Terugblik 2025: samen maken we impact
Beste lezer,
Met trots kijken we terug op 2025, een jaar waarin we opnieuw veel Amsterdammers hebben bereikt en in beweging hebben gebracht voor een ander.
Dit jaar hebben we onze koers aangescherpt met een helder businessplan. Onze ambitie: van eenmalige activiteiten naar duurzame betrokkenheid.
Ook hebben we een belangrijke stap gezet in onze zichtbaarheid. Met de introductie van of Serve the City Young, we now communicate under one strong and recognizable name.
We bleven inspelen op wat er speelt in de stad. Van een bewustwordingscampagne rondom zebrapaden (met landelijke media-aandacht) tot onze bijdrage aan Amsterdam CleansDay, waar ruim 3000 Amsterdammers samen de stad schoonmaakten.
We vertellen ons verhaal steeds sterker en inspireren zo meer mensen om zich in te zetten – niet één keer, maar blijvend.
Nieuwsgierig naar alle resultaten en cijfers? Bekijk het volledige jaarverslag.
Veel leesplezier!
Brigitte Vonck-Makkinje
Executive Director
Looking back at 2025: Creating impact together!
Dear reader,
With pride, we look back on 2025 , a year in which we once again reached and mobilized many Amsterdammers to support others across our city.
This year, we sharpened our direction with a clear business plan. Our ambition: to move from one-time volunteering activities to sustainable engagement.
We also took an important step in strengthening our visibility. With the introduction of Serve the City Young, we now communicate under one strong and recognizable name.
Throughout the year, we continued to respond to what is happening in our city. From a zebra crossing awareness campaign, which gained national media attention, to our contribution to Amsterdam CleansDay, where over 3,000 Amsterdammers came together to clean the city.
We are getting better at telling our story and inspiring more people to get involved – not just once, but for the long term.
Curious about all results and figures? Take a look at the full annual report.
Enjoy reading!
Brigitte Vonck-Makkinje
Executive Director
7 tips to meet new people in Amsterdam!
Moving to Amsterdam is exciting, but let’s be honest, building a social circle in a new city can feel a bit overwhelming. Whether you’re here for work, study, or adventure, making new friends takes some time… but it’s absolutely possible!
Here are 7 practical and friendly tips to help you feel more at home in Amsterdam!
1. Dutch lessons
Learning the language isn’t just practical, it’s also a great way to meet new people.
At Koentact, they provide Dutch classes that are full of internationals! Plus, they organize Field Trips, where you can meet new people. You’re not just learning Dutch, you’re building a little community!
You can sign-up for the Dutch courses here.
2. Amsterdam Language cafe!
Language cafés are a fun and low-pressure way to meet new people while practicing different languages, such as Dutch, English, Spanish or French. You’ll find a mix of locals and internationals, all open to conversation and connection. They host single-language nights on Wednesdays at Koentact Dutch Language School and lively All Languages Parties on Fridays at De Hallen. You can check the upcoming events here.
3. Join sport activities!
Joining a sports class, yoga session, or group activity is a natural way to meet others. Shared activities help break the ice and make conversations easier. Plus, it’s good for your energy and mood. You can join the Amsterdam Social Kickball League
4. Become a regular somewhere
Find a café, park, or local spot you enjoy and visit regularly. Over time, familiar faces turn into conversations—and sometimes into friendships.
5. Volunteer your time!
Volunteering is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with others while making a difference in the city. You’ll meet people from all kinds of backgrounds, both locals and internationals.
- Serve the City Amsterdam offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities—from social projects to environmental and food-related initiatives. It’s an easy and welcoming way to get involved and help vulnerable people, such as homeless people, elderly people, or people with mental disabilities. You can check the event calendar and find an event that suits you best!
- At Buurtbuik, volunteers rescue surplus food from restaurants and supermarkets, organizing zero-waste meals for the community! It’s a great way to meet new people, cook all together and contribute to the safety of the environment! You can sign up on their website.
- Still not sure what fits you? VrijwilligersCentrale Amsterdam (VCA) has a variety of fun volunteering vacancies and even a test to help you find the type of volunteer work that suits you best.
6. Be curious and ask questions.
Ask colleagues, classmates, or neighbors about their favorite places or experiences in Amsterdam. Most people enjoy sharing and it’s a great way to start speaking Dutch!
Want to ask something in Dutch? You can start with: Mag ik u iets vragen?or, more informal: Mag ik je iets vragen?
Wat is je lievelingsplek in Amsterdam? [What is your favorite spot in Amsterdam?]
