Celebrating 12 Years and a New Home in Luxembourg
Serve the City Luxembourg marked twelve years of service and the inauguration of its new office at Foundry, bringing together volunteers, team leaders and partners to celebrate a journey defined by resilience, renewal, and an ever-expanding community focused on impact.
A Month of New Beginnings
November has always held symbolic meaning for Serve the City. Rooted in the Latin word novum, meaning “new,” the month reflects the organisation’s own story of renewal, transition, and transformation.“Our journey is full of November moments,” said the Director Nicolas Duprey during the celebration. “Moments when something ends, something begins, or something transforms.”
The first of these moments came in November 2012 with the launch of the organisation’s very first volunteer project. One year later, the charity was officially registered. But the road forward was far from smooth. A turning point came in 2019, when after a period of rapid growth the organisation stood on the edge of collapse.
Crisis as opportunities for more impact
“When I was asked to join the board, I knew I couldn’t do it alone,” the Director recalled. “I reached out to two trusted friends, Sonia Casteran and Florent Brunet, who believed deeply in the cause.” Their dedication helped rebuild the organisation at a critical time. Today, they serve as President and Treasurer, guiding its strategic direction. The board has also recently expanded with two new members, Emilie Kraght and Federico Barale, who will help shape this new chapter.
Another defining milestone came in November 2021 with the official search for a Director, convinced that ensuring a lasting impact required minimum staff. After six months of unsuccessful recruitment, Nicolas Duprey, President at that time, accepted the position, truly convinced by the organisation’s potential and unwilling to leave unanswered the growing desire of citizens to engage meaningfully after Covid. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform our cities and make everyone an agent of change.’”
Twelve Years of Growth and Transformation
The impact of these decisions is clear. In just three years, Serve the City has not only stabilised, it has thrived. The organisation has:
- Tripled its number of active volunteers compared to pre-Covid years
- Expanded its team leader base nearly tenfold, along with projects
- Launched a broader range of recurring and one-off community projects
- Developed a comprehensive CSR offering for impactful team-building events
- Built a vibrant community of 2,000 volunteers representing more than 70 nationalities
“In just a few years, with its simple and creative approach, and the intuition of its founders, Serve the City has established itself as the essential entry point into the world of volunteering in Luxembourg,” the Director noted. “This reflects the willingness of the expat community in particular to engage with social and environmental issues.”
A New Home at Foundry
This anniversary also marked the inauguration of Serve the City’s new office at Foundry in Hollerich, a space that embodies collaboration, creativity, and community impact.
Surrounded by educational initiatives, startups, art, and cultural spaces, the location naturally blends social innovation with civic engagement.
“When we walked into the Foundry, it just felt right,” said the Director. “It’s a place where energy and collaboration flow, and it’s exactly where Serve the City belongs.”
Raising a Glass to the Future
The evening concluded with a toast, celebrating twelve years of impact while looking ahead with optimism. “We are entering a new chapter,” the Director said. “A new home, a stronger community, and a renewed commitment to transforming the city through small acts of kindness. With the arrival of new recruits, I am more convinced than ever that Serve the City will continue to make Luxembourg more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.”
