Berlin Volunteers Bring Joy to Older Residents on Birthdays and Beyond

For ten years, a small team has brightened the lives of Berlin’s elderly—one birthday at a time. Now, they need new volunteers to keep the tradition alive.

, and Administrator

2025 December 15 . 5:04 PM

1 min read

Here in this picture we can see a group of people present over a place and all of them are smiling... — Here in this picture we can see a group of people present over a place and all of them are smiling and most of them are wearing coats and behind them on the wall we can see a portrait present and in the front on the left side we can see a table with somethings pressing on it.

Berlin Volunteers Bring Joy to Older Residents on Birthdays and Beyond

A Berlin volunteer program is searching for new recruits to continue its work supporting older residents. For over ten years, Britta Dietrich has led a small team in Berlin-Mitte, visiting senior citizens on birthdays and major anniversaries. The service not only celebrates milestones but also helps combat loneliness in the community.

The initiative, run by Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V., sends volunteers to congratulate senior citizens starting at age 85. From 90 onwards, they receive annual visits if they wish. Dietrich carefully matches volunteers with senior citizens, ensuring familiar faces return for each celebration.

The birthday greeting service has become a lifeline for many senior citizens in Berlin-Mitte. By maintaining consistent visits and small gestures, it fosters connections that go beyond a simple congratulation. Those interested in joining can contact Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V. to help sustain the program’s future.