7. Take the first step
Don’t wait for others to reach out. Invite someone for coffee, suggest a walk, or plan a small outing. Many people are open to new friendships—they just need someone to make the first move.
READ MOREThe A ‘Gezellige’ Afternoon at Philadelphia: Volunteering with Disabled Elderly in Amsterdam’s Da Costabuurt
On a chilly but sunny Saturday afternoon, I found myself at Philadelphia, a neighborhood center in Amsterdam’s Da Costabuurt. I had joined as a volunteer alongside David, a PhD student from Hong Kong, and Adina, the projectcoordinator and psychology student from Kazakhstan. The purpose of this action day was to foster connection and bring a touch of gezelligheid to a group of elderly residents with disabilities. The menu for the day: tosti’s, bingo, and freshly made waffles.
A Close-Knit Community
Philadelphia serves as a daytime centre for elderly residents from the surrounding neighbourhood, offering activities, companionship, and a sense of belonging. As Adina explained, the goal is simple yet genuine: “We are like a daycare for them. We help them feel ‘gezellig’ and ‘tevreden.’” Like the others, I felt free to just be myself. Many of the attendees were regulars, and their familiarity with one another created a close-knit vibe. As a newcomer, I felt part of the group quite quickly. It wasn’t Adina’s first time here, though: “It’s nice to come and already know the people that you’re helping, to feel a closer connection. It becomes a part of your life, and it gives a bit more meaning to it.”
Cultural Exchange in the Kitchen
Our first task of the day was making tosti’s, a classic Dutch snack. For Adina and David, it was their first timepreparing (and tasting) a tosti. I was happy to be part of their first time, I told them, as I explained how to prepare one. The conversation naturally flowed into a cultural exchange: comparing Dutch tosti’s with Hong Kong rice-and fish lunches. In a city where first encounters often revolve around discussing work, bonding over food felt refreshing.
Bingo Buddies
After lunch, we moved on to bingo, a relaxing but fun game everyone knows. We helped those who struggled with reading numbers to check their bingo cards. The group really liked it.David, who had only arrived in Amsterdam two months ago, found a special moment helping a hard-of-hearing woman follow along. “During my PhD, I write papers, but I don’t get this feeling of helping someone directly,” he mentioned. “Working with computers, knowledge and logic can feel a bit cold. Here, they smile at you. It’s a warm feeling.”
Waffles and Warmth
The day ended with the sweet aroma of freshly made waffles. As we handed out the waffles, the group couldn’t wait to dig in. For many, a day such as this one is about bonding. “It’s about being a human being around other human beings,” Adina shared. “You can enjoy it, just by being there.”
Why Volunteer?
In Amsterdam, I see a lot of internationals joining our initiatives. It’s a great way to get acclimated to the culture, she said. For locals, it’s a chance to reconnect with their neighbors. We live in a city where people often coexist without truly connecting. Volunteering changes that. For David, who was new to volunteering with Serve the City, it was a chance to meet people in Amsterdam and connect with a culture different from his own. And “maybe,” he adds, “I can bring something to others, too.”
A Day to Remember
As the afternoon came to an end, I left Philadelphia with a sense of satisfaction. I’d stepped out of my comfort zone and realized I could handle way more than I’d expected. Today was a reminder that, sometimes, you’re capable of more than you realize, even in unfamiliar situations.
David, reflecting on his experience, shared his plans for the future: “Later, I will try other activities and projects. I like community projects most.”
For anyone considering volunteering, Adina’s reflection rings true: “I do believe that it’s always better to be together, especially in times of uncertainty. In the long term, it’s always best to invest in your community. You’ll be paid back at some point.”
More Than Helping: Why People Choose to Volunteer in a Busy World
In the midst of busy lives, weekends are often seen as precious time to rest and recharge. People want to use them wisely. So why would anyone choose to spend those valuable hours volunteering, an activity that seems to demand both energy and commitment? Perhaps the answer can be found in the stories of volunteers from Serve the City Amsterdam.
A Day at Kinderboerderij Uylenburg
On February 7, Serve the City Amsterdam (STCA) held its monthly volunteer day at Kinderboerderij Uylenburg, located in Rembrandtpark. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, STCA is a well-known volunteer platform dedicated to connecting people with community needs, fostering social care, and helping make Amsterdam a better city to live in. Kinderboerderij Uylenburg, an open petting farm, is the second-oldest city farm in Amsterdam, surpassed in age only by Artis Royal Zoo. Home to a variety of friendly animals, it serves as an important gathering place for the local community.
