Every year, as the festive Christmas season unfolds, we make significant donations to various organisations that strive to make the world a better place for those less fortunate. The impact of these donations is far-reaching, touching lives and communities in a variety of ways. From supporting children affected by disasters to funding medical research, every euro we donate helps to strengthen support for numerous causes. When we delve deeper into the details of these donations, it becomes clear that this approach is not just about financial aid; it shows that corporate success and social responsibility can coexist harmoniously, creating a positive impact that reverberates both inside and outside the organisation. Social engagement reflects the values inherent in our family business – compassion, long-term commitment and a strong sense of community.
Focus on children and local initiatives
At the centre of our social efforts is a commitment to helping children and supporting local initiatives. Our focus is on efficiently channelling resources and directing attention to initiatives that are dedicated to supporting children. Our top priority is to create a sustainable impact that goes far beyond immediate benefits and includes the promotion of long-term development and sustainable growth. Employees play a key role in the selection of donation targets. Suggestions for potential donation recipients can be submitted by any employee, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement in our CSR endeavours. This approach allows us to utilise a wide range of perspectives and insights and ensure that the donation recipients we support are connected to the team. We aim to support organisations where contributions can make a real difference, whether it's rebuilding communities affected by disasters, supporting medical research or educational initiatives for disadvantaged children. This careful selection process ensures that the money is used in the most effective way.
The donation targets
The LINEAR Christmas donations in 2023, which totaled €155,000, were distributed to various organisations, each of which plays an important role in improving society. The following institutions and initiatives were considered this time:
UNICEF | €30,000
Our repeated donation to UNICEF illustrates our commitment to global impact. As the leading UN organisation focused on the well-being of children, UNICEF plays a vital role in supporting the youngest. Every child in the world has the right to a childhood. Wars, disasters, diseases, exploitation or lack of participation: UNICEF is active in over 190 countries worldwide and helps to ensure that children are well cared for, can go to school and are protected from violence.
Further information can be found at:
www.unicef.org
Doctors Without Borders Germany | €30,000
Unfortunately, the past year was once again dominated by global wars and crises, which is why we are once again happy to support the invaluable work of Doctors Without Borders. Worldwide, independent, fast and close to the people: Médecins Sans Frontières provide aid in conflict zones, after natural disasters and during epidemics for millions of people who would otherwise have been left alone and could die from their illnesses or injuries.
Further information can be found at:
www.msf.org
SOS Kinderdorf (Germany) | €30,000
We have been supporting the fantastic work of "SOS Kinderdorf" for several years now. The association is committed to improving the living conditions of socially disadvantaged children, young people and their families – as a youth welfare organisation and aid organisation in Germany and worldwide.
Further information can be found at:
www.sos-kinderdorf.de
Auenland – Familien- und Jugendhof GmbH | €20,000
The previous site of the family and youth center "Auenland" in Mulartshütte was completely devastated by the 2021 flood disaster. The rebuilding of the Auenland at a new location in Stolberg-Gressenich was already planned because the old site was possibly to make way for a flood protection area in a few years' time. However, the complete inventory of the old facility, which has now been completely destroyed, was intended to finance the relocation and reconstruction. The donation from LINEAR GmbH plays a decisive role in the reconstruction efforts. The funds will help restore essential components such as kitchens, furniture and equipment needed to maintain the extensive nature area and school garden. Reconstruction is already well underway and the Auenland will soon be able to offer many services for families and people in need again. This includes, for example
- adventure education programmes for children from daycare centres and (special) schools
- Special programmes for children with mental, physical and psychological disabilities
- Family support services for children with mental, physical and emotional disabilities
- Offers from the field of animal-assisted education
- Jobs in the bistro area for people with mental, physical and psychological disabilities
- Holiday activities for children and much more.
We are delighted to be able to contribute to the rebuilding process and are looking forward to the reopening.
Further information can be found at:
www.auenland-m.de
Ein Herz für Kinder | €10,000
LINEAR is once again supporting "Ein Herz für Kinder", an organisation that helps children and families in need. The donation will strengthen efforts to provide basic services such as soup kitchens, paediatric clinics and educational projects.
Further information can be found at:
www.ein-herz-fuer-kinder.de
Interplast Germany | €10,000
This year, for the first time, we are supporting Interplast Germany e.V. The organisation helps patients with congenital or acquired defects through plastic surgery operations in developing countries. Humanitarian surgery means helping people with severe disfigurements following accidents, burns or war, children with congenital deformities of the face and hands and patients with large skin tumours or non-healing wounds.
Further information can be found at:
www. interplast-germany.de
breakfast4kids | €5,000
One in four children does not have a packed lunch in their school bag. The non-profit organisation "breakfast4kids" is therefore committed to ensuring that all children receive a breakfast. To this end, the helping bakeries make and fill hundreds of sandwiches early in the morning and deliver them to schools in the Aachen region. "breakfast4kids" guarantees the children fresh bread every school day for a year so that they are healthier, more focused and more productive. The collaboration began back in 2020 and we look forward to continuing to support this great work in our home region.
Further information can be found at:
www.breakfast4kids.de
University Hospital Cologne – Department of Paediatric Osteology | €5,000
The department participates in national and international studies to improve therapy for children and adolescents with bone diseases. Another focus of the specialised outpatient clinic is researching the causes and improving the diagnosis and treatment of those affected in an interdisciplinary research team.
Further information can be found at:
www.kinderklinik.uk-koeln.de
Hilfe mit Herz e.V. Bürgerhilfe Herzogenrath | €5,000
Help from citizens for citizens – The organisation "Hilfe mit Herz e.V." supports people in need in the Herzogenrath and Aachen region. From counselling and donations in kind to cold weather assistance during the cold season, many volunteers work here to support their fellow citizens.
Further information can be found at:
www.hilfe-mit-herz-ev-herzogenrath.de
Aachener Tafel e.V. | €5,000
"Aachener Tafel" has been supporting people in need with free food since 1998 and tries to compensate for the disparity between human need and food waste. In the past year in particular, demand has risen immensely due to price increases. We are therefore particularly pleased to be able to make a contribution in our home country.
Further information can be found at:
www.aachener-tafel.de
Maria im Tann| €5,000
We have also been donating to the "Maria im Tann" youth support centre in Aachen for several years. The dedicated team offers a wide range of different forms of care and support for children, teenagers, young adults and families.
Further information can be found at:
www.mariaimtann.de
Finally, we are delighted that the LINEAR Christmas donations are a clear expression of our social responsibility and will continue to be in the future. This commitment characterises our identity, motivates our actions and should inspire others.