Flood relief campaigns in the Ahr Valley
We have been active in the Ahr Valley since August 16, 2021 to support people who need help after the flood disaster. You can read reports about various campaigns on this page.
Light of Hope - Christmas campaign in the Ahrtal (November 13th, 2021)
We called our Christmas campaign on Saturday November 13th in the Ahr Valley “Light of Hope”. How well this title fit only became clear on site.
Houses damaged, roads blocked, the navigation system directed us to the left and we found ourselves with a fully loaded bus, trailer, car and van... Nothing! No more road there! Next door the stream meandered innocently...
We drove in circles through Bad Neunahr and looked for another way to the place where our action was supposed to take place.
When we finally arrived, between construction sites and ruins, many people were already waiting for us.
Our eight helpers got to work as quickly as possible: setting up tents, setting up tables and unloading the first boxes.
After a short speech by local mayor Richard Lindner and Melina Müller, our two local contacts, we started.
On a stretch of around 30 meters there were boxes full of Christmas decorations, baubles, fairy lights, figures, candles, Christmas tree pendants, and much more that were donated from the Odenwald for the flood victims. Whether traditional red and gold or more modern pink and turquoise, Christmas angels or Santa Claus, stars or hearts, colorful fairy lights or crocheted tablecloths, there was something for every taste.
The rush was huge and hundreds of people were able to replace their destroyed Christmas decorations. Our helpers were busy collecting empty boxes and unloading more full boxes for hours.
But our team was not only available to distribute donations: at a small stand there was mulled wine, cocoa, children's punch, cookies, homemade cakes and of course an open ear for the people. Because one or two tears were shed when the mixed feelings of terror of the flood and gratitude for the help arose.
An older lady said: "I've had these exact balls for so many years. Then everything was broken, the whole basement was full of water and now I've found exactly the same ones here. It's so beautiful!"
"I've already put a chain of lights on the stairs," says another woman happily, then adds a little dejectedly: "It just gets dark early and otherwise we don't have any light in the stairwell anymore."
We were told personal stories of destruction, rescue operations and traumatized children. But there was also talk of reconstruction, solidarity and plans for the future! Because rebuilding is what most people in the Ahr Valley want. “And for that we need people who make actions like this one possible,” emphasized local mayor Richard Lindner in the thank-you speech to our association.
And we would also like to say thank you for two buses, a trailer and a van, fully loaded with Christmas donations! This is crazy and probably the largest fundraising campaign our small club has managed to date.
THANK YOU to all the donors and all the helpers that together we were able to bring a “light of hope” from the Odenwald to the Ahr Valley!
Washing machines for flood victims
We have it on Friday, October 8th, 2021
10 new washing machines
brought to the Ahr Valley for flood victims.
Thank you to the donors!
Flood relief - washing machine campaign (as of August 24, 2021)
We have set ourselves the goal of putting a smile on the faces of the people in the Ahr Valley. This is not easy, but we are doing our best.
Since we have already accompanied several transports and have been there several times ourselves, we know what special items are needed in addition to the general relief supplies. For example, with our last collection campaign we brought around 180 bicycles so that people can reach the distribution points and now have easier access to food and hygiene products.
With our next campaign we would like to donate new WASHING MACHINES. We would particularly like to support single parents or families with children, as well as older people who find it difficult to reach the washing stations that have been set up. Our goal is around 30 washing machines!
This is of course a large amount and involves high costs. We are therefore pleased that the company EURONICS Heitzmann in Bad König (Bahnhofstr. 50, 64732 Bad König) is participating in the campaign as follows: Washing machines for the flood victims can be purchased here for just €200 per piece and the company covers the remaining costs per washing machine. The washing machines purchased here will then be handed over to our association as a donation in kind for the flood victims.
You are also welcome to transfer tax-deductible donations to our association, which will then flow into our direct aid campaign for flood victims.
Account details:
A matter of the heart Odenwald eV
Credit institution: Sparkasse Odenwaldkreis
IBAN: DE54 508519520180119125
BIC: HELADEF1ERB
Flood relief - bicycle campaign (as of August 24, 2021)
In the flood areas, many roads are not yet accessible by car. Depending on the location, the distribution points for relief supplies are several kilometers away.
To make it easier for people to get there, we have collected bicycles that people can use to reach the distribution points.
Many people took part, made bicycles fit for use, often equipped with a bicycle basket, air pump, lock or replacement repair kit and donated. Together we managed it and brought around 180 bicycles to the flood area, where they were distributed shortly after arrival.
Help for flood victims (as of July 16-23, 2021)
Horrifying images of masses of water taking everything with them and causing entire houses to collapse have shocked us all in the last few days. There is always new information about dead and missing people, cut off areas and people who have lost everything coming through the media... We quickly decided to ask what was needed and on August 16th. A fundraising campaign was started online.
On August 17th A wave of helpfulness then overwhelmed us. In a short time, our warehouse was full of clothing, blankets, bedding, food, hygiene products and children's items. Help was also offered and gratefully accepted: sorting, packing, driving. We were overwhelmed!
Unfortunately, we received the news that no helpers can be accepted at the collection points in the crisis area for the time being. But we want help to reach where it is needed as quickly as possible! Therefore we have on July 18th. our “direct help” started. This means that our helpers bring the individually required donations directly to those affected or helpers on site in a coordinated manner and after consultation.
And this is how it went and continues:
A personal on-site delivery was made on July 20th. to Dernau. Our helpers reported by telephone around 1:00 p.m.: "...you can't imagine this, people are standing knee-deep in mud here...". The food, animal feed and hygiene items delivered were gladly accepted.
A day later, needed relief supplies were handed over to a single father. After the accident, he and his little daughter stayed in a private household about 150 km away. The couple's home is not yet accessible again.
The next deliveries have already been planned... ...and arrived.
We will continue to bring individually needed donations to where they are needed.
At this point a big THANK YOU again to all supporters and every helping hand!