On this crisp day, the task at hand was practical and hands-on. Armed with shovels, brooms, and wheelbarrows, the volunteers spent the morning cleaning animal enclosures, replenishing hay, and sharing lovely moments with the farm’s furry residents. Despite the physical nature of the work, the atmosphere remained light as volunteers chatted while they worked, their laughter mingling with the occasional bleat of a goat nearby.
From Stranger to Participant: Finding Connection and Curiosity
Among the ten volunteers present, coming from Europe, Asia, and Latin America and now all living in the Netherlands, four were participating in an STCA activity for the first time. Dhvura, a student from India who arrived in Amsterdam a year ago, has always loved animals and previously volunteered in Mumbai. For him, joining this event was also a way to find rhythm and connection during a life transition. With candid humor, he admitted, “I just went through a breakup and suddenly have more time, so…” drawing laughter from those around him.Zi-Yu, a Chinese student, had previously participated in group-based volunteer programs in China. Describing herself as introverted, she signed up alone this time, knowing no one beforehand. She found volunteering to be “a low-pressure way to socialize,” allowing her to interact naturally with others while also spending time with animals.
Living in Amsterdam for six years, Elizabeth from Singapore joined the program out of curiosity, seeking a fresh experience as she had never been in such close contact with animals. Her warm laughter filled the air as she chose the word “Smile” as her message to the world. Meanwhile, Ilaria from Italy, who moved to Amsterdam about a year ago, saw volunteering as a way to meet people and also to find motivation for her photography practice. She shared that in her experience in Italy, volunteer activities are typically organized formally in group settings, which made it somewhat difficult for her to engage in ad hoc or individual volunteer opportunities. In this regard, volunteering through STCA is more flexible, lowering the barriers to participation.
Giving Back and Feeling Fulfilled: The Joy of Volunteering Again
For returning volunteers, the most common reason for continued participation is simple: giving back. Bianca from Brazil, who has lived in the Netherlands for seven years, transitioned from participant to STCA volunteer coordinator and has been actively involved for two years. To her, volunteering feels like a natural way to give back to the city while rediscovering human kindness. She discovered an unexpected passion for environmental work and even took pleasure in small tasks, like figuring out the most efficient way to clear tiny bits of trash from the drainage grates.
When asked what she would like to say to those hesitating to volunteer, Bianca’s tears spoke for her. “I just hope people can be kinder to this world.” Perhaps it was the frequent sight of litter scattered across parks during city clean-up activities, or the subtle disappointment of inviting friends who rarely followed through. Whatever the reason, her heartfelt wish for greater care toward nature and community was unmistakable.
Frederika, from Slovakia, has lived in the Netherlands for six years and regularly volunteers in various roles, including supporting elderly people. She describes volunteering as bringing a simple yet direct sense of fulfillment. Kuhu, who moved from India to the Netherlands with her parents more than a decade ago, first joined STCA during high school. Half-jokingly, she said she volunteers for the feeling of “getting to feel useful,” while also enjoying the warmth of being surrounded by both people and animals. Japanese student Olieia, participating for the second time after being invited by a friend, compared the experience to a relaxed outing together. For her, volunteering comes down to one honest feeling: “Just happy to be here!”
Behind the Scenes: The “No-Show” Challenge
Yet volunteer work also comes with real-world challenges. Hannah, an Amsterdammer and the farm organizer who has worked at the site for nearly a decade, shared that the most frustrating experience of hosting volunteers is not the workload, but no-shows. She recalled an occasion when more than thirty people registered, yet none arrived. That threw the day’s plans into disarray.
While such situations may be caused by weather or unforeseen circumstances, volunteers’ timely updates are far more important than many realize. Still, this has not diminished her enthusiasm. For those still hesitating, she offers a cheerful invitation: “Please come!” Buzzing with energy, she zipped around the farm that day, helping volunteers meet the animals, whispering little stories about each one, and even leading the group on a mini “tour” to admire a particularly stunning chicken.
Inspired by Hannah’s seamless connection with the farm’s residents, I decided to seek some ‘client feedback’ of my own. I approached one of the goats, notebook in hand, hoping for a candid quote on the quality of service provided by our volunteers. However, my earnest inquiries were met with a profound, grassy silence. While Hannah could clearly speak their language, the goat seemed utterly unimpressed by my journalistic curiosity, choosing to ignore the interview in favor of a quiet afternoon snack. It was a humbling reminder that while we humans are busy finding meaning in words, these animals are perfectly content just living in the moment.
Giving Back and Connecting: The Heart of Volunteering
Across conversations, volunteers repeatedly mentioned three core motivations: giving back, connecting with others, and, naturally, the chance to spend time with adorable animals. Driven by these motivations, STCA’s variety of activities, flexible scheduling, welcoming atmosphere, and lack of strict requirements help make it easier for them to pursue these experiences.
