{"id":13170,"date":"2021-07-06T09:20:44","date_gmt":"2021-07-06T07:20:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.servethecity.brussels\/over-serve-the-city\/annual-report-2020\/"},"modified":"2021-07-08T14:19:58","modified_gmt":"2021-07-08T12:19:58","slug":"annual-report-2020","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.servethecity.brussels\/nl\/over-serve-the-city\/annual-report-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"Annual Report 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"
[mk_page_section layout_structure=”half_right” bg_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/qdp-scaled.jpg” bg_image_portrait=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/qdp-scaled.jpg” bg_color=”#0098db” bg_stretch=”true” full_width=”true” full_height=”true” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ has_bottom_shape_divider=”true” bottom_shape_size=”small”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”12883″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” el_class=”retina”][vc_btn title=”Download our full annual report in pdf” style=”outline” color=”white” size=”sm” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-file-pdf” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.servethecity.net%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2021%2F07%2Fstc-annual-report-2020.pdf|” css=”.vc_custom_1625564555576{margin-top: 100px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section padding_top=”50″ sidebar=”mw-event-calendar-sidebar”][vc_column][mk_fancy_title margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]\n

Foreword<\/h2>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”4″ el_width=”10″ accent_color=”#0098db”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][mk_fancy_title font_family=”none”]\n

Kindness cannot be cancelled!<\/h4>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625557069954{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

2020 was a fulfilling yet extremely challenging year for Serve the City Brussels.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We began the year looking forward with excitement and renewed ambition to mobilise volunteers and be agents of transformation in our neighbourhoods through simple acts of kindness.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I was fortunate to be named Executive Director of our organisation, with some big shoes to fill as Carlton Deal, our Founder and Executive Director for the last 15 years, moved up to become our Board Chair.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

But in March 2020, the world as we knew it was put on hold as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The implementation of strict lockdown measures forced us to put most of our volunteering projects on hold and our funding model collapsed, given our dependence on corporate volunteering activities, international volunteering programmes and fundraising events. At the same time, we were faced with a growing and urgent demand for humanitarian aid in the city of Brussels and beyond. In fact, 80% of Belgian organisations fighting poverty saw their target audience increase as a result of the pandemic, according to a survey by the King Baudouin Foundation.<\/span> \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We wanted to respond to these demands and to do so we had to quickly adapt to the new normal. Our team leaders and volunteers found new ways to bring their projects forward while continuing to provide much-needed support to people in need. And thanks to many of our donors, who exhibited a heart-warming and unprecedented level of engagement with us, we were able to create a solid financial base for continuing our work.<\/p>\n

From this extraordinary engagement, many new projects and activities emerged, including meal preparation and distribution, online meet and greets, correspondence via postcards, activities with children, and many others. We also launched our ServeNow app, taking advantage of digital opportunities to connect volunteers. We multiplied the possibilities to continue spreading kindness and love to underprivileged people living precarious lives in our community.<\/p>\n

So despite its challenges, 2020 was also a year full of new opportunities. We were able to further increase our reach and community engagement, professionalise our actions, and deliver on our values of humility, compassion, respect, love, courage and hope.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank our volunteers and team leaders for their relentless support and daily investment; and thank our donors, who gave us the possibility to continue to expand our actions.<\/p>\n

As I look forward to 2021 and beyond, I can only hope that we will continue to show the same resilience, drive and commitment as we have in these past 12 months. This past year has clearly reminded us that simple acts of kindness can make a big difference, so I can only encourage everyone not to be afraid to make a start, no matter how small your action!<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][vc_single_image image=”7104″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625643832039{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Nathan Torrini<\/b>
\nExecutive Director[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_color=”#f6f6f6″ has_top_shape_divider=”true” top_shape_size=”small” bottom_shape_size=”small” sidebar=”mw-event-calendar-sidebar”][vc_column][mk_fancy_title margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]\n

2020 highlights<\/h2>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”4″ el_width=”10″ accent_color=”#0098db”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625559958912{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

We served<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][mk_icon_box2 icon_type=”image” icon_size=”128″ icon_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/icon-peopleinneed-1.png” title=”60 000″ title_size=”36″ title_weight=”bold” title_color=”#0098db” animation=”fade-in”]people in need[\/mk_icon_box2][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625559995409{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

