Trial with post-event collection of reusable items extended

A pilot project to collect usable items left over at the end of an event in RAI Amsterdam was so successful that a follow-up has been arranged at this week’s Aquatech international trade show. Exhibitors will be able to deliver useful goods and materials to a special donation room.

The successful pilot project for the donation room concept was held in September at the end of IBC 2019, the world trade show for media, entertainment and technology. Givers and receivers alike expressed their satisfaction with the concept of handing in leftover items that social organisations can put to good use. The donation rooms received a wide range of food, furniture, plants & flowers, electronic equipment, decorative items, office articles and hobby materials.

Gratefully received
Stichting Heen en Weer, a foundation that helps residents in the south of Amsterdam with their mobility, took possession of all the equipment they needed for their first office. Social care charity Puur Zuid was delighted to receive the decorations, bowls, containers and plates for their neighbourhood meeting location. Furniture, decorative materials, clothing, food and drinks were distributed to the Salvation Army in the north of the city, and have been a great help to clients. The Amsterdam Food Bank was given various items with which to furnish its new location and enhance the neighbourhood function. Care institution Cordaan received BBQ items, a large table where clients can eat together and a storage cabinet. Last but not least, the request by Humanitas for various items to use in the office location where it welcomes volunteers and visitors was met.

Stephanie Mathas is responsible for this project at RAI Amsterdam: “The first experiment during IBC was also a new venture for us and we were pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm among those donating and the people on the receiving end. We were able to help many local organisations and initiatives with what was handed in to the donation room after the show finished. It was heartwarming to see so many happy faces, which gave us the stimulus to further develop the programme. This led to an extension of the pilot at Aquatech 2019, providing a further opportunity to make a connection between the demands of social initiatives and the items that remain or are donated after an event. It is a great way for the RAI to enhance its added value to society and tackle waste.”

Corporate social responsibility
The CSR policy at RAI Amsterdam includes concrete support for a wide range of initiatives and activities. “One of the ways in which this is translated into practice is to see what the social needs are around us and what we have available to meet those requirements,” Mathas continues. “This can be anything from facilities, expertise and goods to manpower, networks and materials. We examine who might benefit from this and seek the connections.”

Aquatech: the most advanced technology for global water issues
Aquatech, part of the International Water Week, is the largest international trade exhibition for drinking water and waste water treatment. It features some 1000 exhibitors and expects more than 25,000 water professionals. Aquatech 2019 is in RAI Amsterdam from 5 to 8 November and aims to stimulate social debate about water.