As the year draws to a close, a time traditionally associated with giving, we’d like to introduce you to some Berlin organizations and associations worthy of your donation or commitment—almost a tradition for us. In recent years, a project at the eastern end of Kreuzberg has gained traction, offering moments of delight: The “S27 Art and Education” initiative in Schlesische Strasse manages various projects at different locations. What binds them together is the collaboration between artists and young people, many of whom have a refugee background. Together, they build, develop, set up, cook, and share everyday life, fostering community and work. The initiative has given rise to numerous creative endeavors, such as the “Killing Me Softly” amateur care service and a cosmopolitan city composed of reconstructed houses, streets, and neighborhoods that participants had to leave behind in their home countries. An initiative as vibrant, dynamic, and meaningful as love, art, and life itself. Donations can be made here. For many winters now, Berliner Kältehilfe has been ensuring the sheer survival of homeless individuals. (read more)

Despite this, or perhaps because of it, this vital facility for homeless people relies on support. Donations of time and goods are also welcome here. As we know, literature can be to the brain what shelter and food are to the body. Two initiatives dedicated to feeding the mind are EOTO e.V., an acronym for “Each One Teach One,” a community-based education and empowerment project in Berlin promoting the interests of black, African, and Afro-diasporic people in Germany and Europe. It runs its own library on Afro-diasporic literature, philosophy, and culture, among other things. Another Berlin classic of volunteering takes a practical approach to reading: the Berliner Lesepatenschaft is always on the lookout for new mentors to practice reading with children in elementary school and daycare centers. You can get involved directly here. Perhaps welcome 2024 with good deeds instead of resolutions. Happy New Year!

Text: Hilka Dirks / Photos: Dirk Wullenkord, Milly Reid & Yan Krukau

@schlesische27
@eachoneteachone_official
@vbki_berlin

Gift exchanges always bring back a bit of that school-time nostalgia. But with this swapping, at least you know you’ll end up with something you like and will use: coffee! Today is the last day for you to participate in the Secret Santa coffee event organized by Coffee Week Berlin (see also our article from two weeks ago). Quickly drop off a package of good coffee and receive another in return. It’s a pretty straightforward way to discover new flavors – and perhaps make new friends who share an interest in all things coffee and might want to grab a drink together sometime. So, whether you’re coming as a single for some mingling or for mingling with jingles: drinks and little goodies by Oatly and La Marzocco are covered. There’s also music – so you can’t lose, and you can gain maximum fresh beans and more knowledge – after all, the event takes place in the premises of the Communal Coffee community roastery.

Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Becci Schatz & Cottonbro Studio

Communal Coffee, Naumburger Str.4, 12057 Berlin–Neukölln; map
Secret Santa Event 15.12.2023. Join them from 20h at Orangerie Neukölln.

@coffeeweek.berlin
@communal.coffee

Last week, we announced that we would once again be giving away various surprises from Berlin brands and Cee Cee partners this winter. We started right away on 01.12. with the first “Instagram door” from Studio Litz, which specializes in meditation and yoga accessories. The recipes from Ylumi – a plant-based beauty brand that offers various products based on traditional Chinese herbal remedies – ensure inner well-being. If you want to treat yourself and your body to a little time out, you should stop by New Soul: The studio in Mitte offers holistic, personalized massages. Our skin also deserves a little extra care in the cold winter weather – that’s where Roads & Beauty comes in. The female-founded skincare label cares for and supports irritated and stressed skin with its vegan and clean products. So that you don’t miss anything in the future and know how to take part in the giveaway: Follow us on Instagram and check our feed posts – here you can find out more about the giveaways in the respective posts. The winners will, of course, be selected at random – so spread the news & love!

Text: Emilie Hein / Photos: Ylumi, New Soul⁠ & Laura Dross

@ceeceeberlin