Signal urgent needs
We listen closely to our local partners on the ground and the people affected. We identify what’s truly needed, prioritise what matters most, and act on evidence and real-time data.
About
We are united for humanity
Our mission
When a crisis forces people to flee, we take collective action in a heartbeat.
People for People is an independent collective that responds fast when people are forced to flee, bridging the gap between urgent needs and meaningful support.
When lives are disrupted by conflict, disaster or displacement, we believe everyone deserves dignity, safety and practical help – no matter who they are or where they come from.
We connect the skills, resources and networks of companies, non-profits and individuals to deliver essentials like clothing, shelter, food and mental health support – working alongside existing efforts to reach more people, faster.
We move fast, but never alone. Together, we’re building a community of action: People for People.
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Ali Niknam
CEO of bunq & Co-Founder People for People
What we do
Fast, flexible, and focused. Here's how we take action in the first hours of a crisis.
Mobilise support
With our partner network, we swiftly gather essentials – like warm clothing, hygiene kits, shelter and food. Then, we deliver them to those in need as efficiently as possible.
Bridge the gap
We work with NGOs and local teams to fill critical gaps and create real, dignified solutions that last. Rather than competing, we combine our strengths to reach those in need faster and more effectively.
Our journey: from vision to reality
It started with a single LinkedIn post, right after the war broke out in Ukraine. Within days, three Dutch entrepreneurs – Ali Niknam (Founder & CEO of bunq), Robert Vis (Founder & CEO of Bird), and Joris Beckers (Co-founder & CEO of Picnic) – transformed urgency into action. By combining their networks, resources, and drive, they launched the People for People Foundation.
That same spirit of fast, values-driven collaboration still drives us today. What began as a bold humanitarian response has grown into a powerful movement, now fueled by over 50 partner companies and hundreds of volunteers. United in purpose and driven to make a difference.
We are here to unite and act
When a crisis hits, people often get stuck in the system. We’re here to cut through the noise, as an independent collective. Free to move fast, act human-first, and do what’s needed.
People for People exists to restore humanity in crisis response: fast, flexible, and grounded in the belief that no one should be left behind. We connect people, skills, and resources with urgency and care, acting as the human link to support people in crisis.
Taking action when there’s no time to waste
In times of crisis, we move. Fast. When people were forced to sleep outside in Ter Apel, we delivered emergency kits within 48 hours. When devastating earthquakes struck Turkey and Morocco, we didn’t wait for systems to catch up. Within days, our trucks were on the road, reaching the hardest-hit and often forgotten areas with essential aid. In Lebanon, just as the war escalated in 2024, we immediately mobilised through trusted local partners to get critical supplies into the right hands. And even in Gaza, where access is complex and constrained, we’ve supported relief efforts by focusing on what can be done.
We don’t work alone. Everything we do is powered by a growing collective – of local organisations, volunteers, and companies – all united by the belief that speed, trust, and human connection can save lives. We focus on action, not red tape. On the possible, not the impossible.
From the Netherlands to international conflict zones, we’ve already supported tens of thousands of people – and we’re only just getting started.
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Robert Vis
CEO of Bird & Co-Founder People for People
We are People for People
Marcella Simons
Director
Farah Mansour
Global Crisis Response Lead
Pauline van der Werff
Programme Manager
Roderick Vernooy
Operational Manager
Patsy van Winden
Marketing Communications Lead
Martijn Beenen
Partnerships Lead
Lina Alqassab
Content Manager
Eluna Verink
Project Manager
Tom Bevan
Warehouse Lead
Jorieke de Jong
Project Manager
Lara Bridge
Researcher
Jill van Weeren
Project Manager
Join us as a business
Be part of a growing movement of 50+ companies making an impact. Contribute what you’re good at – whether it’s supplies, services, expertise or funding.
Join us as an NGO
We bundle our strengths with local and international NGOs to close critical gaps and support people forced to flee. Together, we amplify local voices and reach more people in need.
Join us as a volunteer
Use your time to support people on the move – whether in our warehouse, as a translator, or by helping with activities for newcomers. You and your team can make a real difference.