As a result of the pandemic, more and more people, for whom it was previously inconceivable that they would need help, are finding themselves in emergency situations. "The initial exceptional situation since last spring has now almost become the new normality in many areas of our daily lives. Many people have been hit hard by the effects of the pandemic, for example through job loss or short-time work. Together with our customers of BILLA, MERKUR, PENNY and BIPA, we want to help and support our fellow human beings in difficult times as quickly and as unbureaucratically as possible. The "Aufrunder" makes this quick help possible - by saying just two words at the checkout", emphasises Marcel Haraszti, REWE International AG Executive Board Member.
The support projects are manifold: BILLA uses the rounded-up cent amounts to help families with children and young people in the 36 social counselling centres throughout Austria. MERKUR, on the other hand, gives children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity for more education in the Caritas learning cafés throughout Austria - for example through remedial lessons or extra tuition. BIPA stands up for mothers and children in need by supporting mother-child homes, and Penny has set up a fund with Caritas for elderly people affected by poverty.
Say "round up, please" - it's that simple
It is very easy to make a donation by saying "round up, please" at the cash desk or by setting a permanent "round up" on your jö Bonus Card or in the jö Bonus App. You can register the permanent rounding up at www.joe-club.at, and in all cases the amount is rounded up to the next higher 10 cent amount.
Until the 18th of April 2021, all amounts donated by customers via "Round up, please" will be distributed to the respective projects as quick aid by the Corona Emergency Aid Fund of Caritas and Kronenzeitung. And not only that: "Every cent donated to the emergency aid fund is doubled by REWE Group Austria", says Haraszti, "our request to our customers: help. For each of us it is a few cents per purchase, but in total it means effective and urgently needed help, especially in these days." So far, customers of BILLA, MERKUR, PENNY and BIPA have donated more than € 1.2 million with "Round up, please" in favour of projects that effectively support the weakest in our society.
