The City of Prague, in cooperation with the Food Bank for Prague and the Central Bohemian Region, has prepared a traditional Mayor’s Advent collection, which will take place this year on Thursday, 14 December 2023 on Mariánské náměstí, from 10am to 6pm. Representatives of the capital city, employees of the Prague Municipality and city organisations, and representatives of embassies based in the metropolis, various institutions, private companies and the general public can help fellow citizens in need by donating basic non-perishable food or toiletries.
“Prague has been organising food collections for several years,” said Prague Mayor, Bohuslav Svoboda. “With the festive season approaching, we are thinking even more intensely about others, and this is a good opportunity to help people who find themselves in need for various reasons. I am aware of the situation some of us find ourselves in, and therefore I want to ask for mutual support and tolerance. I sincerely thank everyone who expresses solidarity and participates in this fundraiser. We have to help each other.”
“I am pleased that the tradition of the mayor’s food collection, which was established in the last election period, is being continued,” said Jana Komrsková, deputy mayor for the environment. “It is appropriate to thank the Food Bank of Prague and Central Bohemia. However, we should not forget to help those who find themselves in need, not only at Christmas, but throughout the year. Systemic changes are also key, not only in the area of housing, but also prevention.”
“I am proud that Czechs donated a record amount of goods, a total of 624 tons, in the nationwide food collection in autumn,” said Michal Hroza, Prague councillor for infrastructure. He explained that this amount of food could provide 1.124 million portions.
In the run-up to Christmas, the Mayor’s Advent collection will be held again in front of the New Town Hall on Mariánské náměstí in Prague 1. It is intended for all those in need, especially seniors living on the poverty line, single parents and unhoused people. The event, which is organised by the city together with the Food Bank for Prague and the Central Bohemian Region, takes place on the day of the meeting of the Prague Council, Thursday, 14 December 2023, from 10am to 6pm.
Not only the mayor of Prague and representatives of the capital will be involved, but also employees of the Prague City Hall, representatives of various embassies, institutions, and companies, and the general public. Among the participating companies are Mattoni, Rossmann, Coca-Cola, Mondelez, and Nestlé.
The most helpful donations are basic non-perishable food and drugstore goods. Canned foods, rice and pulses, shelf-stable milk, oil, soups, baby food, and basic and children’s drugstore goods are especially welcome.
“Each kilogram of donated food will help people in need and their children forget their worries at least for a while and experience Christmas in joy and peace,” said Věra Doušová, director of the Food Bank for Prague and the Central Bohemian Region.