We launched<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][mk_icon_box2 icon_type=”image” icon_size=”128″ icon_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/icon-app.png” title=”ServeNow” title_size=”36″ title_weight=”bold” title_color=”#0098db” animation=”fade-in”]our mobile app[\/mk_icon_box2][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625560025053{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

We mobilised in average<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][mk_icon_box2 icon_type=”image” icon_size=”128″ icon_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/icon-volunteers-1.png” title=”100″ title_size=”36″ title_weight=”bold” title_color=”#0098db” animation=”fade-in”]volunteers per week[\/mk_icon_box2][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625560052175{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

We dedicated<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][mk_icon_box2 icon_type=”image” icon_size=”128″ icon_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/icon-hours-1.png” title=”9 207″ title_size=”36″ title_weight=”bold” title_color=”#0098db” animation=”fade-in”]hours to our projects[\/mk_icon_box2][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_color=”#0098db” has_top_shape_divider=”true” top_shape_size=”small” top_shape_color=”#f6f6f6″ sidebar=”mw-event-calendar-sidebar”][vc_column][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none” el_class=”white”]\n

We distributed<\/span><\/h2>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”4″ el_width=”10″ accent_color=”#000000″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][mk_icon_box2 icon_type=”image” icon_size=”128″ icon_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/icon-meals.png” title=”12 600″ title_size=”36″ title_weight=”bold” title_color=”#000000″ description_color=”#ffffff” animation=”fade-in”]Warm meals[\/mk_icon_box2][vc_column_text el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1625561847549{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

Served at our project Le Phare<\/em><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][mk_icon_box2 icon_type=”image” icon_size=”128″ icon_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/icon-lunchbags.png” title=”4 350″ title_size=”36″ title_weight=”bold” title_color=”#000000″ description_color=”#ffffff” animation=”fade-in”]Lunch bags[\/mk_icon_box2][vc_column_text el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1625562087674{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

Prepared by our volunteers at home<\/em><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][mk_icon_box2 icon_type=”image” icon_size=”128″ icon_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/icon-hotdrink.png” title=”52 095″ title_size=”36″ title_weight=”bold” title_color=”#000000″ description_color=”#ffffff” animation=”fade-in”]Hot drinks[\/mk_icon_box2][vc_column_text el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1625562101432{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

Served at our project Lunch 4 Refugees<\/em><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1625562299426{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][mk_icon_box2 icon_type=”image” icon_size=”128″ icon_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/icon-desserts.png” title=”45 075″ title_size=”36″ title_weight=”bold” title_color=”#000000″ description_color=”#ffffff” animation=”fade-in”]Desserts[\/mk_icon_box2][vc_column_text el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1625562153742{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

Served at our project Lunch 4 Refugees<\/em><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][mk_icon_box2 icon_type=”image” icon_size=”128″ icon_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/icon-essentials.png” title=”Essential” title_size=”36″ title_weight=”bold” title_color=”#000000″ description_color=”#ffffff” animation=”fade-in”]Products[\/mk_icon_box2][vc_column_text el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1625562225226{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

COVID-19 Kits, blankets, warm clothes, shoes, sleeping bags<\/em><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][mk_icon_box2 icon_type=”image” icon_size=”128″ icon_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/icon-books.png” title=”Other” title_size=”36″ title_weight=”bold” title_color=”#000000″ description_color=”#ffffff” animation=”fade-in”]Goods[\/mk_icon_box2][vc_column_text el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1625562101432{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

Served at our project Lunch 4 Refugees<\/em><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section layout_structure=”half_left” bg_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/ck-testimony-scaled.jpg” bg_color=”#f6f6f6″ full_width=”true” has_top_shape_divider=”true” top_shape_size=”small” top_shape_color=”#0098db” has_bottom_shape_divider=”true” bottom_shape_size=”small”][vc_column][mk_testimonials show_as=”column” column=”1″ count=”-1″ font_size=”14″ font_weight=”400″ testimonials=”12965″][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section padding_top=”50″ sidebar=”mw-event-calendar-sidebar”][vc_column][mk_fancy_title margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]\n

