After a turbulent 2020, households are bracing for a muted holiday season. Families may be separated by Covid-19 restrictions, and many will be remembering lost loved ones.
Despite the many challenges caused by the pandemic, acts of solidarity have flourished, with a surge in volunteer numbers across the globe. As we mark International Solidarity Day on 20 December, and as the holidays draw near, inspiring acts of kindness continue, particularly to help the poorest and most vulnerable who have been hit hardest by the pandemic.
A ray of sunshine
In Brussels, where an estimated 4,200 people are registered as homeless, many of the city’s homeless children will still receive a present from Father Christmas this year. Association “Solidarité Grands Froids” felt it was important to maintain its traditional gift-giving event, albeit under strict sanitary conditions. Each child, aged under 12, will be given a brand-new toy and a snack.
“It will be the ray of sunshine of this year. Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen so much poverty. We cannot stop now. Now is the time we need to be there,” says Cynthia Simpson, President of Solidarité Grands Froids.
In several towns across France, the homeless will receive shoeboxes filled with gifts. The decorated boxes will contain something warm (a hat, scarf or gloves), something tasty (chocolates, cakes), something fun (a book, or crossword) as well as toiletries (soap, deodorant, shampoo) along with a greetings card. In the city of Nantes, young entrepreneurs are offering office space to homeless people to sleep during the night. Whilst in Montpellier, citizens’ initiative Deliv’rue, a pun on “Deliveroo”, a popular home delivery service (“Rue” means street in French), are preparing and distributing hot meals by bike to homeless people.
Darkest months of the year
The winter months are a particularly challenging time, with shorter days and adverse weather conditions leaving many feeling alone and disconnected from others. This has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are now facing the darkest months of the year, a period in which there is a lot of human connection and solidarity, but also loneliness,” says Sarah Verlinden, Psychologist at Red Cross-Flanders which has launched the “Houvast app” (“Hold On”) application. It provides tips on mental health support, particularly to help loved ones who are struggling.
In the Belgian city of Menen, all inhabitants aged 75 and above will receive a doorstep visit to check on their well-being.
“We take plenty of time to talk and do not limit our visit to just that one time,” says Jurgen Wastyn, Head of Home and Elderly Care at the City of Menen. A total of 3,557 elderly will receive such a visit, which can help reveal hidden emotional, administrative or logistical issues, such as the heating not working.
“We want to achieve neighbourhood solidarity. People in poverty, with a disability or with mental health problems are still too often being excluded,” Wastyn adds.
It is not just the elderly who may need support. Several young people across the world are unable to be reunited with families because of travel restrictions amid concerns over spreading the virus.
Leiden University in the Netherlands has prepared packages for its international students so they can prepare meals in groups of four in their accommodation.
“The past year has been difficult for all students, but especially for international students, at a time when they should be in the prime of their lives,” says Willemijn Nieuwenhuijs, Head of Student Support Services at Leiden University. A total of 240 international students have already signed up to the initiative.
Making a social difference
Restaurants are also opening their kitchens to help the most vulnerable. In the Dutch town of Utrecht, restaurant Landhuis in de Stad will prepare Christmas meals for refugees following donations from members of the public.
“Companies are not just about making money. Companies are also about making a social difference,” says restaurant owner Klaas Alblas, who will distribute meals on 24 December.
In Oudenaarde, Belgium, Restaurant Margaretha is cooking 1,600 free meals to help the poor. Owner Philippe Vandercruyssen, who himself experienced financial hardship when growing up, wanted to help children especially.
“My motivation is children (…) I hope that through this initiative, families will be able to sit around the Christmas table together,” he says.
If you are inspired to help, find out more about becoming a volunteer here: