International organizations are typically known for setting regulations and facilitating trade, but few realize they also engage in touching humanitarian efforts. The World Customs Organization (WCO) recently demonstrated this through a heartfelt donation that brought hope and happiness to children in Brussels.
A Gift of Love from the International Community
On February 11, 2022, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the WCO, along with representatives from the WCO Secretariat Staff Committee, presented a €3,320 check to Mr. Manuel Soors, Director of the Reine Marie-Henriette Children's Home in Brussels. This donation represented the collective goodwill of all WCO Secretariat staff members.
Creating a Playground for Growth
The funds will be used to purchase a playhouse and slide combination for the children. These recreational facilities will not only provide entertainment but also significantly contribute to the children's cognitive and motor skill development. For these young beneficiaries, these are more than just toys—they represent sources of joy and tools for healthy growth.
Seven Years of Unwavering Commitment
During the donation ceremony, Mr. Soors expressed profound gratitude for the WCO staff's continuous generosity over the past seven years. This longstanding commitment reflects the organization's dedication to social responsibility and its genuine concern for vulnerable populations.
A Message from the Secretary General
Dr. Mikuriya commended the Reine Marie-Henriette Children's Home for its exceptional work since its establishment in 1863, while also thanking the institution for providing WCO staff with opportunities to demonstrate solidarity. This historic children's home has consistently offered warmth and care to its young residents, with WCO's contribution adding fresh momentum to its noble mission.
The Reine Marie-Henriette Children's Home: A Sanctuary for Young Lives
Founded in 1863, the Reine Marie-Henriette Children's Home has dedicated itself to providing shelter and care for children in need. Beyond meeting basic living requirements, the institution places strong emphasis on mental health and holistic development, creating an environment where children experience familial warmth and discover their own happiness and potential.
WCO: More Than a Customs Authority
While renowned as the global authority in customs matters, the WCO's role extends beyond promoting international trade and ensuring border security. The organization actively participates in social welfare initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to corporate social responsibility through concrete actions. This donation exemplifies WCO's broader mission to serve and give back to communities.
The Social Responsibility of International Organizations
While driving global progress, international organizations carry significant social obligations. Through philanthropic engagement, they gain deeper understanding of societal needs, offer assistance to vulnerable groups, and promote fairness and harmony. WCO's initiative sets a commendable example for peer organizations worldwide.
How Everyone Can Contribute
While most individuals cannot match WCO's scale of giving, everyone can make meaningful contributions through small acts of kindness—donating unused items, volunteering time, or simply showing concern for disadvantaged groups. When such individual efforts combine, they create powerful forces for positive change.
Compassion knows no borders, and thoughtful actions warm hearts. WCO's donation highlights both the social consciousness of international organizations and the transformative power of kindness. May this spirit of generosity continue inspiring others to join in building a more compassionate world.