Special recognition for volunteers

The invited representatives of the Salzgitter branch of the technical relief organization and the representatives of the children's and youth work of the volunteer fire departments.

The representatives of the Salzgitter branch of the technical relief organization and the representative of the children's and youth work of the volunteer fire departments.

In 2001, the United Nations proclaimed "International Volunteer Day" for the first time. And in the same year, the city of Salzgitter also invited volunteers to Volunteer Day for the first time. "We did this because we know how important civic engagement and voluntary work are for our society," emphasized Frank Klingebiel.

In the "People for People" category this year, the volunteer work of the Technical Relief Organization in Salzgitter was presented. For around 70 years, THW helpers have been involved in disaster and civil protection on a completely voluntary basis. During power outages, for example, the helpers bring light into the darkness with the help of emergency power systems. In the event of storm damage, they clear uprooted trees or debris and provide people with technical support. They set up, structured and organized the first vaccination centers right on our doorstep during the coronavirus crisis. They provide official assistance during the Motorradgedenkfahrt, are present at firefighting operations, and provide support during storms with pumping work and securing traffic routes.

The Salzgitter local association currently has around 175 members, around 45 of whom are active in the youth group.

Volunteers from the Salzgitter local branch of the Technical Relief Organization and Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel.

Mayor Frank Klingebiel praised the volunteers who do so much for the citizens of this city and therefore also take on responsibility. "I am happy and grateful that so many Salzgitter residents are committed to helping others and our city. Their actions are an expression of our vibrant urban society. This voluntary work sends out a positive signal; this voluntary work gives hope and confidence. As Lord Mayor, I would like to say a heartfelt "thank you" for this great work, dear volunteers."

Special recognition: The representatives of the children and youth work of the volunteer fire departments.

This year, special recognition was given to the children's and youth work of the volunteer fire departments in Salzgitter, whose high level of commitment actively counteracts the shortage of young volunteers and even inspires entire families for the important work of the fire department.

Both the youth fire departments (for 10 to 16-year-olds) and the children's fire departments (for 6 to 10-year-olds) not only provide a playful introduction to the activities and benefits of being a member of the fire department, they also teach the "fire department mentality". In addition to traditional fire department training, such as fire classes, vehicle and equipment knowledge and the basics of first aid, the children and young people also experience joint excursions and activities. For example, they compete in exciting fire department competitions against the individual local groups with a great deal of team spirit and ambition. However, fun is not neglected here either, which always has a positive effect on the "WE are firefighters" feeling among the children and young people. The fire department group also offers a reliable, social structure, camaraderie is taught and practiced, social skills and a sense of responsibility are strengthened.

The Salzgitter youth fire department currently consists of 24 youth fire departments and 289 members. The city children's fire department was founded in 2009. It is made up of 18 brigades with a total of 271 members. The fire department groups are supervised by numerous volunteers who work closely together and form a large and reliable fire department community.