25 years of life support: Anniversary celebration of the Gosheim Friends of the Disabled!

25 years of life support: Anniversary celebration of the Gosheim Friends of the Disabled!

In 1973, an important initiative to support people with disabilities began in Spaichingen. Karl Zischka and some families realized that many of these people enjoyed listening to music and dancing just as much as those without disabilities, but they often lacked the opportunity to do so. To counteract this, they organized the first Advent celebration on December 14, 1974 in the “Sonne” inn in Gosheim, which was attended by around 100 guests.

This event quickly developed into a regular meeting point for people with disabilities. In 1980, the “Friends of the Disabled” moved to the larger law hall to accommodate the numerous visitors. This annual event became an integral part of the region. In order to make this support more professional, the “Gosheim Friends of the Disabled” association was founded on October 11, 1999 in the “Krone” guesthouse. Nine committed citizens signed the founding certificate and the association started with 36 members.

Important projects and support

From the beginning, the association's goal was to support projects and make purchases that improve the lives of people with disabilities. Thanks to the generous donations from companies led by Dietmar Hermle, solid start-up capital was provided, which made important purchases possible, such as two computers for the work and training area of ​​Lebenshilfe, worth 6,700 DM at the time.

The willingness to donate from the public and other companies has enabled the “Friends of the Disabled” to implement numerous projects over the years. They have equipped relaxation, sports and lounge rooms and purchased defibrillators, lift systems and wheelchair bicycles. During the pandemic, they also did not sit idly by and organized creative entertainment afternoons with clowns and musicians in dormitories.

The projects that are continuously supported include further training in the areas of “Jobfit” and “Musiklusion”. An important project is the co-design of a common room in the “Birgitta Hermle House”. In addition to these initiatives, the club also organizes a variety of excursions, such as to Lake Constance or Switzerland, as well as visits to football games. Every two years, the “Friends of the Disabled” organize a summer festival that offers special experiences for their protégés.

Commitment and future plans

In order to secure long-term financing for their projects, the club members are actively involved in various festivals and campaigns. Regular activities include street parties and the soap box race. They have been an integral part of the Christmas market in Trossingen and the 50s festival in Gosheim for over a decade. For the first time this year a picnic concert took place at the Weisses Kreuz in Gosheim.

The members and supporters also organize special fundraising events. For example, they use their birthday parties to solicit donations. Sporting events such as the Lemberglauf or collection marathons also contribute significantly to the club's financing.

After 25 years of dedicated association work, the “Friends of the Disabled” would like to thank all donors and helpers. They intend to continue their mission of providing a better life for people with disabilities in the future. On this occasion, everyone interested is invited to celebrate the 50th Advent celebration and the 25th anniversary of the association on Saturday, December 7th, in the Jurahalle Gosheim. Further information about the club and its activities can be found on their website www.gosheimer-freunde-der-behinderten.de to find.