give them the chance to grow and develop. We help them build solid teams and relations. And, of course, we ensure that they can count on stable processes and medical products that are safe for them.
Improving the quality of life is in our DNA. This also goes for the lives of those who need that extra helping hand. That’s why the QbD Group gladly supports many good causes: projects that really make a difference, driven by enthusiasm and goodwill. It’s one way to put our value ‘joy’ into practice.
Although we have been supporting charities for years, we wanted to take it a step further with our QbD Group Foundation.
Anchoring Our Social Commitment
To truly embed our social commitment in a structured way, the QbD Group launched the ‘QbD Group Foundation’ on December 23, 2022.
The foundation’s statutes establish 4 main goals:
- Supporting science – with a focus on the activities of the QbD Group.
- Helping individuals & their families facing health threats – such as paying for education, treatments, and therapy.
- Protecting the environment – by supporting innovative research, reducing our carbon footprint, and engaging in activities like plogging.
- Monitoring the QbD Group’s social commitment – with an emphasis on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability.
By establishing the foundation, the QbD Group aims to provide resources such as funds, time, skills and expertise for various local projects that positively impact on society.
“With the QbD Group Foundation, we truly want to have a local impact wherever the QbD Group operates and has affiliates.
The closer we are to our charity projects, the more tangible and visible they become, for us and for others.
There is much suffering in the world, and we won’t be able to solve it all, but if we start with things we can directly affect and see around us, then we are already a step ahead.”
Elly De Bruyn, CHRO at the QbD Group
The QbD Group Foundation seeks to involve colleagues in identifying charities and fundraising ideas that align with its core values and four main goals. To enhance the foundation’s impact on initiative selection, it is crucial to establish a network of employees alongside the board, integrating it into the organization.
This way, we hope to make social commitment an integral part of our corporate social responsibility.
For more information or to get involved, please contact us at foundation@qbdgroup.com.
The Foundation Network
Hello,
My name is Laurence Carlier and I am the QbD Group Foundation Lead. Since my childhood, I have been passionate about nature and the environment, one of the pillars of the QbD Group Foundation.
This passion translated itself in a membership of WWF & Natuurpunt, package-free shopping and being a proud caretaker of our private garden (watered by rainwater, not tap water) and of our chickens Hei Hei, Chickaletta and Rocky. To quote Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world”, the QbD Group Foundation Network will strive to do exactly so.
Join us in our mission to help those in need, whether it is a patient, a start-up in the life sciences or an environmental conservation activity. You can reach out to us via foundation@qbdgroup.com. Hope to hear from you!
Hi,
I am An Schepers and happy to join the QbD Group Foundation. In my daily life, I try to attribute to the environment by using at home solar-panels, flushing toilets and washing laundry with rainwater and home-made laundry soap, and soon we will be driving fully electric within my family.
At home we have 2 chickens who are very happy with our compostable waste and together with my father, we have 6 bee hives which provide us with fresh raw honey. My cat Dino is my biggest ZEN-master who shows me how to relax every day.
I am a real ‘people person’ and can be touched and inspired by so many different kinds of people. My interest to apply and search a holistic approach was even confirmed at the QbD training ‘my motivational insights’. Choosing for psychology instead of chemistry 23 years ago would have been quite a good choice.
I would like to create a little ripple effect by attributing to initiatives that can make the world a a little better. May the QbD Group Foundation inspire the QbD colleagues to also take some small steps, which can have positive impact to others and the environment. Together we can do so much more!
Let’s go for the BIG ripple!
Hello,
I’m Hannah Dreesen, working in the QbD Group HR team for 8 years. I have always been a big nature lover. Since my childhood, I supported WWF with my pocket money and I have always been taught by my parents how important it is to take care of our environment.
For me, working for the QbD Group also means contributing to that environment and the health of those around us. Through the activities and services we are offering, we can give something back to society.
Ever since I started working at QbD Group we have supported various initiatives and we have only continued to grow in this. With the QbD Group Foundation we are taking it to the next level! I am proud to put my shoulders to the wheel and set up a structure for the coming years. If you have any ideas, shoot!
Hey!
My name is Julie Hendrickx, busy bee, loving wife, happy mother of 3. Always happy to help out where needed whether it is within my close family or friends group, community, kids’ school, sports center …
Why? Because I strongly believe that a random act of kindness goes a long way!! Very eager to be part of the QbD Group Foundation and team up with the colleagues to get things done: STRONG TOGETHER!
