Benenova is an association that aims to make volunteering simple and accessible to all. Our mission is to help you sign up easily for volunteer opportunities depending on your interests and your availability, without any long-term commitment. Since launching in 2013, Benenova has helped people of all ages get involved in a variety of short and punctual volunteer actions with more than 130 partner associations.
Signing up is easy! Simply visit our calendar to view details about upcoming volunteer opportunities, each ranging from 2-4 hour commitments, and choose the action and time slot that works best for you. Ready to get involved? Follow the steps below!
How can I sign up?
- Click here to create a volunteer account on the Benenova website.
- Fill out the form with your personal information to complete your profile and create a username and password.
- Once logged into your account, visit our calendar of actions to choose from a variety of volunteer opportunities and click « sign up » for the activities that interest you.
- You will then receive an email confirming your registration and providing detailed information about your upcoming volunteer experience.
On the day of the volunteer action, you will meet on-site with your group leader and fellow volunteers to receive instructions about your duties before engaging in the activity. To ensure that the action runs smoothly and is a positive experience for all, we work with the non-profit association to make sure that all volunteers are welcomed by a member of the partner association or by a Benenova team member, and that the duration and requirements are clear.
Don’t speak French? No problem! There are many actions where French language skills are not required. Below are some examples of actions suitable for non-French speakers. Since you will be volunteering with people from the Paris area, you will have the opportunity to practice your language skills while meeting new people, if you desire (an added plus!).
Examples of volunteer projects well-suited for non-French speakers
Meal distribution with L’Armée du Salut (Salvation Army)
Established in 12 regions in France and recognized as being of public utility, l’Armée du Salut is committed to helping people living in precarious situations such as our homeless neighbors, dependent elderly people, people with disabilities who are often isolated, and youth in difficulty. This action involves distributing breakfast to vulnerable populations in northern Paris. Volunteers help set up the tables and prepare the breakfasts, welcome and guide recipients, distribute meals, and help clean up following the event.
WHEN?
Every morning from 9:00am – 12:00pm
WHERE?
At the intersection of Rue André Bréchet and Avenue de la Porte de Saint-Ouen, 75017
INTERESTED?
Click here for more information and to sign up!
Food package preparation and distribution with l’Un Est l’Autre (One is the Other)
This charity organization stands in solidarity with people facing difficult situations or exclusion. This food solidarity initiative involves preparing food packages and delivering them to people living in precarious situations. Volunteer tasks include assembling food parcels, assisting in the management of food items, and participating in the distribution of packages.
WHEN?
Fridays from 2:00pm – 5:30pm
WHERE?
23-25 Avenue Charles Gides, 94270 Le Kreminlin-Bicetre
INTERESTED?
Click here for more information and to sign up!
Preparation and distribution of hot meals with l’Un Est l’Autre (One is the Other)
Another initiative organized by l’Un Est l’Autre involves the preparation of hot meals for those suffering from hunger. Volunteers are responsible for helping unpack the food donated by the Food Bank, chopping and cooking food as necessary, assembling packages with the prepared food, delivering the meal packages, and participating in the creation of the menu for the upcoming week.
WHEN?
Thursdays from 11:00am – 3:00pm
Fridays from 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Saturday & Sunday from 8:00am – 12:00pm
WHERE?
23-25 Avenue Charles Gides, Kremlin-Bicêtre 94270
INTERESTED?
Click here for more information and to sign up!
Serving meals with l’Un Est l’Autre (One is the Other)
A third mission with l’Un Est l’Autre allows people to benefit from a lunch and dinner 7 days a week. As a volunteer, you will help set up the room, manage the distribution stations, and clean up after the event.
WHEN?
Thursdays from 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturday & Sunday from 10:30am – 2:30pm
WHERE?
7-15 Avenue de la Porte de la Villette, 75019 Paris
INTERESTED?
Click here for more information and to sign up!
Reducing food waste with Moissons Solidaires (Solidarity Harvests)
This organization works to combat food waste by recovering produce from open air market vendors that are often too damaged to be sold. Volunteers are responsible for collecting the unsold food items from vendors, sorting the products, and distributing the fruits and vegetables to people in need for free!
WHEN?
Fridays from 1:30pm – 3:30pm
WHERE?
1 rue Vitruve, 72020 Paris / 8 rue Augustin Thierry, 75019 Paris / 42 Boulevard Ornano, 75018 Paris / 18 Avenue Henri Barbusse, 94400 Vitry-sur-Seine
INTERESTED?
Click here for more information and to sign up!
Marauding with Dans ma Rue (In my Street)
In order to fight against the social exclusion of homeless people, teams of the Dans ma Rue association carry out social maraudes every Saturday. The primary goal is to exchange, listen, promote discussion, and break the loneliness of the homeless while providing them with food, clothing, and hygiene products donated by local partners. Volunteers break into small groups to embark on a walking route predefined by the association to share hot drinks and warm moments with our homeless neighbors.
WHEN?
Saturdays from 2:30pm – 6:30pm
WHERE?
80 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris / Rue du Docteur Magnan, 75013 Paris / 36 rue Miollis, 75015 Paris / 29 rue d’Estienne d’Orves, 94300 Vincennes
INTERESTED?
Click here for more information and to sign up!
Further questions?
Contact us by email at contact.idf@benenova.fr
or reach us by phone at +33 (0)7 69 76 11 37
Last updated: 10/30/2020
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