International Volunteer Day: Help an expat-founded charity feed and clothe Prague’s homeless this winter

Today marks International Volunteer Day worldwide, and charities in Czechia are getting ready to help people in need this Christmas – especially as temperatures begin to drop. FriendShip Prague, an English-speaking charity in the capital, has launched a December campaign that aims to help those who are most disadvantaged.

FriendShip aims to connect members of the public with the homeless – allowing people not only to donate goods to those worse off but to also spend quality time with them and become a source of support and friendship. Volunteers meet every Saturday in Prague to help the homeless population while keeping them company.

FriendShip has started its annual “Fill a Christmas sock for the homeless” campaign, in which members of the public purchase a pair of warm socks, fill one of them with travel-size toiletries and sweets, and donate them to the charity. 

The non-governmental organization also encourages people to donate any spare clothes, foods, and necessities to those who are less fortunate as part of its winter donation drive. Items can be dropped off at the FriendShip office at Dům Radost in Prague 3. The charity says that it is especially in need of gloves, scarves, blankets, backpacks, mats, and sleeping bags.

FriendShip will also host a charity yoga and breakfast event that will take place on Dec. 10, with all proceeds going toward purchasing extra winter necessities. Full information on registering can be found here.

The charity also encourages volunteers to not only donate to the homeless and disadvantaged but to also spend quality time with them. FriendShip is hosting a Christmas movie screening at Žižkov’s Husitská Community Center on Dec. 15 at 5 p.m., the public is welcome to join. 

The annual Christmas meal with the homeless will also take place at Bike Jesus on Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. – volunteers are encouraged to bring food, clothes, and warm supplies for the homeless. Those who wish to attend should fill out this form beforehand.

The charity reminds members of the public to donate via the Darujme.cz site. Since it has no government funding, every donation counts.