AMSTERDAM – In anticipation of WorldPride Amsterdam 2026, veteran drag artist and activist Dolly Bellefleur has partnered with the social enterprise Eberhardjes to launch an innovative fundraising campaign. Titled 'Bellefleur's WorldPride UNITY BINGO', the project is an online bingo game designed to fund her participation in the Canal Parade and celebrate the city's diverse population.
The initiative, launched on June 11, aims to collectively fill a single online bingo card featuring 170 squares. Each square represents one of the nationalities residing in Amsterdam, identified by its national flag. The goal is to fund Dolly Bellefleur's boat for the Canal Parade on August 1, 2026, by uniting supporters in a collaborative game that reflects the WorldPride theme of 'UNITY'.
How the UNITY BINGO Works
Unlike a traditional bingo game, this version is played collectively. Supporters can sponsor the flag of a country that holds personal significance for them, whether it's their country of birth, a place they've traveled to, or one they simply wish to support.
- Participants can contribute starting from €10.
- Once a country's flag receives a total of €100 in sponsorships, the flag will be revealed on the main bingo card, along with the names of its supporters.
- The ultimate goal is to have all 170 flags sponsored, completing the card and ensuring Dolly's boat, a staple of the parade for decades, can sail the canals.
Participants who contribute will be invited to a celebration party in the autumn of 2026. There is also an option to receive a limited-edition 'Dolly Bellefleur' package of Eberhardjes, the heart-shaped cookies inspired by the late mayor Eberhard van der Laan's call to "take good care of our city and for each other."
A Collaboration on Shared Values
The project brings together two well-known Amsterdam names. Dolly Bellefleur, the alter ego of Ruud Douma, has been a prominent figure in the Dutch LGBTQ+ community for over 35 years and has participated in every Canal Parade since its inception in 1996. Her activism has earned her numerous accolades, including the city's Andreaspenning and a knighthood in the Order of Oranje-Nassau.
Eberhardjes was founded as a social-culinary initiative, with a portion of its profits donated to community projects that foster connection in Amsterdam. The collaboration is a natural fit, merging Dolly's message of love and unity with the Eberhardjes mission of community care.
"In a time of increasing polarization, I want to make an appeal during the Canal Parade to let go of our differences. Only together can we turn the tide... Let's celebrate diversity. Long live our CommUnity. Let's unite this Pride!"
"What we especially want to show is that collaboration gives you an invaluable positive feeling. How special is it if we can show the world through UNITY BINGO how diverse and unique Amsterdam is."
The campaign creatively visualizes the diversity of Amsterdam, turning a fundraising effort into a statement of inclusion and collective pride.
Participation is now open via the official website: www.eberhardjes.nl/bingo.
