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Published on 05/12/2025
Yesterday, 4 December, the Centre Atert in Bertrange was transformed into a stage of lived solidarity. On the eve of International Volunteer Day, the Agence du Bénévolat highlighted the diversity and profound impact of volunteer engagement.
A particular focus of this edition was placed on volunteer engagement within the boards of associations. More than 350 invited guests from the nonprofit sector, institutions, and the political sphere attended, making the event a true success. The presence of Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie eloquently demonstrated the importance they attach to promoting and recognising volunteerism in Luxembourg, giving the evening a special dimension.
In this context, Marc Thill, President of the Agence du Bénévolat, opened the festivities. In his welcome remarks, he emphasised the importance of volunteering for social cohesion and paid tribute to the many committed volunteers in Luxembourg, affirming that we will need more empathy, more understanding towards one another, more mutual respect and above all more activities in the field of volunteering, so that we can all live in a better world tomorrow. He also expressed his deep gratitude to Their Royal Highnesses, as the Agence du Bénévolat has received the High Patronage of Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess.
Prix du Mérite 2025: Recognition of Commitment within a Board of a Non-Profit Organisation
A highlight and emotional moment of the evening was the presentation of the Volunteer Merit Award to Jacqueline De Valentin-Bourg, who, through a long-standing involvement as secretary on the board of the Mierscher Musek asbl and the Dëschtennis Recken/Miersch asbl, made a lasting contribution. Their Royal Highnesses presented the award to Ms. De Valentin-Bourg, who was moved by this recognition.
Label de Qualité BÉNÉVOLAT : Making Quality Visible
In the same spirit, five associations were honoured with the Volunteer Quality Label, a symbol of excellence and commitment in the field of volunteering. This label rewards associations that meet particularly high standards in supervising and supporting volunteers. This year’s awardees are:
Looking Ahead
Anne Goeres, founder of Philantree, showed in her speech that the work within an association’s board goes far beyond simple organisation. She highlighted that participation in a board offers the opportunity to take on responsibilities and thus actively contribute to the development of social cohesion.
Closing of the Campaign “Dëst ass vill méi wéi just e Stull!”
The Journée du Bénévolat also marked the festive conclusion of the national campaign aimed at encouraging more people to get involved in association boards. Five board members shared their personal experiences, and their testimonies were showcased nationwide. As part of the festivities, they were honoured by the Minister of Family, Max Hahn.
The event was supported by the Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees, as well as by the Œuvre Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte.
About the Agence du Bénévolat a.s.b.l.
Since 2002, the Agence du Bénévolat has worked to promote and enhance volunteer engagement in all its forms. It represents and supports associations from various fields of volunteering in all their endeavours and acts as an intermediary between volunteers, associations, and public institutions. The Agence du Bénévolat supports community life in Luxembourg through awareness campaigns, trainings, and notably via the online platform benevolat.lu.
Press contact
Anne HOFFMANN, Director of the Agence du Bénévolat a.s.b.l.
E-Mail: anne.hoffmann@benevolat.lu
Tel: 26 12 10