The impact of COVID-19<\/h2>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”4″ el_width=”10″ accent_color=”#0098db”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625567322864{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Through 2020, Serve the City Brussels – like many other organisations – was confronted with unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n

The pandemic had a catastrophic impact on vulnerable people, leading to a growing demand for humanitarian assistance. The numbers speak for themselves: in Brussels, homelessness increased by 29%, while lack of access to food and basic hygiene needs increased by 73%. Increased loneliness (+76%), extreme social isolation (+32%) and mental health issues (+44%) were also direct consequences of this pandemic. It became clear that the support efforts of organisations like ours would be more crucial than ever.<\/p>\n

From the beginning of the pandemic, we strived to continue providing support to the vulnerable, despite being faced with challenges as a result of the lockdown and restrictions on physical contact.<\/p>\n

From one day to the next, and due to the strict lockdown put in place in March, we lost a lot of the social contact that is so integral to volunteering work. Social interaction is crucial to the experience of both volunteers and those we serve – and this posed a real challenge that forced us to rethink our model and be creative and flexible in our actions.<\/p>\n

Thanks to the commitment and drive of our network of volunteers and partners, we found new ways of supporting people in need by launching \u201cvolunteer from home\u201d projects. These projects included collecting and delivering lunch bags and COVID-19 sanitary kits, initiating postcard exchanges, and delivering flowers. We also moved all our interactions with volunteers online, including training and information sessions. Thanks to the relentless support of our volunteers, we were able to continue serving vulnerable people and positively impact their lives.<\/p>\n

As COVID-19 lockdown measures were gradually relaxed, we were able to resume some of our face-to-face activities through small-scale initiatives such as making and distributing sandwiches on the streets, relaunching our Big Volunteer Days and resuming some of our partnerships and volunteering activities. We also helped the Plateforme Citoyenne with the move of two of their shelters for migrants and asylum seekers (Porte d\u2019Ulysse and Sisters House), built new partnerships, and we also launched new projects, including homework classes and activities for children at the Parc L\u00e9opold Centre for Asylum Seekers alongisde G4S Care, and support for the Red Cross \u2018PSA\u2019 food distribution and day centre. We also proudly launched our \u201cServeNow\u201d app, providing us with new channels to connect our volunteers with projects.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section layout_structure=”half_left” bg_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/psa-scaled.jpg” bg_color=”#f6f6f6″ full_width=”true” has_top_shape_divider=”true” top_shape_size=”small” top_shape_color=”#ffffff” has_bottom_shape_divider=”true” bottom_shape_size=”small”][vc_column][mk_testimonials show_as=”column” column=”1″ count=”-1″ font_size=”14″ font_weight=”400″ testimonials=”13008″][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section padding_top=”50″ sidebar=”mw-event-calendar-sidebar”][vc_column][mk_fancy_title margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]\n

2020 Activities for the people we serve<\/h2>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”4″ el_width=”10″ accent_color=”#0098db”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625567796311{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

While our total number of volunteering activities was greatly reduced in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Serve the City Brussels managed to maintain and develop crucial projects throughout the year. Here is a glimpse of our projects in 2020.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion gap=”3″ c_icon=”chevron” active_section=”0″][vc_tta_section title=”Lunch 4 Refugees” tab_id=”l4r”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”12691″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625570230988{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]We bring a moment of warmth and community to those most in need by serving 900 warm meals a week to migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.<\/em><\/p>\n

Initially called \u2018Breakfast 4 Refugees\u2019, this Serve the City initiative started out as a breakfast distribution project at the Parc Maximilien in central Brussels, where thousands fleeing war had sought shelter back in 2015. In March 2020, our distribution work was relocated by the city of Brussels to the Quai des P\u00e9niches, under the supervision of the Red Cross. This was a temporary solution before Serve the City could find suitable infrastructure of our own.<\/p>\n

In October 2020, our distribution project was officially relocated to a new PSA centre (\u2018Personnes Sans Abris\u2019, meaning centre for homelessness) located at Avenue du Port, and managed by the Red Cross. Serve the City, alongside several other non-profit organisations, distributed lunch and dinner packages to 900 migrants, refugees, and homeless persons every day of the week.<\/p>\n