Ultimately, the true meaning of volunteering may not lie in how much work is accomplished, but in the intention to give back, in rebuilding the real-world connections that social media often erodes, and in choosing to extend a little more kindness to the world. When people step outside their routines and contribute even a small effort to shared spaces,
Author: Maya Kao
Photo’s: Ilaria
READ MOREMore Than Helping: Why People Choose to Volunteer in a Busy World
In the midst of busy lives, weekends are often seen as precious time to rest and recharge. People want to use them wisely. So why would anyone choose to spend those valuable hours volunteering, an activity that seems to demand both energy and commitment? Perhaps the answer can be found in the stories of volunteers from Serve the City Amsterdam.
A Day at Kinderboerderij Uylenburg
On February 7, Serve the City Amsterdam (STCA) held its monthly volunteer day at Kinderboerderij Uylenburg, located in Rembrandtpark. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, STCA is a well-known volunteer platform dedicated to connecting people with community needs, fostering social care, and helping make Amsterdam a better city to live in. Kinderboerderij Uylenburg, an open petting farm, is the second-oldest city farm in Amsterdam, surpassed in age only by Artis Royal Zoo. Home to a variety of friendly animals, it serves as an important gathering place for the local community.
On this crisp day, the task at hand was practical and hands-on. Armed with shovels, brooms, and wheelbarrows, the volunteers spent the morning cleaning animal enclosures, replenishing hay, and sharing lovely moments with the farm’s furry residents. Despite the physical nature of the work, the atmosphere remained light as volunteers chatted while they worked, their laughter mingling with the occasional bleat of a goat nearby.
From Stranger to Participant: Finding Connection and Curiosity
Among the ten volunteers present, coming from Europe, Asia, and Latin America and now all living in the Netherlands, four were participating in an STCA activity for the first time. Dhvura, a student from India who arrived in Amsterdam a year ago, has always loved animals and previously volunteered in Mumbai. For him, joining this event was also a way to find rhythm and connection during a life transition. With candid humor, he admitted, “I just went through a breakup and suddenly have more time, so…” drawing laughter from those around him.Zi-Yu, a Chinese student, had previously participated in group-based volunteer programs in China. Describing herself as introverted, she signed up alone this time, knowing no one beforehand. She found volunteering to be “a low-pressure way to socialize,” allowing her to interact naturally with others while also spending time with animals.
Living in Amsterdam for six years, Elizabeth from Singapore joined the program out of curiosity, seeking a fresh experience as she had never been in such close contact with animals. Her warm laughter filled the air as she chose the word “Smile” as her message to the world. Meanwhile, Ilaria from Italy, who moved to Amsterdam about a year ago, saw volunteering as a way to meet people and also to find motivation for her photography practice. She shared that in her experience in Italy, volunteer activities are typically organized formally in group settings, which made it somewhat difficult for her to engage in ad hoc or individual volunteer opportunities. In this regard, volunteering through STCA is more flexible, lowering the barriers to participation.
Giving Back and Feeling Fulfilled: The Joy of Volunteering Again
For returning volunteers, the most common reason for continued participation is simple: giving back. Bianca from Brazil, who has lived in the Netherlands for seven years, transitioned from participant to STCA volunteer coordinator and has been actively involved for two years. To her, volunteering feels like a natural way to give back to the city while rediscovering human kindness. She discovered an unexpected passion for environmental work and even took pleasure in small tasks, like figuring out the most efficient way to clear tiny bits of trash from the drainage grates.
When asked what she would like to say to those hesitating to volunteer, Bianca’s tears spoke for her. “I just hope people can be kinder to this world.” Perhaps it was the frequent sight of litter scattered across parks during city clean-up activities, or the subtle disappointment of inviting friends who rarely followed through. Whatever the reason, her heartfelt wish for greater care toward nature and community was unmistakable.
Frederika, from Slovakia, has lived in the Netherlands for six years and regularly volunteers in various roles, including supporting elderly people. She describes volunteering as bringing a simple yet direct sense of fulfillment. Kuhu, who moved from India to the Netherlands with her parents more than a decade ago, first joined STCA during high school. Half-jokingly, she said she volunteers for the feeling of “getting to feel useful,” while also enjoying the warmth of being surrounded by both people and animals. Japanese student Olieia, participating for the second time after being invited by a friend, compared the experience to a relaxed outing together. For her, volunteering comes down to one honest feeling: “Just happy to be here!”
