Especially times like these, marked by rising energy prices and inflation in almost all areas of life, hit the poorest in our society particularly hard and call for social commitment and cohesion. That is why BILLA is launching an Austria-wide fundraising campaign from 24 November to 24 December to support needy people and families in Austria - together with the Association of Austrian Food Banks, the Team Austria Food Banks of the Red Cross and Hitradio Ö3. Greeting cards in a Christmas design, which can be purchased for € 2.50 or € 7, will be available at BILLA, BILLA PLUS, BILLA Kaufleuten and in the BILLA online shop from 24 November. The entire amount per card sold will go towards food parcels provided for those in need at the Tafe facilities in the provinces.
Harald Mießner, BILLA Sales Director, on the new donation campaign: "Community togetherness is an essential building block of the foundation of our society and more important than ever. Together with our customers, the Association of Austrian Food Banks, the Team Austria Food Banks of the Red Cross and Hitradio Ö3, we would like to make a significant contribution to supporting people at risk of poverty in Austria with this major fundraising campaign. We have placed the Christmas cards in the checkout area of all our stores so that our customers can easily do something good the next time they shop. As a sign of solidarity, BILLA is also donating a sum of money to our charitable cooperation partners in this campaign.
Number of people at risk of poverty in Austria on the rise
According to EU-SILC surveys (Community statistics on income and living conditions), 1.3 million people in Austria, including 320,000 children and young people, are affected by poverty - and the trend is rising. Since the wave of inflation, poverty has arrived in the middle of society. Single parents, single earners, families, people in precarious employment and pensioners with minimum pensions are particularly affected by the rising cost of living, and the need for food donations at social markets and food banks continues to grow.
Michael Opriesnig, Secretary General of the Austrian Red Cross: "Many families have their backs to the wall financially. We also notice this at the Team Austria food banks: at some distribution points the number of households seeking help has even doubled this year! As the Red Cross, we offer quick and low-threshold help in these difficult times. Especially in times of crisis it becomes obvious that nothing can be taken for granted and that we are dependent on each other. A big thank you in advance to all BILLA customers who contribute with their donation to making the Christmas season a little less dark for others".
Alexandra Gruber, Chairwoman of the Association of Austrian Food Banks: "The situation for food banks is currently more challenging than ever before: more and more needy people are making use of the services offered by food banks, while at the same time donations of goods are declining. As a society, it is now more important than ever to stick together so that people affected by poverty can be helped directly and quickly through this hard winter with food aid. Together, let's cover the table of people in need with this campaign, thank you to all who are participating in this campaign!"