Throughout the year, \u2018Lunch 4 Refugees\u2019 took place three times a week: every Monday, Tuesday and Saturday. Our volunteers distributed hot drinks (coffee and tea) and desserts (including waffles or muffins) as a complement to the meals distributed by the other associations. We also distributed COVID-19 kits including face masks and hand gels during the first wave of the pandemic. Our lunch service has helped bring the people we serve closer to one another, creating a sense of community.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Logistics at Red Cross” tab_id=”rclogistic”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”12725″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625570440944{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]In what was such a difficult year for migrants, refugees and homeless people, Serve the City Brussels\u2019 volunteers acted as force multipliers by helping the Red Cross manage their added workload and supporting them with food distribution and supervision.<\/em><\/p>\n

Following the start of our partnership with the Red Cross during the summer, Serve the City launched a logistical support project to help Red Cross staff perform their supervising duties at the Quai des P\u00e9niches and later at the PSA centre. The project welcomed Serve the City volunteers every day of the week to help Red Cross staff manage food distribution and canteen supervision.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”G4S Care” tab_id=”g4s”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”12986″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625570560903{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Thanks to the dedication shown by Serve the City Brussels\u2019 volunteers, children at the Parc L\u00e9opold Centre for Asylum Seekers\u00a0 can participate in fun after school activities and receive educational support.<\/em><\/p>\n

This partnership started in November 2020 at the newly opened Parc L\u00e9opold Centre for Asylum Seekers run by the G4S Care company. In cooperation with G4S Care, Serve the City launched two weekly activities every Wednesday: after-school activities for children (sports, dance, arts & crafts), and a homework support class in the evening. Around 30 children participated each week. In addition to the two weekly activities, our volunteers also helped to improve the centre\u2019s facilities by creating a library, setting up a computer space, decorating common spaces with paintings and stickers, and donating toys and games to the children of the centre.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Mobile Library” tab_id=”ml”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”12694″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625571080796{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Our book distribution network brings resources to those in need, helping them to better integrate into society and improve their language skills.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The Mobile Library project has been running for five years. Serve the City volunteers distribute books to the homeless in different shelters across the city. The books distributed are usually received through donations. They vary in language (French, English, Arabic, German, Dutch, etc.) and in style (dictionaries, fiction, language books, novels, essays, etc.).<\/p>\n

In 2020, our weekly Mobile Library project ran every Thursday evening. In October, our volunteers also set up a library at the Parc L\u00e9opold Centre for Asylum Seekers to provide books to the 400 residents of the centre, including many children. This project has been helping us make a difference for people to better integrate into society, with language skills that can help find new friends or interact with public authorities, for example.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Le Phare” tab_id=”lp”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”12685″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625571174048{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Since 2012, Serve the City Brussels has been partnering with non-profit organisations to provide crucial support in the distribution of food and basic supplies, always adapting to society\u2019s evolving needs.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Le Phare is a landmark project at Serve the City. Relaunched in 2012 in collaboration with the Salvation Army and Community Kitchen, volunteers distribute home-cooked healthy meals to homeless people every Tuesday morning in the Sainte-Catherine area. Due to the growing number of people in need of food during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, our volunteers decided to double their efforts and launched a second round of distribution taking place every Friday. In addition, volunteers also started to hand out clothes, blankets, shoes and sleeping bags when the temperatures dropped in October-November 2020.<\/p>\n

This project showcases how Serve the City has effectively collaborated with partner non-profits and dynamically adjusted to offer emergency support to those in need during the most difficult periods, exacerbated by the pandemic this year.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section layout_structure=”half_left” bg_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/soha-testimony-scaled.jpg” bg_color=”#f6f6f6″ full_width=”true” padding_top=”100″ padding_bottom=”100″ has_top_shape_divider=”true” top_shape_size=”small” top_shape_color=”#ffffff” has_bottom_shape_divider=”true” bottom_shape_size=”small”][vc_column][mk_testimonials show_as=”column” column=”1″ count=”-1″ font_size=”14″ font_weight=”400″ testimonials=”13019″][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section padding_top=”50″ sidebar=”mw-event-calendar-sidebar”][vc_column][mk_fancy_title margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]\n

