# Must sees
Together we turn on the light
Just come! to the Rotterdam Warm Winter Weeks
Conceptual thinker, connector, and driving force: these are words that perfectly describe Annemieke Wegen-Delhaas. For years, she has been closely involved as a strategist in major projects in Rotterdam. Drawing on her expertise in city positioning and her belief in the authentic power of Rotterdam values, she was involved in the Rotterdam Warme Winter Weeks from day one.
In this interview she tells how it all started, when it became a success for her and what her heart's desire is for the future of the initiative.
“I've been working on large projects in the city and the inner city for years and have a close collaboration with the Rotterdam Centrum Business Center (BIZ) and other BIZs.
We saw an opportunity to develop an innovative and meaningful concept for the holidays together. It immediately felt like an invitation to create something that truly captures the soul of Rotterdam. We chose an approach that revolves around warmth and connection: doing good for each other, connecting people, and making everyone feel welcome as they are. From person to person, from heart to heart. Working from the city's values has always been my motto.
From that foundation, we built what is now the Warme Winter Weeks. Behind the scenes, I helped develop the concept, bring people together, and shape the initiative.”
“For me, it's a success when people in our city centre truly experience warmth. When they feel welcome. When encounters arise that would otherwise never have happened. A smile, a quick conversation, reaching out to help someone. Those kinds of moments are invaluable.
Rotterdammers are known for their "stronger through struggle," but we also have a big heart. We're there for each other. When that warmth becomes visible and tangible, and when it contributes to the strength of our city, then it's a success.”
"I dream that the Warme Winter Weeks will become a tradition you can feel coming every year; something all of Rotterdam looks forward to. That it will gradually expand to more shopping areas in all fourteen neighbourhoods, so everyone can participate and even people from outside the city will enjoy coming.
And perhaps the initiative will become a source of inspiration for the rest of the Netherlands.
Rotterdam deserves to show who we truly are during the holidays: strong, of course, but also warm, caring, and connected.
Dreams are allowed to be big, right?"
"A huge compliment goes to the BIZ Rotterdam Centrum, my colleagues at the Municipality of Rotterdam, and all the partners who had the courage to think based on values, not just self-interest or external interests, but on what we truly want for this city and its residents. And of course, to Pauline, Reinier, and all the creatives who make this dream a reality.
But above all: a shout-out to all Rotterdammers – the City Warmers who, with their small or large acts of warmth, bring the city even more to life. The entrepreneurs and shopkeepers are also part of this. Without them, there is no Warm Winter in Rotterdam.
And if I may mention just one name... Michele Sparreboom: a true connector and district heater."