Behind the Scenes: The “No-Show” Challenge
Yet volunteer work also comes with real-world challenges. Hannah, an Amsterdammer and the farm organizer who has worked at the site for nearly a decade, shared that the most frustrating experience of hosting volunteers is not the workload, but no-shows. She recalled an occasion when more than thirty people registered, yet none arrived. That threw the day’s plans into disarray.
While such situations may be caused by weather or unforeseen circumstances, volunteers’ timely updates are far more important than many realize. Still, this has not diminished her enthusiasm. For those still hesitating, she offers a cheerful invitation: “Please come!” Buzzing with energy, she zipped around the farm that day, helping volunteers meet the animals, whispering little stories about each one, and even leading the group on a mini “tour” to admire a particularly stunning chicken.
Inspired by Hannah’s seamless connection with the farm’s residents, I decided to seek some ‘client feedback’ of my own. I approached one of the goats, notebook in hand, hoping for a candid quote on the quality of service provided by our volunteers. However, my earnest inquiries were met with a profound, grassy silence. While Hannah could clearly speak their language, the goat seemed utterly unimpressed by my journalistic curiosity, choosing to ignore the interview in favor of a quiet afternoon snack. It was a humbling reminder that while we humans are busy finding meaning in words, these animals are perfectly content just living in the moment.
Giving Back and Connecting: The Heart of Volunteering
Across conversations, volunteers repeatedly mentioned three core motivations: giving back, connecting with others, and, naturally, the chance to spend time with adorable animals. Driven by these motivations, STCA’s variety of activities, flexible scheduling, welcoming atmosphere, and lack of strict requirements help make it easier for them to pursue these experiences.
Ultimately, the true meaning of volunteering may not lie in how much work is accomplished, but in the intention to give back, in rebuilding the real-world connections that social media often erodes, and in choosing to extend a little more kindness to the world. When people step outside their routines and contribute even a small effort to shared spaces,
Author: Maya Kao
Photo’s: Ilaria
READ MOREPannenkoeken, vreemden & een huiskamer in de stad
Een zaterdagmiddag met Serve the City Amsterdam bij Inloophuis Oud-West
Op een grijze zaterdagmiddag in Amsterdam West gebeurde er iets bijzonders. Een kleine groep vrijwilligers, uit verschillende landen, met verschillende achtergronden en levens, kwam samen in een bescheiden gebouw waar de meeste mensen zo voorbij lopen. Hun missie: pannenkoeken bakken.
Maar wat er in die paar uur ontstond, voedde meer dan alleen de magen.
Een huiskamer in het hart van de stad
Inloophuis Oud-West, onderdeel van De Regenboog Groep, is niet wat je verwacht bij een opvangplek. Geen kille gangen of wachtkamerstoelen. Het voelt als een huiskamer: warm, rustig en oprecht welkom.
Mensen die dak- of thuisloos zijn, kunnen hier overdag terecht voor een kop koffie, een douche, een gesprek of gewoon een veilige plek om te zijn.
Die zaterdag bracht Serve the City Amsterdam iets extra’s mee: een pannenkoekenstation, zes enthousiaste vrijwilligers en vooral veel warmte.
De vrijwilligers van de dag
Wat meteen opviel, was hoe internationaal de groep was. Op een willekeurige zaterdag stonden mensen uit Estland, het Verenigd Koninkrijk, de Verenigde Staten, Nederland en Frankrijk samen in de keuken, pannenkoeken te bakken en verhalen te delen.
Eva: denk minder, doe meer
Eva (23) komt uit Estland en woont al vier jaar in Amsterdam, waar ze economie studeert. Haar motto – denk minder, doe meer – zegt alles.
Eerder deed ze vrijwilligerswerk in dierenasielen, gedreven door haar liefde voor katten. Voor Eva gaat vrijwilligerswerk over buiten je eigen bubbel stappen en mensen ontmoeten die je anders nooit zou tegenkomen. Die middag hielp ze een vriend die het event organiseerde, met een glimlach die niet verdween.
Melissa: perspectief vinden door anderen
Melissa (34) is sportfotograaf en een echte Amsterdammer. Ze ontdekte Serve the City in een moeilijke periode in haar leven. In plaats van thuis te blijven, koos ze ervoor iets betekenisvols te doen. Haar eerdere vrijwilligerswerk met mensen met een beperking maakte indruk. Ze zag hoeveel veerkracht en positiviteit mensen kunnen hebben, ondanks uitdagingen. Dat gaf haar perspectief. Diezelfde puurheid en echtheid probeert ze ook vast te leggen met haar camera—en dat deed ze ook deze middag.