2020 Activities for our volunteers<\/h2>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”4″ el_width=”10″ accent_color=”#0098db”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][mk_milestone icon_size=”large” align=”center” stop=”7″ text=”big volunteer days” text_color=”#0098db” text_size=”72″ font_family=”none” font_weight=”bold”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][mk_milestone icon_size=”large” align=”center” stop=”2″ text=”big volunteer week-ends” text_color=”#0098db” text_size=”72″ font_family=”none” font_weight=”bold”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][mk_milestone icon_size=”large” align=”center” stop=”55″ text=”volunteers on average” text_color=”#0098db” text_size=”72″ font_family=”none” font_weight=”bold”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_tta_accordion gap=”3″ c_icon=”chevron” active_section=”0″][vc_tta_section title=”Information sessions” tab_id=”infosessions”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”12769″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625572401531{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Throughout the year, Serve the City Brussels organises information sessions for\u00a0 prospective volunteers. The aim of these sessions is to inform our new volunteers about our mission, values, and volunteering opportunities. These sessions are based on exchange and conversations, to get to know our volunteers, their skills and ideas, to help us create a true volunteering community. In 2020, our weekly information sessions were held online every Tuesday evening and Thursday at noon.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Big Volunteer Days” tab_id=”bvd”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”7749″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625572392744{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Every first Saturday of the month, Serve the City organises a Big Volunteer Day. These events are an opportunity for many to try out volunteering for the first time, to highlight the benefits of volunteering, and to foster our ties with our volunteering community. Many different volunteering opportunities are on offer for volunteers to serve the homeless, refugees, migrants, children in need and the elderly.<\/p>\n

In 2020, due to COVID-19, we organised 7 Big Volunteer Days, and two Big Volunteer Week-ends. Since the start of lockdown in March, our events focused on \u2018at-home volunteering\u2019, the collection of lunch bags (around 500 lunch bags per event), the distribution of COVID-19 Kits and writing postcards for\u00a0 the residents of the HAMA4 centre, which is a centre for elderly people with intellectual disabilities. As lockdown measures were relaxed, we relaunched our volunteering activities with our partners, who were often lacking in support and in urgent need of help due to the pandemic. On average, we had over 50 participants for each Big Volunteer Day, spread across different projects, both at home and in the city.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”International Forum” tab_id=”if”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”13024″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625572436159{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Our yearly International Forum brings together volunteers and staff from Serve the City International and from local Serve the City branches. The 2020 edition was held online on the 23rd and 24th October. The forum aims to connect different STC organisations,\u00a0 to enhance exchange, unity and coherence. This year, the forum consisted of online workshops and training, aimed at improving Serve the City\u2019s management and increasing awareness on global and contemporary issues. STC International also presented \u201cImagine 2025\u201d, our vision for the next 5 years. This includes developing thriving, sustainable and self-replicating volunteer communities in 1,000 cities by 2025, serving more people and neighbourhoods in need, transforming lives and cities around the world.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Zoom-In” tab_id=”zoomin”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”4111″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625572758872{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

Zoom-In is a virtual training experience that we offer to our volunteering community to increase their knowledge of specific topics related to our fields of serving (i.e. homelessness, migration, social inclusion, etc.). These sessions are great opportunities to share experiences, and equip volunteers with knowledge, helping to build awareness on the various issues faced by\u00a0 <\/span>our volunteering community. Through panel discussions, experts and individuals affected by a specific issue are invited to talk and interact with volunteers. This year, our Zoom-In event focused on the personal story of our Volunteering Coordinator, Mahmoud Qeshreh, who shared his journey as a refugee from Syria. 81 volunteers attended the virtual event which was entitled, \u201cBeing a refugee is not a choice\u201d.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/servenow-scaled-e1625573705435.jpg” bg_position=”center center” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” enable_3d=”true” video_color_mask=”#000000″ min_height=”500″ has_top_shape_divider=”true” top_shape_size=”small” has_bottom_shape_divider=”true” bottom_shape_size=”small” sidebar=”mw-event-calendar-sidebar”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”13035″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” el_class=”retina”][vc_column_text el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1625573863937{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]On the 23rd<\/sup> October 2020, Serve the City launched its very own app called ServeNow. This ground-breaking app displays our weekly projects, news, updates and volunteering needs. At the tip of their fingers, volunteers are able to contact project leaders, sign up for an information session and register for volunteer shifts. ServeNow enhances the overall organisation of our projects, as project leaders can now know in advance the number of volunteers attending their project.<\/p>\n

