Night of the Refugee walk raises €1.7 million amid growing participation
The 2025 Night of the Refugee walk raised 1.7 million euros, surpassing last year’s 1.6 million euros, organizers said Sunday. This year’s event also saw an increase in participants, with 8,000 walkers taking part compared to 7,000 in 2024.
The fundraising walk began on Saturday evening around 5 p.m. from six cities across the Netherlands: Utrecht, Rotterdam, Nijmegen, Amsterdam, Tilburg, and Groningen. Participants chose from routes of 10, 20, or 40 kilometers, all aimed at raising funds for emergency relief to those forced to flee war and violence worldwide. This year marked the first time Groningen joined as a starting point.
Renske Boetje, acting director of Stichting Vluchteling (Refugee Foundation), highlighted the growing public commitment: “It is heartwarming to see a growing number of people willing to stand up for their vulnerable fellow human beings.” She added that the walkers sent a “powerful message of solidarity” through their efforts.
Despite high temperatures early in the walk, organizers had prepared a heat safety plan that included additional water stations and expanded first aid services. The event concluded without major incidents, according to the foundation.
The funds raised will reportedly support emergency assistance in the Democratic Republic of Congo, relief for victims of the recent earthquake in Myanmar, and aid to displaced Syrians.
