CAP48 Sets New Record with 9.2 Million Euros Raised
Belgium’s annual CAP48 solidarity campaign has set a new all-time fundraising record, collecting 9,211,000 euros during its closing gala evening, broadcaster RTBF reported. The record-breaking sum was confirmed during the “Grande Soirée de clôture CAP48” on Sunday, 11 October 2026, broadcast live on RTBF’s La Une, surpassing last year’s already exceptional total of 9,047,471 euros.
Context
CAP48 is a long-running solidarity operation organised by RTBF, Belgium’s French-language public broadcaster. According to CAP48’s official website, its mission in the Federation Wallonia-Brussels and the German-speaking Community is to help build a more inclusive society for people with disabilities, young people in difficulty, and precarious families. The operation traces its origins to a call to RTBF listeners nearly seven decades ago, and it celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2017.
The funds raised each year are directed toward concrete projects. In 2026, 150 projects benefited from CAP48 financing, RTBF confirmed, aimed at improving infrastructure accessibility, acquiring adapted equipment, developing beneficiaries’ autonomy, supporting youth aid, and promoting access to education, training, sport, and leisure.
Key Developments
The closing gala was punctuated by reports and testimonials illustrating how many Belgians live with disability daily. As L’Avenir noted, this 14th edition featured comedian Nawell Madani as its godmother — the first such patron in six years.
“Ça fait six ans qu’il n’y a pas eu de marraine. Je pense que c’est pour ça qu’on a dépassé le record,” Madani joked, as quoted by DH Les Sports+. The comedian, whose nephew has trisomy 21, was visibly moved by two mothers who came on stage to present “Les petits pas de la grenouille,” a specialised day centre supported by CAP48 that accompanies children with polyhandicap while giving their families respite.
The evening featured a lineup of Belgian and French performers, including Loïc Nottet, Teddy Bear, Helena, Zazie, and Christophe Willem. Comedian Matthieu Nina offered a self-deprecating perspective on disability. Behind the scenes, several fundraising stunts boosted the tally: a dance marathon set to the music of Belgian DJ Alex Germys added 10,000 euros, while the “Baroudeurs” Raphaël Scaini and Sébastien Nollevaux walked 160 kilometres from Mons to the studio, contributing more than 100,000 euros.
A parallel effort also set a record. The fifth edition of CAP48Heures, the charity marathon run by RTBF’s youth brand iXPé, raised 215,140 euros for young people in difficulty, up sharply from 152,069 euros the previous year. About fifty streamers relayed one another live for more than 48 hours to encourage donations from their communities.
Analysis
The new record underscores the durability of one of Belgium’s most recognisable fundraising institutions. As La Libre Belgique reported, the funds will support the inclusion of people with disabilities and young people in difficulty in Wallonia and Brussels. The result also reflects CAP48’s transparency commitment: the organisation publishes its annual accounts and the list of subsidised non-profits each year.
RTBF framed the achievement as a collective one. “Ce nouveau record est avant tout le vôtre,” the broadcaster wrote, crediting the thousands of donors, volunteers, associations, partners, and public figures mobilised throughout the campaign.
What’s Next
Donations remain open via the CAP48 website and its dedicated bank account. The momentum built this year will carry into 2027, when CAP48Heures is expected to return for a sixth edition. For now, the focus is on translating the record sum into lasting impact for the associations and beneficiaries the campaign supports year after year.