Community strength: How Gleisdorf residents give hope after floods

Community strength: How Gleisdorf residents give hope after floods

The Gleisdorf region is on its feet after the devastating floods in June this year. The Lantos-Kalcher family, which was severely affected by the natural disaster, not only receives financial help but also new hope through the support of the Rotary Club of Gleisdorf. Thanks to a charity concert, the club was able to raise 9,000 euros for the family. This sum is urgently needed in the upcoming renovation of her house.

"We are very pleased to be able to hand over this aid. It shows what is possible when people stick together," said the President of the Rotary Club, Mag. Elisabeth Mayer, when handing over the check. The financial support is seen as a ray of hope in an otherwise dark time as the family copes with the challenges brought on by the floods.

Shocking experiences of the flood

Astrid Lantos-Kalcher remembered the dramatic events during the flood. "The water suddenly rose enormously as the pressure pushed the door into the house. All we could do was grab the cat and escape into the attic," she said. The moment was particularly painful when, while cleaning up the mud, she felt her previous life being carried away piece by piece.

The family took incredible initiative to make their house livable again. Josef Lantos-Kalcher managed most of the work himself, despite his age of 74. He invested around 1,500 hours in the renovation. He proudly announced: “We have been able to live in the house again for three weeks – not completely, but it is becoming comfortable.” The new stove was only connected last week, which makes everyday life easier for the family.

Civic engagement and initiative

Günter Macher, a member of the Rotary Club and initiator of the benefit concert, experienced many fates in his role in the crisis intervention team. "It was clear that we needed to help here. We organized the concert within a few days. We would like to thank everyone who helped," he explained while handing over the check. This commitment demonstrates the strong community spirit that exists in the region.

Mayor Günter Müller also praised the family's tireless work: "Josef Lantos-Kalcher did everything on his own initiative." The family's gratitude to the volunteer fire department and the community is great, as both groups offered support during this difficult time.

The Rotary Club Gleisdorf is already planning the next benefit concert to continue supporting families in need. On December 4th, 2024, the Cover Girls will perform with their Christmas program “It’s Christmas” at the forumKLOSTER Gleisdorf. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Further information can be found on the club's website.

Through such events, the Rotary Club Gleisdorf shows how important solidarity and cooperation are in critical times. These actions strengthen the community and help to support people who are in need through no fault of their own.