Help spread Christmas cheer on the streets of Prague this year

Earlier this year, a new community of Czechs, expats and homeless people launched to help Prague’s homeless community. FriendShip Prague was set up by the Help Prague’s Homeless organization, providing food and services to homeless people throughout the year including at two homeless hostels in the city.

The charity is now looking to bring some festive cheer to the homeless as cold weather and a worsening pandemic situation make times particularly tough for those living on the street, focusing on bringing some warmth and comfort to their lives this Christmas.

On December 19th, Help Prague’s Homeless and FriendShip Prague will host an outdoor gathering on Ostrov Štvanice, situated on the Vltava between the Karlín and Holešovice districts. Food and hot drinks will be handed out to all attendees, as will 100 sleeping bags donated by a sponsor.

The charities are also running the annual “Fill a Christmas Sock for the Homeless” initiative, in which schools and individuals are asked to fill a pair of warm socks with toiletries as well as sweets, to be distributed at FriendShip’s partner hostels as well as to people attending the event at Ostrov Štvanice on December 19th. By providing vital necessities as well as the festive flavor of sweets, people can easily bring some light into the hard lives of the homeless.

Friendship request that all socks include the same items so that people do not feel unfairly treated. They ask for a toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste, a travel-size container of deodorant, shower gel and hand cream, one pack of handwipes, one lip balm container, and some sweets and chocolate. Other items should not be included; but givers should add a Christmas card to spread the festive cheer. Socks will be collected on December 15th; more information is available by contacting FriendShip directly.

Finally, FriendShip is cooperating with Manifesto Market for a campaign called “Donate a Warmer Christmas.” Information cards are being distributed to guests about the campaign which aims to provide scarves, hats and blankets to the homeless, as well as food, toiletries and other items throughout the winter months. Anyone interested in giving to the campaign can do so online.

As well as goods, food and clothes, FriendShip Prague also focuses on building the social connections necessary for homeless people to improve their lives. Emphasis is placed on restoring a sense of dignity to the homeless by offering personal friendship and advice.

With the Covid pandemic having made many in-person programs difficult for charities to carry out in recent times, the events being organized by FriendShip are an excellent opportunity to re-connect with those most in need of help this Christmas.