Uma: vanaf het begin geïnspireerd
Uma (22), ook economiestudent, komt uit Londen en heeft al veel vrijwilligerservaring: van opvanglocaties tot buddyprogramma’s. Haar grootste inspiratie? Haar moeder, die altijd vrijwilligerswerk deed. Deze zaterdag organiseerde Uma voor het eerst een Serve the City-activiteit. Ze zorgde dat iedereen er was, dat er genoeg ingrediënten waren en dat alles soepel verliep. Haar rustige aanwezigheid hield alles bij elkaar.
Kelly en Dion: de beste eerste date in Amsterdam
En dan waren er Kelly en Dion. Misschien wel het mooiste verhaal van de dag. Kelly komt uit de VS, Dion uit Nederland. En dit was hun allereerste date. In plaats van uit eten te gaan, stelde Dion voor om samen vrijwilligerswerk te doen. In de keuken waren ze een topteam. In twee uur tijd maakten ze meer dan 30 pannenkoeken. Lachend, soepel samenwerkend, helemaal op hun gemak. Een betere manier om elkaar te leren kennen is er eigenlijk niet.
Ananya: 16 jaar en nu al impact maken
De jongste vrijwilliger was Ananya (16), oorspronkelijk uit Californië en nu leerling op een internationale school in Amsterdam. Ondanks haar leeftijd is ze al volop bezig met vrijwilligerswerk.
Ze helpt mensen met dementie, ondersteunt Oekraïense vluchtelingen en startte zelfs haar eigen vrijwilligersclub op school. Haar aanwezigheid laat zien: je hebt geen jaren ervaring nodig om impact te maken—alleen de wil om er te zijn.
Hoe dakloosheid er echt uitziet
Aisha werkt al jaren bij Inloophuis Oud-West en haar betrokkenheid is meteen voelbaar. Ze vertelde iets belangrijks: veel mensen hebben een vast beeld van dakloosheid. Maar de werkelijkheid is veel complexer. Mensen komen in deze situatie door scheiding, baanverlies, mentale problemen, verslaving of een opeenstapeling van gebeurtenissen. Veel van hen hadden ooit een stabiel leven, een opleiding, een carrière.
Haar boodschap is simpel: het kan iedereen overkomen.
Ook vertelde ze dat vrouwen vaak minder zichtbaar zijn, omdat ze tijdelijk onderdak vinden via vrienden of kennissen. Dat maakt hun situatie minder zichtbaar, maar niet minder urgent.
Meer dan een maaltijd
Inloophuis Oud-West biedt meer dan koffie en eten. Het biedt mensen de kans om zich nuttig te voelen. Bezoekers kunnen helpen met kleine taken in de buurt, zoals afval verzamelen of kranten verkopen. Het levert iets op, maar belangrijker: het geeft betekenis en verbondenheid.
Als je bijna alles kwijt bent, kan zelfs een kleine kans om bij te dragen enorm veel betekenen.
De kracht van simpele dingen
Het gebouw van Inloophuis Oud-West valt nauwelijks op. Maar binnen, op deze zaterdagmiddag, ontstond een kleine gemeenschap. Mensen uit verschillende landen en met verschillende verhalen kwamen samen, maakten iets warms en deelden dat met anderen.
Dat is de stille kracht van vrijwilligerswerk. Je geeft een beetje van je tijd. Je ontmoet mensen die je anders nooit zou ontmoeten. En je gaat naar huis met een nieuw perspectief.
Soms zijn het juist de simpelste dingen. Een warme ruimte, een gesprek, een pannenkoek, die het meeste betekenen.
Wil je meedoen aan een volgende activiteit? Serve the City Amsterdam organiseert regelmatig vrijwilligersactiviteiten in de stad. Volg ons en ontdek wanneer en waar je kunt aansluiten.
READ MOREPancakes, strangers & a living room in the city
A Saturday afternoon with Serve the City Amsterdam at Inloophuis Oud-West
On a grey Saturday afternoon in Amsterdam West, something quietly extraordinary happened. A small group of volunteers from different countries, different backgrounds, and different walks of life gathered in a modest building on a street most people walk past without a second glance. Their mission: make pancakes.
But what unfolded over those few hours was far more nourishing than anything that came out of the kitchen.
A living room in the heart of the city
Inloophuis Oud-West, part of De Regenboog Groep, is not what most people picture when they think of a support centre. There are no clinical corridors or waiting room chairs. Instead, the space feels like a living room, warm, unhurried, and genuinely welcoming.
People experiencing homelessness can come here during the day to drink a coffee, take a shower, sit and talk, or simply spend time in a safe place.
