For Sandra Geisler, the new executive director of the “Advent Calendar for Good Works”. South German newspaper“, it was a brilliant debut. She had barely taken over the office in July from her predecessor Anita Niedermeier, who went into early retirement, when the annual financial statements for the 74th fundraising campaign of the SZ readers’ aid organization had to be prepared . Sandra Geisler can present a very pleasing result. More than 7.4 million euros were received for the appeal for donations in the Munich section and in the eight district editions of the SZ.
The total result of the previous year, which was 10.8 million euros, was not reached – but this unusual amount resulted primarily from significantly higher inheritances and the approximately two additional million euros that were specifically for refugees The calls for donations launched from Ukraine were received in spring 2022. Excluding these one-off special effects, the result of the 74th Advent campaign even exceeded the previous year’s result.
Sandra Geisler would like to thank the SZ readers for their great commitment on behalf of the many people who were able to be helped as a result. The Advent calendar board member is particularly pleased that the willingness to help has not diminished, even in difficult times. At the same time, this also sends an important signal against social division. “In view of the current inflation and economic uncertainties, the Advent calendar for good works shows that collective efforts and solidarity can make a significant contribution to helping those who are in financial need,” says Sandra Geisler. The great gratitude of the people who were helped by donations from SZ readers is expressed in many letters.
“The financial need is increasing,” explains Sandra Geisler. In the months after she took over from Anita Niedermeier in July, an increased need for individual case assistance became apparent. The value of food vouchers, which can be used to bridge emergencies quickly and unbureaucratically, has now been increased from 25 to 50 euros.
Advent calendar board member Sandra Geisler is pleased with the readers’ great willingness to help.
(Photo: Catherina Hess)
The food packages, which are delivered with high-quality goods in collaboration with the organic market Vollcorner, are also more in demand than ever. In addition to the 3,000 packages, more than 1,000 food bags were distributed. “We receive many letters from overjoyed pensioners who cannot afford such high-quality food,” reports the managing director of the Advent calendar. The fact that people with low incomes are finding it increasingly difficult to cover their basic needs is also evident in our collaboration with other social organizations. “Due to inflation, we are constantly faced with additional needs because the emergency funds granted for individual assistance and vouchers can no longer cover the needs,” explains Sandra Geisler.
The letters of thanks show how existentially important the help from SZ readers is: “Whether it’s the necessary repair of the washing machine, paying the overdue electricity bill, support in purchasing glasses or food packages for elderly people in need – the donations from the Advent calendar can directly and immediately improve the living situation of many people.”
“A gift from heaven”
For example, for a group of mentally ill people, for whom employees of the outpatient assisted living facility at the Social Psychiatric Center of the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband were able to organize a week-long holiday in the Bavarian Forest thanks to donations. One of the participants thanked the readers “from the bottom of their hearts for their generosity, compassion and philanthropy.” And gave them a big compliment: “You are a beacon of hope at a time when many people despair of their fellow human beings.” One woman raved: “It was a nice time and I was able to meet a lot of nice people.”
The around 3,000 food packages were also a source of great joy. “The wonderfully selected products in this excellent quality will put a smile on my face for a long time. In these difficult times, your support helps me a lot,” said a woman who has to get by on little money. “I was extremely happy,” reported another recipient, “these really good organic products were a gift from heaven.”
A man who received support for difficult dental treatment could hardly believe it: “You really helped me out of an emergency. I will never forget your support as long as I live. That’s why I would like to express my gratitude to you.” And he makes it clear that it’s not just the material value of the help that counts for him: “It gives you courage that there is still something like solidarity for the weaker and sick people in our society.”
Donation account: Advent calendar for good works of the Süddeutsche Zeitung eV, Stadtsparkasse München, IBAN: DE86 7015 0000 0000 6007 00, BIC: SSKMDEMMXXX, www.sz-adventskalender.de www.facebook.com/szadventskalender