From 18 to 24 December, Orange Belgium will take part in “De Warmste Week”, the annual solidarity initiative organised by the public broadcaster VRT taking place in Genk. This year’s theme focuses on invisible illnesses, such as chronic pain, extreme fatigue, anxiety disorders or diabetes. These conditions affect daily life without showing outward signs, making them harder for others to understand and empathise with. Through a range of actions both on site and in its stores, Orange Belgium aims to shine a light on these hidden challenges and encourage warm, collective moments of support.
All funds raised will be donated to the 220 selected charities
Thousands of Belgians are affected by invisible illnesses that have a major impact on their everyday lives. Yet their physical, emotional and mental effects are often underestimated.
“The hardest battles are often the ones no one can see. Without visible signs, it becomes difficult to understand what someone is going through or how to help them. At Orange Belgium, we know that digital life can sometimes intensify the feeling of isolation experienced by people living with invisible illnesses. By joining De Warmste Week, we want to amplify the message that real connection starts with truly seeing one another, beyond screens and appearances. When individual struggles meet collective warmth, the feeling of isolation fades. No one should be left alone”, says Nathalie Rahbani, Director and Acting Chief Brand, Communication and ESG Officer at Orange Belgium.
Bridging digital interaction and human warmth
To support De Warmste Week, Orange Belgium is offering a reflective phone lanyard that lights up in the dark. This simple gesture of solidarity makes support for the cause visible. Sold in Orange stores in Flanders and Brussels, it is accompanied by in-store displays and a flat-screen campaign carrying the message “we see you”.
Throughout De Warmste Week, Orange Belgium will also host a thermal imaging stand at the Cosmogolempark in Genk, featuring the digital game “Spot the Warm Differences”. The aim is to identify differences based solely on changes detected through heat — an opportunity to connect digital interaction with human warmth.
Orange Belgium will also install a giant screen equipped with a thermal camera. Visitors will be able to download their thermal photo via a QR code and share it using the hashtag #WeSeeYou as a sign of support. A host will launch recurring challenges such as a collective hug, a giant selfie, a warm moment lit up by phone flashes, a wave, or even a human chain.
“Across all our activations, one idea connects everything: we collect warm moments. Heat sensors show what the eye cannot, how solidarity becomes visible the moment people come together. In a week dedicated to invisible illness, these shared gestures remind us that support can take many forms, from a hug to a simple symbol worn on a jacket. When people unite, invisible struggles gain visibility, and no one has to feel unseen”, concludes Nathalie Rahbani.