This Saturday, Serve the City Amsterdam brought something extra to that living room: a pancake station, six eager volunteers, and a whole lot of warmth.
The volunteers of the day
One of the most striking things about the afternoon was how international the group of volunteers was. On a random Saturday, people from Estonia, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Netherlands, and France had all ended up in the same kitchen, flipping pancakes and swapping stories.
Eva: Think less, do more
Eva, 23, arrived from Estonia and has been living in Amsterdam for four years while studying economics. Her personal motto, think less, do more, says everything you need to know about her approach to life. Before this, she volunteered in animal shelters, drawn by a love of cats and a desire to give them care and attention. For Eva, volunteering is about stepping outside your everyday circle and meeting people you would never normally encounter. She was there that afternoon to support a friend who organised the event, serving pancakes with a smile that never faded.
Melissa: Finding perspective through others
Melissa, 34, is a sports photographer and a true Amsterdammer who discovered Serve the City during a difficult period in her own life. Rather than staying home, she chose to go out and do something meaningful. Her previous experience volunteering with people with disabilities left a lasting impression. She found that many of the people she met had faced serious challenges, yet radiated positivity and resilience. Seeing that helped her put her own struggles into perspective. That spirit of raw, honest humanity is also what draws her to photography, and exactly what she brought her camera to capture that afternoon.
Uma: Inspired from the start
Uma, 22 and studying economics, came from London with a long history of volunteering behind her: shelters, buddy programmes, community initiatives. Her biggest inspiration? Her mother, who volunteered regularly throughout Uma’s childhood. That Saturday was actually Uma’s first time organising a Serve the City event. She made sure everyone arrived, that there were enough ingredients for dozens of pancakes, and that the afternoon ran smoothly. Her calm, capable presence held the whole thing together.
Kelly and Dion: The best first date in Amsterdam
Then there were Kelly and Dion, and their story might just be the most charming thing to come out of the afternoon. Kelly is from the United States, Dion from the Netherlands. And this volunteering event was their very first date.
Instead of dinner or drinks, Dion suggested they spend their first afternoon together helping others. In the kitchen, they were a force. Over two hours, they produced more than 30 pancakes, laughing, moving in sync, completely at ease. Watching them work together while making something meaningful for someone else made one thing very clear: this is actually a beautiful way to begin getting to know someone.
Ananya: 16 Years old and already changing the world
The youngest volunteer of the day was Ananya, just 16, originally from California and now studying at an international school in Amsterdam. Despite her age, she is already deeply engaged in volunteering, spending time with people with dementia, supporting Ukrainian refugees, taking part in community initiatives. Inspired by her school’s culture of service, she went a step further and created her own volunteering club so that other students could organise activities together. Her presence was a reminder that the instinct to help others doesn’t require years of experience, just the willingness to show up.
What homelessness really looks like
Aisha has worked at Inloophuis Oud-West for many years, and her love for the place and the people in it is immediately visible.
She shared something important: many people carry a fixed image of what homelessness looks like, and of who it happens to. But the reality is far more complex. The people she meets have ended up in difficult circumstances through divorce, job loss, mental health struggles, addiction, or simply a series of events that spiralled in the wrong direction. Many were once well educated, professionally successful, and living stable lives.
Her message was simple and worth sitting with: life can change quickly. This could happen to anyone.
She also explained that women experiencing homelessness often find temporary solutions more discreetly, couch-surfing, brief stays, which makes them less visible in communal spaces like this one. It is a reminder that the people we don’t see can be just as much in need of support.
More than a meal
Beyond the pancakes and the coffee, Inloophuis Oud-West offers something deeper: the chance to feel useful. Visitors can help collect rubbish in the neighbourhood, sell newspapers, or take part in small community tasks. These activities offer modest income, but more importantly, they offer a sense of purpose and belonging.
When someone has lost nearly everything, even the smallest opportunity to contribute, to feel that they matter, that their presence makes a difference, can mean the world.
The simplest things
The building at Inloophuis Oud-West sits quietly in Amsterdam West, easy to pass without noticing. But inside, on a Saturday afternoon, strangers became a small community. People from different countries and different stories gathered around a stove, made something warm, and shared it with people who needed it.
That is the quiet magic of volunteering. You give a little bit of your time. You meet people you would never otherwise meet. You leave with a completely different perspective, and perhaps with the realisation that the distance between us and others is much smaller than we think.
Sometimes the simplest actions, a warm room, a conversation, a pancake, carry more weight than we realise.
Want to be part of the next activity? Serve the City Amsterdam runs regular volunteering events across the city. Follow us to find out when and where the next one is, and come join us.
