With Christmas Eve just ten days away, preparations for festive gatherings are underway for many to enjoy the warmth of family and friends in their homes or local restaurants.
However, not everyone is fortunate enough to experience such holiday joy. That is why every year, the non-profit association Stëmm vun der Strooss (“Voice of the Street”) organises a Christmas meal for the socially excluded, the homeless, the economically disadvantaged, long-term unemployed, refugees, drug addicts, and all those grappling with various social challenges.
In 2023, the longstanding tradition took place at the Bonnevoie cultural centre at noon on Thursday, 14 December, in the presence of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess.
More than 400 attendees, many of whom rely on the services offered by Stëmm vun der Strooss every day, participated in the event. Among them, Sebastian Graffe shared his personal struggles, shedding light on the harsh realities of life on the street:
“I just think it’s important that we also think of people who live on the street, because a lot of people think that those who live on the street do it by choice. On the contrary. Instead of immediately making assumptions, people should first listen to them and find out what happened. I ended up on the street after my dad died, when I ended up with my mum. She told me, ‘Get out, you’re on your own.’ Then one thing led to another: Drug addiction, alcohol addiction, suicide attempts. I have the impression that many politicians are closing their minds to reality.”
One aspect of that reality is that four years ago, Stëmm vun der Strooss was distributing around 100,000 meals a year to those in need. Marcel Detaille, at the helm of the non-profit for nearly two decades, reports that this figure has now risen to 150,000. Detaille expressed concern that more and more people are dependent on aid due to financial hardships and other challenges. Despite these growing concerns, Detaille acknowledged that Luxembourg, compared to neighbouring countries, continues to offer considerable support, including political backing.
The Grand Ducal couple took the time to listen to the most disadvantaged, to get to know them, and to discuss their problems. Grand Duchess Maria Teresa emphasised the importance of such interactions, stating, “I believe that it is important to show people that a head of state and his wife find it important to meet them, to talk to them, to learn what their lives are, what the problems are, and to know in general what is working and what isn’t working so well in our country. We are counting on our country’s government to do what they can to help these people.”
Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Grand Duke Henri spent over two hours at the Christmas party in Bonnevoie. Both spent a long time chatting with the guests and were also happy to pose for selfies with them.
On top of the option to get a free haircut, a three-course Christmas menu, a bag filled with hygiene essentials, and toys for children, each beneficiary of the association received a gift: a basket containing a scarf, a hat, and gloves.
