A 71-year-old walker, Leo Vercauteren, has completed a journey of approximately 2,700 kilometres through 308 different Belgian municipalities, ending at Gaucheret Park in the Brussels municipality of Schaerbeek.
Vercauteren started his trek on 13 June last year to raise awareness about the fight against poverty.
He questions why there is so much poverty in a country like Belgium and urges support for organisations combating poverty, such as Netwerk tegen Armoede, Réseau Wallon de Lutte contre la Pauvreté, and 61 other local associations.
"I wonder how a wealthy nation like Belgium, a democracy, can tolerate poverty. My answer is ‘no’, it cannot," Vercauteren said, adding his respect for those fighting against poverty.
During his journey, Vercauteren visited various local poverty organisations. In Brussels, he stopped at Chez Nous – Bij Ons vzw, a day centre for the homeless.
"Chez Nous – Bij Ons strives to meet basic needs like social contact, a warm meal, and a place to recharge," said coordinator Peter Vancutsem.
However, Vancutsem described the working conditions as "frustrating," the shortage of night shelter places and affordable housing as "heartbreaking," and the lack of prospects for people without legal residence as "painful."
"This must and can change," he asserted. Vercauteren will continue his 4,600-kilometre journey through Belgium on Wednesday.
He calls on the public to support his walk and the fight against poverty by donating to Netwerk tegen Armoede, Réseau Wallon de Lutte contre la Pauvreté, or a local poverty association via the website www.tevoetdwarsdoorbelgie.be.