Hello,
My name is Carmen Veys and I’m happy to be part of the QbD Foundation.
In my personal life, I have always been involved in several charities and supporting good causes. Setting up collection moments as member of the parent council at my son’s school, being a volunteer in my grandmother’s elderly home, fundraising at motorcycle benefit events to support a local care center for disabled people,… During my application interview last year, I was charmed when ‘doing good’ seemed to be one of the keystones at QbD Clinical.
When Elly presented the QbD Group Foundation during the End Of Year drink, it was clear for me that I wanted to be part of this as I strongly believe we can all make a difference. Even with the smallest step or gesture… a simple smile can already enlighten someone’s day.
Hello!
I am Joyce Heuninck. I love being active, sporty and spending time with my fun kids and my hubby!
I am a true optimist in everything that I do and therefore I am so happy to join the QbD Group Foundation. Because I am convinced we can bring optimism and positivity to the world, to the people and to our lovely planet!
It is our duty to care and I am so honored I can put my positive energy into this foundation.
Hi!
I’m Famke. Not so long ago, I started working at the QbD Group as a life science consultant. I’ve always enjoyed helping people, whether it’s through volunteer work in Romania or simply lending a hand to those in need.
I care deeply about my friends and family, and being there for them when they need me—or when I need them—is an amazing feeling that I hope to share with others.
From the beginning, I have been amazed by the great work of the foundation and everything they do to help the community and the environment, as well as support scientific research. I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of it and hope to contribute as much as I can in the future!
Hallo,
I’m Charlotte, an animal and nature lover since 1999. I have always admired the inner peace that nature can bring and the inherent compassion and calmness that animals possess.
I aspire to embody these qualities as a human being! I strongly believe that small actions and big words can have a huge impact on the world in which we live. We can make it better one step at a time, and I would like to help!
Hi,
I am Luc Segers and running the QbD Business & Communications division.
My professional career spans over 35 years and I have always found a balance in life through nature and genuine human connections, within the family and outside.
I am lucky to own a piece of land where I am creating a food forest based on permaculture and keeping several animals (donkeys, goats, chickens, rabbits, cat, dog). This piece contains reclaimed soil and needs a tedious process to bring it back to a natural, sustainable environment.
We must support initiatives to make the soil and earth sustainable again in many places and leave a suitable habitat for our (grand-)children.
Over the years, I have enjoyed many inspiring human connections, often among people with challenging circumstances (disabled people, as a foster family for children of a 4th world, etc.).
We have a duty to support those people, integrate them into everyday life and help improve their circumstances.
Therefore, I am excited to join the QbD Group Foundation Network and put a part of my energy into things that matter for now and the future.
Hi!
My name is Thalysia Larosse, a recent QbD Group joiner.
When I heard about the amazing work that the QbD Group Foundation has been doing to help humankind and nature, I wanted to be a part of it and help out as well!
My sister Margot, who sadly passed away two years ago, had a great passion for helping others and the environment. She did so by volunteering for various projects: building schools in Indonesia, cleaning beaches to save the animals, helping young adults from troubled homes, advocating for human rights, helping victims of sexual abuse, … She was an amazing young woman and is greatly missed. 
Ever since her passing I have been looking for ways to follow in her footsteps and to be a good role model for my son Alex, who is now 2,5 years old. I feel honored to be able to continue my sister’s legacy within the QbD Group Foundation. I hope I can make all of you, including my sister and son, very proud! 
Foundation Activities
Here is a brief overview of our past foundation activities, showcasing the impact we’ve made together.
Plogging
‘Plogging’ comes from the Swedish verbs for picking up trash (“plocka upp”) and jogging (“jogga”). Yep, plogging is the Swedish fitness trend that combines jogging or walking, whatever you prefer, while helping the environment. Sporty, sustainable and rewarding! At the QbD Group, plogging is a regular activity – it’s our small way of making a difference.
30 Days Less Cars
At QbD Group, we’re committed to reducing our environmental impact, particularly from our vehicle fleet, which is why we’re speeding up the conversion to electric cars. To further this goal, we’re launching the ’30 Days Less Cars Challenge’ this June.
Participants are encouraged to leave their cars at home and embrace alternative transportation modes like walking, biking, carpooling, or public transport. This initiative not only helps the environment but also promotes a healthier lifestyle. To keep the momentum going, the QbD Group Foundation is hosting special side-events, including a mobile bike mechanic service, and providing breakfast, lunch, and delightful treats for all challengers.
