The organization selection was made in close cooperation with all employees, who are particularly passionate about supporting children. As a result, some of the institutions focused on the youngest children or their parents were among those chosen. In Göttingen, for example, €1,000 each went to the Sternenlichter Förderverein e.V. and the Parents’ Aid for Children with Cancer Göttingen e.V. However, other institutions such as the fire department, mountain rescue service, and food banks were also supported this year.
The donations come from the employee referral program that the company has established to recruit new employees. “The special feature of our program is that when a referral leads to a new hire, a set amount is paid into a pot. This will then be used to fund various initiatives throughout the year,” explains recruiting specialist Jennifer Emrich. “The money can be used in a variety of ways,” says Sarah Peters, HR Manager at Arineo, adding: “For example, we financed a family summer festival in Göttingen with funds from the pot. This way, all employees benefit from the recommendations of our colleagues. But it’s also great to see our colleagues’ social awareness. They have collectively decided to donate a portion of the pot to help those in need.”
The charitable organizations were selected by the employees at each office, some of whom have a direct personal connection to the institutions.
Local help ...
Hamburg office
We chose the Hamburg Animal Welfare Association on the recommendation of a colleague who personally supports the association and has already adopted an animal from them. Supporting the Budnianer Help e.V. is important to us because we understand what it means when children can’t participate in certain activities due to costs or miss out on essential skills such as learning to swim.”
Annekatrin Raabe
Vienna office
The food banks rescue food that can no longer be sold and distribute it to people living in poverty who struggle to meet basic needs. We liked this idea so much at the Vienna office that we decided to support the food bank for a second year. Our Salzburg colleagues, on the other hand, chose to donate to the Salzburg Mountain Rescue Service: they enjoy being out in the mountains themselves and know how quickly help can be needed there. They also donated to the Salzburg Hospice Movement. Because those affected by serious illness or those who wish to accompany a loved one in their final stage of their life receive competent support through the movement.”
Claudia Hohlhut
Düsseldorf office
My colleagues and I are deeply committed to the well-being of children. That’s why we looked for organizations that advocate for the interests of children and adolescents or support them in their development. We reviewed the suggestions for these institutions together. Our choice then fell on the Kinderschutzbund Ortsverein Düsseldorf e.V., as it is particularly committed to the rights of children and adolescents, and on the KRASS association, because children and adolescents there can find a way to gain more self-confidence or resolve conflicts constructively through artistic projects.”
Constantin Engelmann
Nürnberg office
At our Nuremberg office, we decided to split the amount between two institutions. On the one hand, we supported Straßenkreuzer e.V. – Housing First Nürnberg e.V. and on the other, the animal shelter in Feucht, which was able to help me in an emergency situation: one day, a stray and quite emaciated cat was standing on my doorstep. Fortunately, I was able to nurse the little guy back to health, but couldn’t keep him long-term. So I looked for a new place for him. I found what I was looking for at the Feucht animal shelter, where he was well taken care of, including medical care. I am very grateful that places like this exist.”
Alexej Weiß
Aachen office
The Bulgarian Cultural and Educational Center Euregio e.V. (BKBZ) was born out of a parent initiative aiming to bring the culture of their homeland closer to their children. Quickly, other families from the region joined, a school was established, and additional activities were initiated. Today, the school is the beating heart of the organization. Some members have found their calling there. But we also get together for other activities. We have founded a dance group, networked with other Bulgarian associations, participated in the annual reading competition, and organized theater and concert performances. We also support other initiatives by offering the association’s premises, helping with event organization, or providing information. For the past year, we have also been working as language mediators with the municipal integration center in Aachen. In the future, we also want to tackle social projects that generally improve integration into the community. We are very proud when our members’ children speak Bulgarian without an accent, which is no longer a given today.”
The cover picture was taken at a large Bulgarian folk festival in Münster.
Liliya Sadikova, Aachen office and volunteer teacher at the Bulgarian school
Press images
