Vital refuge at Christmas: Luxembourg's Le Courage social bistro

For people who are living on the streets or in inadequate shelter, even small gestures of kindness can make a significant difference.

Le Courage, a social bistro located in Bonnevoie in Luxembourg City, offers those small, kind yet vital gestures.

Meaning "hang in there" or "good luck," in English, Le Courage is a crucial support system for many. It fosters a sense of community and mitigates the loneliness, isolation, and exclusion many feel, especially at this time of year.

Cosy 

For the team at Le Courage, understanding and empathy are essential to providing the service they offer. As a warm, safe, and welcoming meeting place for those who are struggling to meet their basic needs, the café plays an inestimable role in spreading some Christmas joy.

"It's about celebrating Christmas with 'our people' too," explains Boris Westemeier, who is one member of the bistro's team of dedicated people.

"It's a protected place for those who often have no place else to go. All people are accepted as they are, and their way of life is respected.

"Christmas is about the family festivities at the end of the year – the festivities where everyone has someone except for the people that are outside. They don't get invited to the Christmas lunch with the parents for example.

"The most important thing is that we are open on days like that, and we are here to welcome them into a warm place especially knowing that everything else is going to be closed," he adds.

Boris Westemeier at Le Courage. / © Boris Westemeier

Gifts

A special effort is made over the holiday period by the caring team. On Christmas Day a get-together is organised for the bistro clients, which takes place off-site. Then on the 26th, Le Courage will host its own festive event where each person gets an individual gift.

The charitable gesture has been made possible by the effort of more than 130 students and staff from St George's International School who, throughout November and December, collected donations for their Christmas shoebox appeal.

Joining forces with 40 volunteers from Amazon Luxembourg, the students lovingly prepared and giftwrapped the shoebox presents containing essential items such as non-perishable food and hygiene products as well as a personal note.

It is a heartwarming Christmas deed that will be appreciated by those receiving them on the 26th, Boris Westemeier notes.

Lifeline

Year-round Le Courage offers a vital service for the homeless community and on a normal day from 8am, one hour before opening, there will usually be 10–15 people waiting outside, Boris highlights.
 
The café, which is open to those over 18 years old, offers coffee, soup, sandwiches, and water free of charge to its clients. They can also do their laundry with washing machines and tumble dryers available, subject to being reserved in advance.

In addition, the facility has up to 30 showers with towels and shampoo provided. This, Boris points out, is a key service to many, allowing them the dignity of personal hygiene.

In terms of who these people are, Boris explains that it is not one type of person, but he does note that the clientele is mostly made up of foreigners rather than locals.

"There is no typical type of person that comes to the café. It varies so much – there are people up to 70 years old, and there are people who are 22 years old. I think the population of Le Courage is a population in need.

"If I had to say one word for them, it's that they are in need. And the need is so different for everybody. Some just want food, some just need a shower. I know people that work 40 hours a week, and they come to Le Courage. Then you have the complete contrast, the person who is not able to work anymore."

Boris suggests that anyone who would like to see first-hand the services the café provides to drop by and see the integral role Le Courage plays in the lives of Luxembourg's less-privileged.

Canine-friendly

Another cherished aspect of the service is that dogs are welcome. Water, dog food, and even canine treats are always at the ready for them.

"We have about two dogs a day that come with their owners. We know how important animals can be for humans in general and especially for people who are homeless."

The genuine warmth at Le Courage can remind people of their humanity and worth, providing a glimmer of hope during what can be an otherwise bleak time.

Le Courage is open seven days a week from 9am to 7pm. It will stay open throughout the festive period.