ServeNow also provides us with a better picture of our overall impact, and we are now looking to expand it to other STC branches around the world.<\/p>\n

Two months after its launch, the app had recorded already over 1000 volunteer hours on the three pilot projects.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”12628″ img_size=”192×83″ alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css_animation=”fadeInLeft” link=”https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/servenow-volunteering\/id1535019384″][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”12631″ img_size=”215×83″ alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css_animation=”fadeInRight” link=”https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=app.servenow.www”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section padding_top=”50″ sidebar=”mw-event-calendar-sidebar”][vc_column][mk_fancy_title margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]\n

Financial report<\/h2>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”4″ el_width=”10″ accent_color=”#0098db”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625574807080{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

Revenue<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”13045″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625574860217{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

Expenditure<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”13042″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section layout_structure=”half_right” bg_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/revenuestreams-1.png” bg_color=”#f6f6f6″ has_top_shape_divider=”true” top_shape_size=”small”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625575005461{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

Overcoming loss of traditional revenue streams in 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n

In 2020, Serve the City Brussels focused on developing new revenue sources to minimise the negative impact of the pandemic on our traditional sources of income.<\/p>\n

As reported by the King Baudouin Foundation, 49% of non-profits in Belgium were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Serve the City was not an exception. The lockdown and the strict sanitary measures in place throughout the year resulted in the loss of key revenue streams – those driven by in-person volunteering and cross-border travel. In particular, we were unable to organise our fundraising events, corporate volunteering, and our international volunteering programme, which were the pillars of our revenues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To preserve our programme, we focused on driving the revenue we receive from donations. The exacerbated inequalities caused by the crisis meant that private donors were increasingly concerned and they were willing to get involved. We therefore worked hard to channel our community\u2019s goodwill.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This great display of generosity and kindness was helped significantly by Serve the City securing a recognised charity status, which allows our donors to\u00a0 <\/span>claim a 60% fiscal deduction on all donations exceeding EUR 40.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section layout_structure=”half_left” bg_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/foreword-scaled.jpg” bg_color=”#f6f6f6″ padding_top=”50″ padding_bottom=”50″ top_shape_size=”small” has_bottom_shape_divider=”true” bottom_shape_size=”small”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625582342594{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

Exercising prudence over 2020 expenditure<\/h4>\n

The loss of our other revenue streams provoked a shift in our budget allocation. Our corporate and international volunteering programmes typically cover salaries, consultancies, and rent costs, but due to our inability to organise such events, budget reductions were put in place to reduce our costs to a maximum in order to survive. Importantly, we succeeded in retaining all our staff, as costs related to salaries, consultancies and rents were partly covered by donations and grants from public and private actors.<\/p>\n

As a result of driving donations and exercising expenditure prudence, we actually raised funds in excess of our 2020 predictions, building an excess of EUR 55,000, which in 2021 we determined to retain as a reserve and a helping measure to manage the sustained uncertainty and restrictions of the pandemic. We anticipate that our traditional revenue streams from corporate events and international volunteering will remain negligible in the first half of 2021.<\/p>\n

This great display of generosity and kindness was helped significantly by Serve the City securing a recognised charity status, which allows our donors to\u00a0 <\/span>claim a 60% fiscal deduction on all donations exceeding EUR 40.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section padding_top=”50″ sidebar=”mw-event-calendar-sidebar”][vc_column width=”2\/3″][mk_fancy_title margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]\n

Our partners<\/h2>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”4″ el_width=”10″ accent_color=”#0098db”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625642513359{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]In addition to private donors, we were also supported by many public and private actors and partners. Among others, we would like to thank the King Baudouin Foundation<\/strong> and Toyota Motor Europe<\/strong> and their employees for helping to keep our projects up and running, the UPS Foundation<\/strong> for financing the development of ServeNow, as well as the following organisations for their financial support (this list is non-exhaustive): Austin Bright<\/strong>, Red Rock<\/strong>, F5<\/strong>, CDC United Network<\/strong> and the Gumley House Convent<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Throughout the year, we have also been supported with material donations and food supplies from our partners. The Community Kitchen<\/strong> has been instrumental in the success of our food outreach projects, by supplying us with warm meals and thousands of muffins per week.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][mk_blog style=”magazine” magazine_strcutre=”1″ grid_image_height=”400″ post_count=”1″ comments_share=”false” pagination=”false” exclude_post_format=”” posts=”13080″][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_color=”#0098db” padding_top=”50″ has_top_shape_divider=”true” top_shape_size=”small” el_class=”white” sidebar=”mw-event-calendar-sidebar”][vc_column][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]\n

