Nos Pilifs launches bonds to raise money for new infrastructure

Neder-over-Heembeek’s green oasis and popular farm, Ferme Nos Pilifs, is aiming to find €200,000 to finance the installation of two round tents to be used for children’s activities.

To do so, the farm - boasting donkeys, goats, sheep and ponies and priding itself on employing people with disabilities - is issuing two special bonds.

The farm welcomes 4,000 children each year for internships, classes, holiday activities, birthday parties or just days out. They take care of the animals, learn about nature through different activities and see how to deal with people with disabilities.

Up until now, the children are welcomed in classrooms that have seen better days. Nos Pilifs therefore wants to instal two interconnected yurts equipped with a kitchenette and toilets to accommodate the children in comfort.

To achieve this goal, the farm is using social bonds where investors know exactly how the money is used.

“We want to raise €200,000 by 31 January,” Eric Fripiat, Nos Pilifs’ new director tells Bruzz.

“The first €10,000 have already been received,” said Fripiat, who succeeded Christian Loones in August.

There is a five-year and 10-year bond with a gross yield of 1.15% and 1.35% respectively. At the end of the term, the deposit is repaid together with the interest.

“This is the second time our non-profit organisation has done this,” Fripiat added, saying the previous social loan launched in 2019 to fund construction of the farm’s large greenhouse has now come to an end.

Founded in 1984, the Ferme Nos Pilifs is an adapted work enterprise (ETA) and non-profit organisation that comprises a garden centre, grocery shop, biscuit factory, joinery and cafe, in addition to its beautiful farm and green spaces.

The aim of this institution is to provide “useful, remunerative and rewarding jobs for 145 workers with disabilities and for the 40 or so employees who supervise these out of the ordinary workers”.