READ MOREVrijwilligerswerk: Een high tea voorbereiden bij Dynamo
Het was een erg koude dinsdagochtend, het perfecte moment voor een warme en gezellige high tea. Parkhuis (Dynamo) is een erg vriendelijke en gastvrije plek, en op deze dag organiseerden ze een high tea en verwelkomden ze een team van Serve the City-vrijwilligers om te helpen met het bereiden van hapjes, het serveren van thee en ervoor te zorgen dat alles soepel verliep. Ik, Olga, was een van de vrijwilligers van Serve the City en dit waren enkele van de taken waaraan ik mocht deelnemen. Ik heb ook nieuwe mensen ontmoet, contact gelegd met Nederlandse locals (ik ben een international) en zelfs een stukje traditionele Nederlandse appeltaart geproefd.
De keuze om vrijwilliger te worden voor deze activiteit voelde in eerste instantie een beetje riskant, omdat ik geen Nederlands spreek, alleen Engels, en ik wist dat het evenement bedoeld was voor ouderen die meestal niet veel Engels spreken. De andere vrijwilligers van Serve the City waren echter ontzettend aardig en hielpen me wanneer dat nodig was met communiceren. Tot mijn verrassing probeerden sommige oudere gasten ook met me te praten en lieten ze me weten dat ze het naar hun zin hadden. Een moment dat ik nooit zal vergeten, was toen een dame naar me toe kwam en Engels probeerde te spreken terwijl ik, nogal onsuccesvol, Nederlands probeerde te spreken. Ze liet me trots foto’s van haar kleindochter zien en we hadden een leuk gesprek vol glimlachen.
Later, toen ik met de twee andere vrijwilligers van Serve the City sprak, besefte ik hoe waardevol en zinvol vrijwilligerswerk kan zijn, niet alleen voor de deelnemers, maar ook voor de vrijwilligers zelf. Ik herinner me dat een van hen zei:
“Eerlijk gezegd is hierheen komen voor mij een uitweg. Hier in Nederland zeggen ze dat kinderen heel gelukkig zijn en alle kansen krijgen om te worden wat ze willen. Maar dat brengt veel druk met zich mee voor moeders. Natuurlijk houd ik van mijn kinderen, maar vrijwilligerswerk is voor mij een manier om even uit de moederrol te stappen. Ik wil op zoek gaan naar meer vrijwilligersactiviteiten.”
Toen ik haar hoorde praten, begreep ik dat daar zijn, in plaats van studeren voor mijn masterdiploma, stressen over deadlines of staren naar een scherm, ook voor mij als therapie voelde. Door vrijwilligerswerk te doen bij Serve the City kunnen we anderen helpen, productief blijven en op een zinvolle en plezierige manier in contact komen met de Nederlandse cultuur. Dat is precies wat vrijwilligerswerk ons geeft.
READ MOREVolunteering: Preparing a high tea at Dynamo
It was a really cold Tuesday morning, the perfect moment for a warm and cozy high tea event. Parkhuis (Dynamo) is a very friendly and welcoming place, and on this day they were hosting a high tea and welcoming a team of Serve the City volunteers to help prepare snacks, serve tea, and make sure everything went smoothly. I, Olga, was one of the Serve the City volunteers, and these were some of the tasks I had the chance to take part in. I also met new people, interacted with Dutch locals (I am an international), and even tasted some traditional Dutch apple tart.
Choosing to volunteer for this activity felt a bit risky at first because I do not speak Dutch, only English, and I knew the event was meant for elderly people who usually do not speak much English. However, the other Serve the City volunteers were incredibly kind and helped me communicate whenever needed. To my surprise, some of the older guests also tried to speak with me and express their enjoyment. One moment I will never forget was when a lady came up to me and tried to speak English while I was trying, rather unsuccessfully, to speak Dutch. She proudly showed me photos of her granddaughter, and we shared a lovely conversation full of smiles.
Later, when I talked with the two other Serve the City volunteers, I realized how valuable and meaningful volunteering can be, not only for the participants but also for the volunteers themselves. I remember one of them saying:
“Honestly, coming here is an escape for me. Here in the Netherlands, they say kids are very happy and have all the opportunities to become whatever they want. But this brings a lot of pressure for mothers. Of course, I love my kids, but volunteering is my way of stepping outside the motherhood bubble. I want to look for more volunteering activities.”
Hearing her made me understand that being there, instead of studying for my master’s degree, stressing about deadlines, or staring at a screen, felt like therapy for me as well. Volunteering with Serve the City allows us to help others, stay productive, and connect with Dutch culture in a meaningful and enjoyable way. This is exactly the gift that volunteering gives us.
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