De Collectie
At the QbD Group we love supporting local initiatives by collecting clothes, shoes, accessories, and household textiles for ‘De collectie’ to give them a new lease on life!
De collectie brings together 5 non-profit organizations in Antwerp: De Kringwinkel Antwerpen, Oxfam, Wereld Missiehulp, Kindervriend, and Mensenzorg.
Zoniëntrail
The QbD Group proudly showed up in full force at the ZoniënTrail 2023! The entire proceeds from the event were dedicated to the groundbreaking Glioblastoma research project, led by Professor Frederik De Smet at KU Leuven’s Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine (LPCM).
The QbD Chair, part of the QbD Group Foundation’s initiatives, supports this much-needed research. Our sponsorship, along with the enthusiastic participation of our QbD’ers, helped raise additional funds for this cause.
Even though we faced muddy terrain and fallen trees, our determination prevailed as we conquered the 25k, 15k, and 5k runs and walks. We went the extra mile together, quite literally, for a noble cause!
EOY Card Sale
At the end of 2023, we sold End-of-Year postcards designed by KATR!NAHOF (M!RO) in Belgium. We’re very happy that we raised €1540 for the ‘Me to You Foundation’!
The ‘Me to You‘ Foundation is dedicated to advancing specific research projects aimed at combating leukemia and related forms of bone marrow and blood diseases. Additionally, the foundation offers support to leukemia patients of all ages, strives for optimal quality of life for the patient, and provides public education. It was founded by survivors and boasts a scientific expert council tasked with overseeing research initiatives.
QbD Research Chair
Our CEO, Bart Van Acker, and Professor Frederik De Smet established a Research Chair in 2021 because a mutual close friend of theirs, Pieter Van Vlierberghe, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. Unfortunately, Pieter did not benefit from the research himself as he sadly passed away at the end of 2022, but he hoped that others after him would have better chances of recovery with this research.
Learn more about this impactful initiative and its personal connection.
KATR!NAHOF
KATR!NAHOF is a fantastic non-profit organization that makes a real difference in the lives of children, young people, and adults with disabilities. M!RO, one of their living groups, fosters a warm and welcoming environment where individual needs are met alongside engaging group activities.
We’re thrilled to partner with KATR!NAHOF and M!RO. In addition to our end-of-year card sale fundraiser, they generously treat us at HQ to delicious homemade soup every month on Fridays. They also lend a helping hand when it comes to securing Easter and Sinterklaas treats, making them our chocolate heroes as well!
Haz feliz a un niño
At QbD Group, we’re all about giving back! That’s why our team in Colombia started the ‘Haz feliz a un niño’ (Make a child happy) campaign, to support the kids who need it most and make sure our growth benefits everyone.
In December 2023, we hit a big milestone with the tenth edition of Haz feliz a un niño. We handed out over 400 gifts, delicious snacks, and organized fun activities, all with a big dose of love.
This year, we also went green by wrapping our gifts in newspapers. On that special day, more than 30 awesome helpers – employees, families, and friends- came together to spread joy and love.
The best part? Seeing the kids’ happy faces! We’re excited to keep this tradition going and keep making a positive impact in our community.
Lifestyle Examples
Many of our employees at QbD Group truly embrace the QbD Group Foundation mindset by organizing their own initiatives. An, Luc, Joyce, and Julie teamed up for a blood donation drive, showcasing the power of collective action. Laurence and Iris contribute to a cleaner environment by carpooling to work.
Additionally, Joyce Heuninck co-organized the ECO-FESTIVAL, which enables people to engage with various ecological organizations, discover new workshops, and learn about green initiatives. Another notable project is ‘Samentuinen Rossevelt’ where the town of Lebbeke transformed 36 acres of land into a communal garden, with significant contributions from our colleague Bart Van Poel.
In her spare time, our colleague An Schepers is a beekeeper, contributing to the environment by supporting bee populations and promoting biodiversity.
These are just a few examples of how our members are making a difference, both big and small.
100km Dodentocht Charity Walk
We are thrilled to announce that our amazing colleague, Lieve De Wolf, is preparing for the 100km Dodentocht charity walk from August 9th to 10th. This marks Lieve’s second time tackling this formidable challenge, having first participated in 2019.
Lieve is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for two causes very dear to her: Glioblastoma Research and Mental Health Support through TEJO.
Follow Lieve’s inspiring journey live starting on Friday, August 9 at 21:00 CEST using the tracking code 9097 on the Dodentocht tracking website.
Let’s come together to support Lieve and these important causes! 💪
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