Merry Christmas, Season's Greetings and a Happy New Year

Since 2020, Michael Baum has been volunteering at a children’s hospice Burgholz in Germany – reading, playing, and bringing joy to young guests. The hospice supports families with children facing life-shortening illnesses, offering care and much-needed respite.

He describes his volunteer work as an inspiring and precious part of his life, emphasizing that the hospice is far more than a place of farewell and mourning; it is also a place filled with care, connection, and meaningful moments.

Every Saturday, Osmar de Carvalho Junior mentors teenagers from one of the poorest communities in Campinas through educational activities, group discussions, and life lessons at Plantando Sementinhas in Brazil. For four years, he has also supported community events.

“Volunteering has transformed my life,” he says. “It taught me gratitude, compassion, and the power of small actions to create meaningful change.” 

In Thailand, Narongsak Saraphong supports the non-profit organization Free Bird Group. What began over 20 years ago as small acts of generosity has grown into a movement providing education, infrastructure, and essential supplies to underprivileged.

Together with his colleagues Antie Sarakum and Dawjai Soipetprapa, Narongsak joined the group’s 2025 Volunteer Camp strongly believing every child deserves a chance to study, dream, and success. They spent time with the students and their families, laughing, playing games and sharing stories.