At its most recent meeting, the Salzgitter City Council extended the agreement with the Volunteer Center (FZSZ) by one year.

"The Ehrenamtskarte has developed very positively in Salzgitter. 146 committed Salzgitter residents have received them despite the pandemic. The report published recently by the Lower Saxony state parliament's "Civic Engagement" commission of inquiry shows just how important public awareness and appreciation for active citizens are," says Patrick Kolzuniak, Managing Director of the Volunteer Center and responsible for coordinating the Ehrenamtskarte.

The Ehrenamtskarte is awarded to volunteers who have been actively helping others for at least five hours a week without pay for at least three years. The card is valid for three years and must then be reapplied for by the association or institution. The Ehrenamtskarte (e-card) is a symbol of thanks and recognition for people who are active for and in Salzgitter.

"By awarding the Ehrenamtskarte, the state and the city of Salzgitter are thanking all citizens who volunteer with perseverance, diligence and reliability in clubs, volunteer fire departments, aid organizations or in other ways," explains Carsten Klotz, Head of the Council and Municipal Affairs Department of the city of Salzgitter and responsible for cooperation with the Volunteer Center.

Susanne and Klaus Lehmann, who are active in the social association VdK-Ortsverband Salzgitter-Nord and organize events for members and provide information about the various advisory services offered by the VdK, are delighted with this appreciation. "When the card became available in Salzgitter two years ago, we applied for it," says Klaus Lehmann, who has been on the board for seven and a half years. The discounts available with this card are just as positive. In Salzgitter, 34 stores, companies, institutions and others have joined in so far; in Lower Saxony and Bremen, there are around 1,200 providers. Klaus Lehmann regularly uses the card for his weekly visit to the Thermalsolbad and receives a reduced admission price.

His wife Susanne, who has been treasurer of the local VdK association in Salzgitter-Nord for five and a half years, recently used her card on vacation in Bremerhaven to visit a museum. "The Ehrenamtskarte is a nice recognition for commitment," she emphasizes. The discounts available with the card are an additional practical form of appreciation.

Patrick Kolzuniak would be delighted if other institutions or businesses in Salzgitter were to join in and also offer discounts. "This will also strengthen the Salzgitter marketplace and thus the local economy," he emphasizes.

Other citizens who would like to volunteer are also welcome to get in touch. Especially in the current situation, many helping hands are needed in different areas. It doesn't have to be five hours a week, as many volunteers are unable to commit as much time due to personal or professional commitments. Anyone who would like to get actively involved is welcome.

Carsten Klotz would also like to see this. "Volunteering is important for our society. This commitment is the foundation of our urban society." The Ehrenamtskarte is a visible sign of this unpaid activity for other people.