Article: Warmth all around.
Warmth all around.
Lien De Vroe and Caroline Deruytter are opening their hearts a little.
The sky is turning blue as the international NGO Make-A-Wish® and fashion brand Four Roses forces to launch a unique sweater. The ‘Make-A-Wish’ sweater is not only a fashion statement but also a big shout-out to life. Caroline and Lien have a message for the world, and it’s a big deal—both literally and figuratively. These two remarkable women, each passionate about their work, radiate personality and positivity. Two values that go a long way in today’s world. Make-A-Wish® is championed by Caroline Deruytter, who, as a dedicated mother hen, steers the ship with children on board to a safe harbor and, together with a legion of volunteers, fulfills their heart’s desire. Make-A-Wish® believes in the power of hope. There is room for sadness, but even more for joy and perseverance—and those are precisely the qualities that define Caroline. Lien, the face of Four Roses, is not only a mother, manager, and walking mood board but also a bundle of energy that—just like her collections—brings color to your day and your wardrobe. The passion radiates from her, and that’s exactly what makes a clothing brand a brand. It’s always wonderful to see how business owners are so enthusiastic and ensure that all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. One glance at Four Roses website and blog Four Roses you know enough: the collections and the story are complete. Mothers and daughters, buckle up—here are two women with one goal: making children happy.
Hi Caroline and Lien: How did you two meet? And was it love at first sight?
Lien: We met through a mutual friend, and it’s a good thing we did. It soon became clear that we both had a mother’s heart and a lot in common. During a conversation, the idea of working together grew very naturally, as if it were meant to be. Both Caroline and I rely on our gut feelings and emotions. That’s how you connect quickly. I worked in the social sector for a long time, including at Child Focus. That opens your eyes and makes you see things in a completely different light. Caroline: An NGO is a constant presence; Make-A-Wish® has been around for a while, but raising awareness is hard work every single day. That’s why partnerships like the one with Four Roses are Four Roses a matter of life and death.
Lien, what does this kind of corporate partnership mean for Four Roses?
Lien: Our contribution is the proceeds from the sale of all sweaters. Four Roses the entire amount to Make-A-Wish®. We were eager to create a fashion item with a message. That’s always a big challenge, but one we’re happy to tackle head-on. We’ve created a limited edition collection inspired by the personal stories of many children.
Four roses a vibrant mix of no-nonsense simplicity and color. One glance at the online store and you know exactly what you’re getting. Is it hard to maintain variety amidst all that simplicity?
Lien: Our company is truly a partnership. My husband Miguel and I are a team: if one wheel is missing, the whole thing grinds to a halt. Miguel is the rational, administrative force behind the scenes, while I’m the one bursting with ideas and creativity. I design very intuitively, and fortunately, I rarely suffer from creative blocks. For me, everything is connected: the design itself, the story behind it, the social media posts, and the right model to bring the piece to life. These are exactly the things that make me jump out of bed every morning with enthusiasm.
What stands out to me about the sweater: the cut and the hem just above the elbow. Also, the two stripes on the sleeves. Do they have any special meaning?
Lien: What really makes this sweater special is its cut. The design has a unique quality that makes it feel like a true fashion statement, not just a basic piece. There’s also a matching skirt, which creates a cohesive, striking look. The piece is part of a broader collection but was specially selected for Make-A-Wish®. The stripes subtly reference the brand’s signature style and give the outfit a bit of extra identity.
What do you hope this sweater will inspire in consumers?
Caroline: By wearing this piece, people automatically become part of something bigger. It creates a sense of connection without feeling forced. Above all, I hope people wear it with pride, because it’s truly a fashion item and not just a piece of clothing. It has its own unique look and works perfectly as a statement piece. Lien: What I really love myself is the detail on the back: the little magic wand is a subtle nod to the Make-A-Wish® logo. It’s the kind of detail you might not notice right away, but it gives the design just that little bit of extra character and playfulness.
A wish has healing power: if a child can believe in a wish, they can also believe in a new and better life.
Caroline Deruytter, Make-A-Wish®
Are you partnering with influencers or companies to generate even more buzz for the campaign?
Caroline: We’re starting with social media and news outlets to launch the sweater. Four Roses already Four Roses a warm and engaged community, and together with the Make-A-Wish® community, this can spark a wonderful movement. At the heart of it all are the stories: the children’s special wishes. Lien: Four Roses count on some strong ambassadors for this, such as Ruth Beeckmans, Lies Vandenberghe, and Tine Embrechts. At Make-A-Wish®, that’s Kim Debrie. All of them are women who are not only well-known but also moms with a big heart for initiatives like this. Nothing feels forced: their commitment is sincere and authentic.
Are there any personal stories or moments involving children that have particularly touched you and that nicely capture the essence or slogan of this project?
Caroline: First and foremost, I want to draw attention to the fact that there is a misconception about our target group: Not all children who receive a wish are in palliative care. Many of them are battling a life-threatening illness, yet they display an incredible zest for life. They take on this fight with a strength and courage that touches us all. And with results: about 80% of the children who have a wish granted by Make-A-Wish® are doing well afterward. Fulfilling a wish is therefore anything but a drop in the bucket. On the contrary: it gives children and their families, like Lentl’s, new energy, hope, and strength to carry on. That is why every donation truly makes a difference.
Lentl is a fighter, a child with a primal strength that is hard to put into words.
Caroline on Lentl:
Two years ago, Lentl’s life and that of her family changed completely. When she was barely fifteen, she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. What followed was a difficult period filled with hospital visits, treatments, and an exceptionally grueling surgery. She underwent a procedure that was unique and placed enormous demands on her body and those around her. But when you meet Lentl, the first thing you notice isn’t her illness. What immediately stands out is her incredible willpower. Lentl is a fighter, a child with a primal strength that’s hard to put into words. Despite everything she has been through, her positivity remained intact. That is also what has stayed with me the most: that smile, that belief that things can get better again. Today, Lentl wants to stand tall once more. Not just to recover, but to truly live. And where better to demonstrate that than on a catwalk? The walk of life, literally and figuratively. With her head held high, full of self-confidence. That self-assurance is something I look up to immensely. The sweater carries exactly that message. It’s more than just a piece of clothing: it’s a symbol of strength, perseverance, and pride. Lentl also shares her story on social media, inspiring others with her openness and energy. And perhaps that’s the most beautiful thing to see: how she—and her entire family—is coming back to life.
What would you like?
Lien: Clothes are just clothes. I can only hope that more companies will follow our example and realize that a campaign like this has a wide reach. As an entrepreneur, even a small gesture can go a long way. The social sector is actually a great learning experience for entrepreneurs. It teaches them to put life and their business into perspective. Stress is okay, but the essence of life must always come first. I learned a lot from that time and am very happy about it. Caroline: My wish is simple: to make even more children happy and fulfill their wishes. Last year, we fulfilled about 130 wishes in Flanders. That seems like a lot, but when we consider that 1,300 children receive a serious diagnosis every year, it’s just a drop in the bucket. Even more awareness, even more partnerships, and even more happy children. One small gesture makes a world of difference for those kids.
If only everyone had a magic wand. Thanks for the hope!
LET THE MAGIC BEGIN: SHOP THE SWEATER
Want to make someone happy?
Would you like to make a donation or become a partner? Every gesture counts. Every child does too.
