The Solidarity Fair in Saint-Gilles is a flagship event organized by the Maison de la Solidarité and the Commune de Saint-Gilles. It offers a unique opportunity for residents to discover local solidarity initiatives, meet volunteers, and engage with associations working on social, environmental, and cultural issues. The 2024 edition will take place on Saturday, 14 September 2024, from 10:00 to 18:00 at the Parc de la Porte de Hal (Hallepoortpark), located at Avenue de la Porte de Hal 1, 1060 Saint-Gilles. Admission is free, and all activities are open to the public.

This year, the fair expects over 50 participating organizations, including neighborhood committees, food banks, repair cafes, and refugee support groups. Visitors can attend workshops, enjoy live performances, and contribute to fundraising campaigns. Below, we detail the main highlights and practical information to help you make the most of your visit.

Date, Location, and Accessibility

The fair takes place in the heart of Saint-Gilles, a short walk from the Porte de Hal metro station (lines 2 and 6) and several bus stops (lines 48, 50, and 54). The park is wheelchair accessible, and there are designated spaces for prams. The event runs rain or shine; in case of bad weather, some activities will be moved to the nearby Centre Culturel Jacques Franck (Chaussée de Waterloo 94).

Parking is limited in the area, so visitors are encouraged to use public transport or bicycles. The commune provides a free bicycle parking area near the main entrance.

Participating Organizations and Their Activities

Over 50 local associations will have stands, offering information, interactive activities, and fundraising merchandise. Below is a selection of notable participants:

  • Les Brigades du Bonheur – This volunteer collective organizes surprise visits to elderly residents in nursing homes. At the fair, they will run a “Carte de Vœux” workshop where attendees can write postcards for isolated seniors. Learn more about their work.
  • BXL Refugees Support – A grassroots group providing material aid and legal guidance to asylum seekers. They will collect donations of winter clothing and non-perishable food. See their full wish list.
  • Local Repair Cafés – Volunteers from several repair cafes in Saint-Gilles and surrounding areas will offer free repairs for small appliances, electronics, and clothing. Bring your broken items and learn how to fix them. Find your nearest repair café.
  • Food Bank of Ixelles and Saint-Gilles – The food bank will have a stand promoting their distribution schedule and volunteer opportunities. They will also collect non-perishable goods. Check their opening hours.
  • Doucheflux Brussels – A mobile shower service for people experiencing homelessness. They will present their new “Shower Bus” and offer hygiene kits for sale. Support their campaign.
  • Neighborhood Watch Saint-Gilles – A community safety initiative that organizes patrols and information sessions. They will register new members and distribute safety tips. Start a watch in your street.
  • Volunteer Translation Help – A network of translators assisting non-French-speaking residents with administrative paperwork. They will offer free 10-minute consultations at the fair. Become a translator.

Workshops and Interactive Sessions

The fair features a packed program of workshops designed to educate and engage. All workshops are free, but some require prior registration due to limited space. Registration can be done at the information tent on the day.

Morning Workshops (10:30 – 12:30)

  • Upcycling Textiles with Repair Café – Learn to mend torn jeans, replace zippers, and transform old T-shirts into reusable bags. Materials provided.
  • Introduction to Urban Gardening – Led by the Molenbeek Community Garden team, this workshop covers balcony gardening, composting, and seed saving. Read about their community garden.
  • Become a Buddy for the Elderly – An information session by the buddy program that pairs volunteers with isolated seniors. Sign up for a one-on-one match. More about the buddy system.

Afternoon Workshops (14:00 – 16:00)

  • Cooking with Surplus Food – The food bank team demonstrates recipes using rescued ingredients. Taste samples and take home recipe cards.
  • Legal Clinic for Migrants – Volunteer lawyers provide free 15-minute consultations on asylum procedures, family reunification, and residence permits. First-come, first-served.
  • Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen – Representatives from local soup kitchens explain how to get involved, from cooking to serving. Find a soup kitchen near you.

Fundraising and Donation Opportunities

Several organizations will use the fair to raise funds for their ongoing projects. Here are some ways to contribute:

  • Solidarity Grocery Schaerbeek – A community grocery offering discounted food to low-income families. They will sell “solidarity bags” for €5 each, containing staple items like rice, pasta, and canned vegetables. Learn about their model.
  • Donate Food Brussels – A drop-off point for non-perishable food, hygiene products, and baby supplies. All donations go to local food banks. See what items are most needed.
  • BXL Refugees Support – They will accept cash donations and sell handmade crafts made by refugees, with all proceeds going to integration programs.
  • Les Brigades du Bonheur – Purchase a “Bonheur en Boîte” gift box (€10) containing small treats and a handwritten card, which volunteers will deliver to a nursing home resident.

Entertainment and Family Activities

The fair is also a family-friendly event with entertainment throughout the day:

  • Live Music – From 12:00 to 14:00, the local band “Les Zélés” will play folk and world music on the main stage.
  • Children’s Corner – Face painting, balloon animals, and a storytelling session in French and Dutch (11:00 and 15:00).
  • Food Trucks – A selection of food trucks offering affordable meals, including vegetarian and halal options. Prices range from €5 to €10.
  • Tombola – Tickets cost €2 each, with prizes donated by local businesses: restaurant vouchers, bookshop gift cards, and a bicycle from a local bike shop.

How to Prepare for the Fair

To make the most of your visit, consider the following tips:

  • Bring cash – Some stands may not accept card payments. An ATM is available at the nearby Porte de Hal metro station.
  • Bring reusable bags – For any items you purchase or receive (e.g., solidarity bags, donated goods).
  • Dress for the weather – The fair is mostly outdoors. Check the forecast and bring an umbrella if needed.
  • Arrive early – Popular workshops fill up quickly. Registration opens at 10:00 at the information tent.
  • Volunteer on the day – If you want to help out, contact the Maison de la Solidarité in advance or sign up at the volunteer tent on site.

Beyond the Fair: Ongoing Solidarity Initiatives

The Solidarity Fair is just one entry point into Brussels' vibrant community network. For those inspired to get involved long-term, the Complete Guide to Community Volunteering and Solidarity in Brussels offers a comprehensive overview of opportunities across the region. Whether you're interested in food aid, language support, or environmental projects, there is a place for you.

Additionally, many of the organizations present at the fair run regular activities. For instance, the Food Bank of Ixelles and Saint-Gilles distributes food every Wednesday and Saturday morning. Check their schedule to volunteer or donate. Similarly, Doucheflux Brussels operates a mobile shower service that stops at different locations each week. Find out where to support them.

Related Articles

  • How to Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen in Brussels
  • Where to Donate Food in Brussels: A Practical Guide
  • Become a Buddy for the Elderly: Combatting Loneliness in Brussels
  • Extend the Life of Your Belongings at Brussels Repair Cafés
  • Les Brigades du Bonheur: Bringing Joy to Nursing Homes