Volunteers from all over the world lend a hand with Tyrolean haymaking!

Volunteers from all over the world lend a hand with Tyrolean haymaking!

In Tyrol, the volunteer project “Volunteer on the Farm” has celebrated remarkable successes over the last 15 years. According to krone.at, over 400 missions have helped around 100 farms in Tyrol every year, especially during the hay harvest. The project is initiated by the Chamber of Agriculture and the Maschinenring and offers important support in agriculture. Due to the high demand for workers during the harvest season, not only locals take part, but also volunteers from nine different nations.

Tanja Zitzmann, a bank employee, is one of the regular helpers on a farm in the Stubaital. She started as a volunteer and has formed close friendships with the farming family. Their experience reflects the spirit of the project, which promotes exchange and getting to know other lives. Farmer Alexandra Kammerlander emphasizes how important such aid is for maintaining agricultural activities. Helpers from various professional fields, including company bosses and police officers, volunteer their time to support the farmers.

Expansion of the project

The “Volunteer on the Farm” project was successfully expanded to Styria and Vorarlberg. This initiative not only offers the opportunity to enjoy traditional cuisine and experience the rural way of life, but also provides valuable support for farming families in difficult times. The assignments include a wide range of work such as hay harvesting, stable work and housework, which are crucial for the everyday life of farmers, as described on maschinenring.at.

People between the ages of 18 and 75 can register for the project and be one of the almost 400 volunteers. This initiative not only promotes community solidarity, but also provides an opportunity to acquire skills and gain practical experience. Christian Angerer, chairman of the Maschinenring, highlights the success story of the project, which is now having an impact far beyond Tyrol.

Volunteer work in Austria

Commitment to volunteer projects is not limited to the agricultural field of activity. Many Austrian aid organizations offer opportunities for volunteer work in various areas. In this way, civilians can offer their help in the event of a disaster or emergency situation. At oesterreich.gv.at those interested can find out more about the promotion of voluntary commitment and the legal framework that must be observed for such missions.

There is also information about the Austrian Volunteer Pass, which makes it possible to document work performed and skills acquired. The Austrian Red Cross has also launched the “Team Austria” project to organize neighborhood helpers in emergencies. If you want to get involved, you will find numerous resources and offers to get active and strengthen the sense of community.