Burgenland gives: a ray of hope for children in need

Burgenland gives: a ray of hope for children in need

The sixth round of the "Burgenland gives" initiative has started and brings bright children's eyes, while Volkshilfe Burgenland also sets an important sign against poverty. What is new this year is that the campaign will continue until February to offer support beyond the Christmas season.

Already now there is a new record: 450 wishes of children have been dealt with in the Volkshilfe, which indicates the high number of families in need. A total of 673 wishes were fulfilled last year, and the increasing demand shows that the need for support is still great.

background of the initiative

Despite one of the lowest poverty rates in Austria, Burgenland is confronted with around 7,000 young people between 0 and 24 years of age affected by poverty or social exclusion. Caritas director Melanie Balaskovics and Bishop Aegidius J. Zsifkovics announced in a press conference: "The children and young people in our country need our help more than ever". These words illustrate the urgency of the situation.

donors have the option of selecting the children's wishes on the website burgenlandschenkt.at . The gifts can then be worried and packed for Christmas. It is important that the donors note the names of the children and the desired slopes on the packages and this up to the 16. December hand in one of the twelve tax offices in Burgenland.

In addition, there is a temporary tax rate at the Rap Battle in Vienna on December 5. There, tickets can be used as gifts, which offers another way to fulfill children.

The situation for many families has intensified. "Unfortunately, the number of apartments increases due to outstanding rental payments," said Balaskovics. Single mothers and fathers in particular are often faced with high housing costs and low incomes, which reinforces the need for such support.

The Volkshilfe Burgenland calls on the population to actively participate in the "Burgenland gives" campaign. Donations can be made on the website www.burgenlandschenkt.at/spenden/, or gifts can be given personally. Alternatively, it is possible to support a family as a godfather if necessary.

A moving feedback from a family from last year illustrates the importance of this initiative: “Thank you for the packages, it is so nice to know that on December 24th my children's eyes will also shine, I am so grateful ... There are so many great people that touches me very much."

The support of the Burgenlanders is crucial to offer people in difficult living situations, especially in the cold winter months, a safe home, says Balaskovics. This action shows how solidarity the community can be to give hope and joy.