In September and October 2025, Kam Yuen, the largest Asian supermarket in Brussels, decided to take a meaningful step in supporting inclusion and solidarity in the city. Through its own initiative, Kam Yuen provided shopping vouchers to Merhaba, an organization working with LGBTQIA+ people of migration backgrounds who often face multiple forms of discrimination, racism, and social isolation.
These vouchers have been used with great care and impact within Merhaba’s community activities. They helped strengthen moments of connection, support, and dignity for some of the most vulnerable individuals we work with.
How the Vouchers were Used
Support Group Meetings
Merhaba organizes regular Support Group Meetings where LGBTQIA+ people with a migration background gather to share their personal experiences, talk about challenges, and support one another. These meetings are often the only safe and understanding space available to some participants. Thanks to Kam Yuen’s vouchers, Merhaba was able to provide refreshments and small shared moments that helped make these gatherings more welcoming and inclusive. This simple gesture added warmth and comfort, helping participants feel valued and part of a caring community.
MerhaBar Events
MerhaBar is a monthly event organized by Merhaba to offer a safe and friendly space for social connection, community building, and relaxation. It brings together people who often face social exclusion, allowing them to simply enjoy being themselves among others who understand their realities. The vouchers from Kam Yuen helped Merhaba provide food and supplies for these evenings, creating a joyful atmosphere where participants could connect, celebrate diversity, and feel a sense of belonging. This support helped transform each MerhaBar into a meaningful moment of community care.
Internal Meetings and Organizational Development
Some vouchers were used during Merhaba’s internal meetings focused on strengthening the organization’s services and governance. These meetings are essential moments where staff and volunteers come together to discuss how to better support the community, improve structures, and plan future actions. Being able to share a simple coffee break, made possible by Kam Yuen’s contribution, helped foster a positive and connected working atmosphere. It reminded everyone involved that community care begins within the organization itself.
A Partnership that Makes a Difference
Thanks to Kam Yuen’s thoughtful and generous initiative, Merhaba was able to continue building spaces of safety, dignity, and solidarity while offering practical relief to those facing hardship. This collaboration is a strong example of how local businesses can make a genuine and lasting difference by standing alongside organizations that work every day to make Brussels a more inclusive and caring city for everyone.