In the Neumühl district of Duisburg, one solidarity initiative has been making a difference for more than 15 years. Founded by Father Tobias in 2007, the nonprofit organisation Projekt LebensWert works primarily with deprived and homeless people. Each year, more than 2,000 beneficiaries have been offered comprehensive support, including social counselling, child services, administrative and medical support, help for refugees, and spiritual guidance. The team, composed of 16 employees, 7 people in social work placements and 12 volunteers, is committed to helping those is need, regardless of religion, nationality or social status.  

In March 2014, the organisation opened its community cafe Offener Treff mit Herz [lit. Open Encounter with Heart], a friendly and welcoming space for people with limited means. Since 2017, the venue has been transforming on selected evenings into a restaurant named Sham, which offers Syrian cuisine in a convivial setting, with meals priced according to each diner’s means – and free to homeless people. 

This project recently received a €16,493 donation from the Fondation VINCI in Germany. This support enabled the cafe team to renovate its outdoor terrace (with new parasols, table and chairs), purchase new clothing for staff (aprons and uniforms) and re-equip the restaurant’s office (with an office chair and laptop computer). Local sponsorship is provided by Christine Stenzel, a purchasing assistant at VINCI Facilities Germany, who offers practical support in her capacity as a Fondation VINCI sponsor.