Image: RK Pyhrn-Priel
1.5 million – that is the number of people who are currently acutely affected by poverty throughout Austria. In 2022, the fight against poverty also became an increasingly important part of the work that more than 23,000 volunteer employees do every day at the Red Cross in Upper Austria. “We run 23 Red Cross markets in Upper Austria and try to give those who shop there a sense of self-worth. Many are in an emergency situation and get the feeling that they can still afford something in the Red Cross markets,” says Walter Aichinger , President of the Red Cross Upper Austria.
The 2.9 million hours worked by the volunteers not only include the numerous rescue and patient transport assignments – 606,664 were recorded in 2022. “What is often not seen: Especially in the field of education, our volunteers make a significant contribution to more equal opportunities in society,” says Aichinger, referring to the first Red Cross learning island, which opened in Traun in 2022, and the around 400 learning and Reading coaching organized across the country.
Indescribable value
From “meals on wheels”, first aid courses to mobile care: “We try to position ourselves broadly and to support the entire population,” says Erich Haneschläger, regional manager of the Red Cross.
According to Aichinger, how much this commitment is worth can hardly be put into figures. “We try to take stock and add up the many hours worked. Ultimately, a visit, a nice chat or a short walk is worth much more to those affected than could ever be expressed in numbers.”
Source: Nachrichten
