Social Support
Samariešu Apvienība
There are people around us who especially lack simple human attention: a warm word, a bit of company, a walk together, or a chance to play a board game. For many elderly people in social care homes, such moments become an important source of support and joy.
Volunteers at Samariešu apvienība are the ones who make these kind moments possible. The organization works with low-income and socially vulnerable people, focusing on three main programs: “Paēdušai Latvijai” (For a Fed Latvia), “Vecums ≠ Vientulība” (Age ≠ Loneliness), and “Sapņu pavadonis” (A Dream’s Companion). None of these projects would have been possible without volunteers.
At Samariešu apvienība, help can take many forms, from administrative tasks and packing food parcels to participating in new charitable initiatives. The organization’s doors are always open to anyone who cares about other people! For those just starting their volunteer journey, as well as those interested in tasks that require specific skills, Samariešu apvienība offers special training—an opportunity to combine a genuine desire to help with new, valuable knowledge.
Palīdzēsim.lv
Thirteen years ago, belief in miracles brought together Ilze Skuja, Elīna Meinarte, and Laura Līcīte. Today, these amazing women create miracles themselves: for children, teenagers, and their parents from disadvantaged families, as well as for people with developmental disabilities.
At the heart of Palīdzēsim.lv’s philosophy is the principle of “giving a fishing rod, not a fish.” Here, the fishing rod refers to creative and educational activities, events, and workshops that broaden horizons, help set and achieve goals, and clearly show that positive changes often depend on ourselves.
“Over the years, we’ve seen that children, teenagers, and families at social risk improve their quality of life thanks to a variety of creative and educational activities — mentoring, physical activities, language courses, attending cultural and sports events, working with psychologists, and more,” the founders say.
To keep such activities happening more often, Palīdzēsim.lv regularly invites helpers: each year, about 200 volunteers take part in the foundation’s projects. By filling out a form on the website, you can become one of them.
Inclusion & Special Needs
Nāc līdzās
For people with special needs, it is important to have the same opportunities for development and participation in society as everyone else. This principle is at the core of Nāc līdzās foundation, which since 2020 has been supporting people with various health problems who face physical and emotional barriers in everyday life. The organization believes that culture is one of the strongest tools for overcoming such barriers; it gives people a sense of belonging, promotes self-awareness, and strengthens confidence.
The foundation organizes seminars, training courses, workshops, conferences, and other important events, creating a space for development and equal opportunities. A bright example is their Christmas concerts that bring together dozens of talented people with various health conditions on one stage—a warm and touching symbol that differences should not limit opportunities.
Volunteers—people of all ages, experiences, and professions, and both those who want to help occasionally and those ready for long-term involvement—are always welcome to participate in Nāc līdzās’ good deeds. Supporting events, assisting during exhibitions and concerts, or leading creative or language lessons—the choice is yours.
Animal Care
Ulubele
In 2005, a group of people concerned about animals created the “Ulubele Animal House.” Today, the shelter provides lifelong care for animals that, for various reasons, cannot find a permanent home.
There are around 500 animals currently living in Ulubele—about half cats and half dogs. Each one needs food and a warm place to sleep, but perhaps even more important—attention, care, and interaction with human beings. Volunteers are the people thanks to whom not only the living conditions, but also the emotional well-being of so many animals becomes much better.
At Ulubele, each animal is treated with special attention, so new volunteers undergo a short training and receive a certificate. During the preparation, they learn about Ulubele’s work, volunteer opportunities, and safety rules when interacting with animals—in an accessible and engaging way.
Labās mājas
In 2020, the association “Juglas Dzīvnieku aizsardzības grupa” was founded; it is now part of the World Animal Protection (WAP) and the European Dog & Cat Alliance. The shelter operates on a no-kill principle, meaning that dogs and cats arrive here from all over Latvia and live here until they find caring new owners.
Here, volunteers can choose to help remotely, for example, by creating informative materials or organizing charity campaigns at work. Other ways to participate include walking dogs, making high-quality photos for promotion, or helping to organize events. The shelter also welcomes any new ideas for support!
On the Labās mājas website, there is a Happy Stories section where people share how their pets’ lives changed after finding a new home. We recommend reading these stories for inspiration.
Humanitarian & Health
Latvian Red Cross
“Skills, knowledge, and courage in the heart—these are values that can save lives”
The Latvian Red Cross was founded on November 20, 1918. For 107 years now, the organization has been providing support to those who need it the most—without any discrimination. Today, each region of the country has its own Red Cross committee, allowing help to be delivered as quickly as possible.
Volunteering is one of the key principles of the organization, so it constantly needs people willing to take part in its various initiatives: helping with event organization, bringing in new donors, promoting voluntary blood donation, distributing humanitarian aid, and giving educational lectures in Latvian schools. People with medical degrees can provide voluntary assistance in medical offices, while young people aged 13 to 30 are invited to join the Latvian Red Cross Youth Movement—a wonderful opportunity to help and be among like-minded people.
Here is what young volunteers say about their experiences.
The legendary Audrey Hepburn, who served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador from 1988 to 1993, once said: “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others”.
In our hands, there is truly more power than we sometimes think. May this strength always help you to help others.
