Volunteer fair in St. Pölten: The future belongs to volunteers!

Volunteer fair in St. Pölten: The future belongs to volunteers!

On Sunday, November 9th, 2025, the 7th Lower Austria Volunteer Fair took place in the government district in St. Pölten. Over 50 exhibitors presented various volunteer work opportunities in a festive setting. The event began with a service in the Leopold Chapel in the country house, followed by the official opening by State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner in the state parliament meeting room.

In her opening speech, Mikl-Leitner emphasized the immense importance of over 800,000 volunteers in Lower Austria, who work more than 270 million hours every year. This investment has an estimated equivalent value of over four billion euros. She described volunteering as a lived humanity, which is even more important in times of individualism and economic uncertainty. “Volunteers are the lifelines in our villages and cities,” clarified Mikl-Leitner.

Future offensive for volunteer work

As part of the trade fair, the state governor announced an offensive to strengthen the voluntary sector. Planned measures include the establishment of a Lower Austria volunteer center as well as the implementation of a volunteer lawyer, a volunteer tax advisor and an information hotline. In addition, Lower Austria volunteer insurance is presented to support the commitment of volunteers.

Andreas Leuthner from the “Zeitkissen” association and the district fire brigade commander Georg Schröder also spoke at the opening. Leuthner emphasized that the demand for companionship, be it for shopping or doctor's visits, is continually increasing. Schröder pointed out the great interest among young people in getting involved in active service in the fire department. Dany Sigel, President of the Raimund Society, emphasized the role of role models and the need for small acts of help in everyday life.

Diverse offerings and a sense of community

The supporting program of the fair was musically provided by the vocal ensemble “Chameleons”, while afterwards the Radio NÖ Frühschoppen took place in the Ostarrichisaal. Visitors had the opportunity to explore various institutions, including the ORF Landesstudio NÖ and the Festspielhaus. They were treated to culinary delights at the “This is what Lower Austria tastes like” delicacies market.

The trade fair highlighted the social relevance of volunteering and offered a space for exchange and inspiration. Volunteering is not only a way to help others, but also a chance to make social contacts and find personal fulfillment. It is therefore not surprising that practical support and the desire to make a difference are what motivate many people to get involved in social projects. In addition to the personal benefit, volunteer work is also important for the common good.

Description: Voluntary activities cover numerous areas, such as supporting the fire department and THW, youth welfare, animal protection and hospice work, all of which aim to strengthen the social fabric and improve the quality of life in the communities. More and more people are realizing that the time they invest pays off in gratitude and joy.

While the volunteer fair in St. Pölten provided a successful setting to highlight the importance of volunteering, current discussions on a global level also show how important it is to stand up for local communities and raise your voice for disadvantaged groups. Former US President Donald Trump, for example, spoke out in this context when he criticized the treatment of white farmers in South Africa and initiated an absurd discussion about discrimination against population groups, in which he risked further devaluing actual commitment and helping commitment.

These developments make it clear that the discussion of volunteer work and social commitment must take place in many forms and facets in order to promote responsible and solidarity-based coexistence.

Further information about the fair and volunteer work can be found at: OTS, on Donald Trump's statements AP News and to volunteering German volunteer work.