Looking forward<\/h2>\n[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”4″ el_width=”10″ accent_color=”#000000″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text el_class=”white” css=”.vc_custom_1625642556747{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

Short-term goals<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][mk_custom_list animation=”scale-up” el_class=”white”]\n
    \n
  • \n

    Further develop our current partnerships to increase our impact, especially food distribution projects. We are planning on installing a semi-professional kitchen in our new facilities to better respond to the current and urgent humanitarian needs in the city.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Increase the number of projects on ServeNow, including projects in other Belgian cities (e.g. Leuven, Sint-Truiden) to offer more volunteering opportunities across the country. Further develop the app to make it easier to use and more complete.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Continue to develop and coordinate our volunteering opportunities in accordance with the sanitary measures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Relaunch and grow our corporate volunteering programme while strictly following the sanitary measures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Strengthen cohesion between our volunteers, project leaders and core team.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/mk_custom_list][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625582724113{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

    Mid-Term Goals<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][mk_custom_list animation=”scale-up” el_class=”white”]\n
      \n
    • \n

      Develop and grow the Belgian Serve the City network, including STC Brussels, STC Leuven and STC Saint-Truiden to increase our range of action across the country.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Increase and further raise awareness about volunteering, through our key events (Big Volunteer Days and Big Volunteer Week) in order to create a strong, diversified, and unified volunteering community.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Train and expand our network of project leaders.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Increase our search for subsidies and stable funding opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Resume and further develop our environmental and sustainable projects, including developing a community garden around our facilities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/mk_custom_list][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625582710243{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

      Long-Term Goals<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][mk_custom_list animation=”scale-up” el_class=”white”]\n
        \n
      • \n

        Generate recognition of the societal value of volunteering and acknowledgement that it is a crucial part of the well-being of our society in Belgium.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Serve the City Brussels as a well-established and resilient structure, with stable funding sources, capable of responding quickly and efficiently the needs of vulnerable people both in the city of Brussels and in the whole of Belgium.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Facilitate a well trained community of volunteers and project leaders, who understand the needs of those we serve and who are capable of responding to these needs in an efficient and kind manner.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Redesign all our projects to be 100% sustainable and environmentally friendly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Continue to live our values while serving people in need, to inspire individuals to make a difference and spread kindness, transform entire neighbourhoods through volunteering, and break down barriers between groups of people.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/mk_custom_list][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        [mk_page_section layout_structure=”half_right” bg_image=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/qdp-scaled.jpg” bg_image_portrait=”https:\/\/cdn.servethecity.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/qdp-scaled.jpg” bg_color=”#0098db” bg_stretch=”true” full_width=”true” full_height=”true” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ has_bottom_shape_divider=”true” bottom_shape_size=”small”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”12883″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” el_class=”retina”][vc_btn title=”Download our full annual report in pdf” style=”outline” color=”white” size=”sm” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-file-pdf” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.servethecity.net%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2021%2F07%2Fstc-annual-report-2020.pdf|” css=”.vc_custom_1625564555576{margin-top: 100px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section padding_top=”50″ sidebar=”mw-event-calendar-sidebar”][vc_column][mk_fancy_title margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”] Foreword [\/mk_fancy_title][vc_separator color=”custom” align=”align_left” border_width=”4″ el_width=”10″ accent_color=”#0098db”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][mk_fancy_title font_family=”none”] Kindness cannot be cancelled! [\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1625557069954{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”] […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":4881,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-13170","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.servethecity.brussels\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.servethecity.brussels\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.servethecity.brussels\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.servethecity.brussels\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.servethecity.brussels\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13170"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.servethecity.brussels\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13170\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.servethecity.brussels\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4881"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.servethecity.brussels\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}