Dear friends and volunteers
As we step into May, we’re already looking ahead to a very exciting and impactful June. We’d like to take this opportunity to share two important upcoming events, along with ongoing opportunities where you can make a meaningful difference in our community.
Looking Ahead
- Samedi du Partage – June 13 & 14
One of the biggest and most rewarding projects of the year is nearly here! Samedi du Partage, Geneva’s large-scale food collection initiative, returns on June 13 and 14, and Serve the City is proud to be participating once again.
Each year, this project collects approximately 400 tons of donated goods across 90 participating stores in Geneva. The donations support 90 local institutions that provide essential services to those in need.
This year, Serve the City will be serving at eight different store locations, and we’re calling on our amazing community of volunteers to sign up early! In total, 2,400 volunteers take part in this citywide initiative—Serve the City is providing 100 of those. We sincerely hope that includes you!
Early registration is essential to ensure we have enough hands on deck. Please consider signing up soon and being part of something truly impactful.
- Claire Bois 50th Anniversary Events – June & September
We are also thrilled to support our long-standing partner, Claire Bois, a center for youth and adults with multiple disabilities. This year, Claire Bois celebrates 50 years of dedicated service in Geneva, and Serve the City is honored to be involved in their celebrations for the past 14 years.
We will be assisting at four events, helping with setup, clean-up, general support, and offering a cheerful presence to the children, families, and staff. The dates for these events are:
- June 5, 13, 19 and the big annual party that will take place on September 6 (a Family celebration)
The September event is particularly special, and we’ve been helping with it for over five years. It’s a joyful day full of gratitude and support for families who face daily challenges with strength and love.
Event details and sign-up information will be available on our website soon.
We are looking for a project leader to look after the project and volunteers for both the 13th and 19th of June. if interested please indicate your interest in the comment section when you sign up.
Other ongoing projects include:
- Jardin de Montbrillant Soup Kitchen
It is with profound sadness that we share Ridwan’s passing with you. Ridwan was a key person for STCG, leading our support of the Jardin de Montbrillant soup kitchen for many years. He had a gift for contact with people, knew and engaged with everyone and would welcome the customers in many languages. He guided and welcomed us too, the volunteers, inspiring us with his kindness, wisdom and humour. He was a bright light in everyone’s lives. In December 2023, he was even awarded a certificate at a ceremony at the British Embassy in Berne for his charity work during the Queen’s platinum Jubilee. We will miss his smile, his laugh, his insightful views on life, politics, his love for garlic, his friendship. May his soul rest in peace.
Serve the City continues to serve at the Montbrillant Soup Kitchen four days a week all year long. Volunteers can sign up for dates that suit them, and final confirmation will come from the project manager.
- Bioparc
For those unfamiliar with this project, more details about the Bioparc and how to get involved will be shared soon. It’s another fantastic way to connect with nature and support meaningful local initiatives.
Over the past 7 years, more than 1,200 people have generously offered their time to help make Bioparc the best sustainable animal park in Geneva—perhaps even in all of Switzerland. From moving logs, sand, and wood chips to pruning trees and helping with landscaping, it has been both a pleasure and an honour to be part of this journey with you all.
On behalf of Angela, the Bioparc team, and the Geneva community, thank you!!! Your support has been instrumental in shaping Bioparc into what it is today.
- Join Us
As we look toward these events, we encourage early signups so we can plan effectively and ensure the success of each initiative. Your involvement truly makes a difference.
Thank you for being part of Serve the City Geneva. Together, we continue to bring hope, help, and heart to the community.
Warm regards,
The Serve the City Geneva Team