Bonifatiuswerk promotes charity with Santa Claus -free zones
Bonifatiuswerk promotes charity with Santa Claus -free zones
In the contemplative period of the Advent, St. Nicholas is the focus of a special initiative, which wants to emphasize the importance of charity and helpfulness. The Bonifatiuswerk has launched the "Santa Claus -Free Zones" campaign in order to remember the real values of the Nikolaustag and to put historical Santa Claus back into the foreground. This action, which has existed since 2002, is intended to encourage people to reflect on the essentials: the good deed.
The Nikolaus, a figure that goes back to a bishop of the 3rd century, is now seen as a symbol of benefactors and charity. Georg Austen, General Secretary of the Bonifatiuswerk, explains: "How can we act like him today?". It is not just about commerce, but about bringing the sacred message closer to children and adults. "Nicholas was a man who not only spoke but acted."
actions for good acts
Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th, and in many regions such as Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg, numerous projects have already been launched to help those in need. Excursions for people affected by the Ahr Valley flood take place and truck drivers are considered with small attentions. Warm meals and meals are also distributed to those in need, whereby the focus is on the idea of charity.
In order to keep tradition alive, workshops are also offered for prospective Santa Clauses. These events that take place nationwide should help the participants to prepare for their appearance and to understand the importance of Santa Claus. Such a workshop recently took place in the Europa-Park in Rust, where the participants received practical tips. The nationwide Nikolaus campaign will be officially opened this year on December 3 at the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, with a special focus on women in need.
An important element of the "Santa Claus Free Zone" campaign are the "Places of good deeds", which also support charitable projects by buying Santa Claus figures. In Germany, over 70 such places have now emerged. Florence Austen emphasizes that these places are not only symbols, but actually make a contribution to helping people in need.
The discussion about Santa Claus and St. Nicholas could not be more top. Many people connect the red coat and the happy beard with commerce and consumption. However, the initiative of the Bonifatiuswerk shows that Santa Claus can stimulate us with its role model function to take current and relevant topics such as charity and social responsibility seriously. Information about this moving action can be found on the pages www.swr.de