Image: RK
Even Hertha Riener was speechless when the lively volunteer employee came to the Rotkreuz market and suddenly the whole team stood in front of her to congratulate her on her 90th birthday with a surprise party. Numerous guests did not miss this opportunity and brought their congratulations, including Red Cross President Walter Aichinger and Deputy State Manager Thomas Märzinger. The two thanked Hertha Riener for her services and presented her with a certificate. When they all performed a birthday song together, Hertha Riener struggled with tears of happiness. She loves the contact with people very much. That builds her up, that keeps her so young and fit. The Rotkreuz market is something like her fountain of youth.
Nothing works without Hertha
Since the start of the Rotkreuz market in Hagenberg in 2012, she has been an integral part of the team. “Without Hertha, nothing works. She’s always in a good mood, funny, tackles everything. And if there’s any fruit left over, she makes jam out of it,” says Inge Himmelbauer, one of the store managers. “She is the good soul of the market. Customers see her as grandma.” Her fixed shifts are Wednesday and Thursday, and she also steps in at any time if someone is absent. The Pregartner has done around 7000 voluntary hours since 2012. And if she has her way, the 90-year-old, who is young at heart, would like to continue working actively in the Red Cross market for a very long time and make her time available to those who need help.
Source: Nachrichten
