Charity markets and dinner for the homeless: Expats give back in Czechia

The holiday season is filled with initiatives aimed at supporting those in need, from Giving Tuesday, an anti-consumerism response to Black Friday, to annual food drives for vulnerable communities, and projects that provide warm beds for the homeless during the harsh Czech winters.

While these worthy causes offer opportunities to help throughout the year, many are organized on a national level, which can make them less accessible to communities that don't speak Czech. However, two upcoming charity events highlight how foreigners living in Czechia are not only supporting those in need but also giving back to Czech society.

Prague’s holiday season kicks off this year with an event that promises both festive charm and charitable impact: the International Charity Market, taking place at the Prague Congress Centre on Sunday, Dec. 1. Organized by local embassies and the Diplomatic Spouses Association (DSA), the one-day market will offer unique Christmas gifts and Saint Nicholas treats from over 40 countries, with proceeds benefiting Czech children's charities.

A highlight of the Prague Christmas calendar, the International Charity Market, taking place at the Prague Congress Centre on Sunday, Dec. 1, promises festive charm and charitable impact. Organized by local embassies and the Diplomatic Spouses Association (DSA), the one-day market will offer unique Christmas gifts and Saint Nicholas treats from over 40 countries, with proceeds benefiting Czech charities.

Anne Huisinga-Paret, president of the DSA, emphasized the market’s family-friendly community-focused mission. “Come stroll past as many as fifty booths, discover something new, and enjoy the magical buzz of the end-of-year holiday season,” Huisinga-Paret said. “It’s also our way of giving back to Czech society. Every purchase, entry, and raffle ticket directly supports Czech charities.”

Attendees will find an array of goods: spices, gourmet treats, traditional toys, handcrafted glassware, jewelry, and even high-quality cosmetics and fashion accessories. The market brings together the customs and cultures of each participating country with a program of performances.

Since 1997, the DSA has been dedicated to charitable giving, raising over 70 million Czech crowns (around $3 million) for Czech nonprofits. Last year’s event alone raised over CZK 1 million, supporting 14 children’s charities nationwide. This year’s market aims to build on that success, with funds distributed as grants to Czech organizations that apply for support by Jan. 31, 2025.

Launched in 2021, FriendShip Prague is an English-friendly community of Czechs, expats, and homeless people coming together to connect over shared experiences. While providing essential services, food, and clothes to the homeless, its network of volunteers also focuses on providing vital social connections, friendship, and advice. With an emphasis on restoring a sense of dignity to those in need.

To that end, the group's activities throughout the holiday season include a charity yoga and breakfast event on Dec. 8. "Last year’s event raised 20,000 CZK, which was used to provide winter essentials and a traditional Czech Christmas meal to approximately 100 homeless individuals," said organizer Karina Bolan.

FriendShip Prague will also host a Movie Afternoon with the Homeless on Dec.13 at Komunitní Centrum Husitská. The event, featuring a Christmas film, is open to anyone who wishes to join in and share some holiday cheer with those less fortunate.

The charity's largest event, the annual Christmas Lunch with the Homeless, is slated for Dec. 21 at a new indoor location, Fortna. The festive gathering will offer traditional Czech meals, warm drinks, gifts, and new winter necessities to those in need.

Visit the group's website and social channels for details how to get involved.

These initiatives aren't just holiday one-offs. FriendShip Prague has built a dedicated following within the expat community, both in Prague and abroad, offering regular volunteer opportunities throughout the year. The organization has also launched a digital magazine to expand its reach.

The Diplomatic Spouses’ Association has granted funds to dozens of Czech charities since its founding in 2017, including ACORUS, Jako Doma, and Velvet Smile. Last year, First Lady Eva Pavlová opened the holiday markets, further solidifying the significant impact expats are making in Czechia.