In February, People for People turned three years old. Born out of urgency when the Ukraine-Russia war displaced thousands overnight, we continue to exist out of necessity as the number of displaced people rises. While political divides may shape policies, we believe individuals and companies can drive meaningful action. Three years in, this work is much bigger than us, as many of you—entrepreneurs, companies, and individuals—have stepped up to help.
Here’s what we got up to in February:
Our Netherlands Wintertour continued…
Although our national winter tour officially wrapped up in January, our work in the Netherlands didn’t stop there. Many COAs (Central Agencies for the Reception of Asylum Seekers) reached out to request more winter items for newly arrived children. Despite the sunny days ahead, warm socks, winter coats, gloves, and hats remain essential for the children cycling to school in the lingering cold. Thanks to our business partners, we delivered 1870 items to 9 locations, helping 425 children. This impact is only possible when we unite and work together.
Our shipment to Gaza
After weeks of careful preparation, together with our trusted partner Anera, we shipped 70 pallets of winter clothing, sleeping bags, hygiene items, and more to Gaza. This shipment, containing 20,000 essential supplies totaling 9 tonnes, will provide vital relief to families.
As of February 2025, over 2 million people in Gaza remain displaced, many having fled multiple times due to ongoing conflict. As families return to what’s left of their homes, they face the difficult reality of rebuilding their lives with little to work with. This aid will help restore some warmth and dignity as they begin this challenging journey.Are you a business that can help out with essential items? Get in touch here.
A fruitful partnership with Young Impact
When people and companies unite, we believe we are at our strongest. We’re proud of our partnership with Young Impact, an organization that brings students together to discuss social issues. In February, we joined one of their Young Impact Days, at a school in Rotterdam Zuid, where we spoke to children about our work supporting displaced people and fostered open conversations.
The students then created handmade cards with personal messages for unaccompanied minors arriving in the Netherlands—an incredibly meaningful gesture for those arriving alone. We will be personally delivering these cards to these children at the reception centers in the coming months.
Strengthening partnerships abroad
Our work extends far beyond the Netherlands. We are committed to strengthening partnerships worldwide with organizations that understand the unique needs of their communities. These collaborations are key to creating sustainable impact. For example, our ongoing partnerships with Lifeline Ukraine and, more recently, SOS Children’s Villages in Morocco, highlight our dedication to structural partnerships that help communities rebuild and recover. These are just a few examples of the many initiatives we support across the globe.
Learn more about our partnership in Morocco here.
Sharing expertise and connecting people
We believe in the power of sharing knowledge to create a ripple effect. One challenge many asylum seekers face in the Netherlands is accessing the job market. To support them, we’ve connected with several organizations offering programs to help them gain employment.
You can find these resources here.
People for People team expansion
A big part of our growth is the incredible people behind People for People. The last few weeks, we’ve had a lot of conversations and spoken to many talented people. We’re excited about some new additions to the team, who will help streamline our warehouse processes, manage our projects and programs in the Netherlands, and share the stories of people we support. Introductions will follow soon!
What’s to come?
We’re in the middle of setting up three big and exciting projects. Stay tuned for more updates and keep an eye on our socials!
