Dear Volunteers and Supporters,
Happy New Year!
As we step into 2025, we want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for the incredible work you’ve done throughout 2024. Your dedication has had a profound impact on the community, and we couldn’t be more grateful. This newsletter is packed with updates, opportunities, and a look back at what we accomplished together last year.
We invite you to read through the entire newsletter—there’s even a special surprise waiting at the end!
Section 1: Current Volunteer Needs
We’re kicking off 2025 with some urgent volunteer opportunities, and we need your help to make these projects successful.
- Food Sorting for Samedi du Partage
In November, we completed another round of food collection as part of the Samedi du Partage campaign, gathering a significant volume of donations to support over 5,000 people per month.
Now, we’ve committed five days in January to sort and prepare these goods for distribution to 60 organizations that will rely on this food over the next six months.
We need volunteers to help us sort through this incredible collection!
- Dates: Flexible slots available over the next three weeks
- Location: Details provided on main web page for map and access information.
- Impact: Feeding thousands in need—your efforts make it possible!
- Sorting collected goods at Eureka – Carrefour Rue
Carrefour Rue collects donated clothing, household items, and miscellaneous goods to distribute to those in need. Their Eureka warehouse now needs help organizing these items.
We’re looking for volunteers to:
- Sort donations into categories
- Clean or prepare items for distribution
- Recycle unusable goods
Dates: Flexible scheduling available—check the online signup for information!
Location: Details send on your signup request. 3 different days on offer. Don`f for get to mention your preferences.
Your time and effort will make a big difference in repurposing these donations for meaningful use.
- Soup Kitchen Support
We continue to operate our Soup Kitchen several days a week, providing meals to vulnerable populations. We need volunteers to assist with food preparation, serving, and cleanup.
Sign up for a shift online and help us ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
Section 2: 2024 in Review – A Year of Impact
Reflecting on 2024, we’re proud to highlight the accomplishments made possible by our incredible volunteers.
Volunteer Participation
- 376 new registrations for Serve the City Geneva
- 267 active members participated in 44 activities
- 450 total participants, including repeat volunteers who gave their time to multiple projects
Thank you to everyone who stepped forward to help—whether once or multiple times.
Samedi du Partage
We successfully supported this biannual food collection initiative twice in 2024, with:
- 75 volunteers per event staffing shifts at 8 stores
- Over 3 hours per shift dedicated to collecting donations
Your efforts directly supported thousands of people in Geneva—thank you for making it possible.
Soup Kitchen at Carrefour Rue
Thanks to Ridwan, our dedicated project leader, we had:
- 100 volunteers contributing their time
- 3,000 hours of service—equal to 58 full working days
- Meals served to 240 people daily, totaling 48,000 meals in 2024
The Soup Kitchen continues to be one of our most impactful projects.
Ecological Support – Biopark in Bellevue and Zoo Lagarenne in the city of Vaud
Under the leadership of Angela Horsord, we supported ecological conservation efforts at the biopark with:
- 250 volunteers contributing 800 hours
- Regular Saturday events and a Sunday Open Day in September
During the Open Day, we welcomed 1,600 visitors, significantly boosting membership to over 4,000 members—up from 1,500 just a few years ago.
This growth is a testament to the importance of environmental preservation and community engagement.
Other Notable Projects
- Carrefour Rue – Eureka Sorting: Organized and repurposed donations for families and individuals in need.
- Community Events and Partnerships: Collaborated with corporate teams, churches, and schools to expand outreach.
Looking Ahead to 2025
We have big plans for this year, and we’re counting on your continued support. Whether you can give a couple of hours, a full day, or join us regularly, your time and effort make a lasting impact.
Check out our online calendar to sign up for upcoming events and shifts—let’s keep making a difference together!
A Special Surprise!
We promised you a treat if you made it to the end of this newsletter—and here it is:
Volunteer Appreciation Event – Save the Date!
For those who have a red shirt, who have participated in at least one STC event, we’re hosting our 4th Serve the Servers Evening on Thursday 30 January to celebrate your hard work. Join us for:
- Refreshments and a wonderful dinner.
- Stories of impact
- A chance to connect with fellow volunteers,
Details and signups to follow soon, So watch your emails.. and mark your calendars!
Thank You!!
BUT WAIT.. for those who have not yet served in a STC event. We have an opportunity for you. Will will need a team to setup the dining erea, serve the meal and clean up at the STServers Dinner. T shirts will be awarded for this great act of service. Again, watch for signups..
Thank you for being part of the Serve the City Geneva family. Together, we’re transforming lives and building a stronger, more compassionate community.
We can’t wait to see what 2025 brings!
Warm regards,
The Serve the City Geneva Team