Press Release 20th November 2023

Gruftsackerl campaign in Vienna: BILLA joins forces with customers to support Caritas' help for the homeless

BILLA assumes social responsibility on many levels. The local grocer has been donating food to social institutions since 1999.

Four people standing in a supermarket near a produce section, holding grocery bags. Two posters with the text "Einfach Helfen" are displayed behind them. The setting is bright and welcoming.

(from left to right): Alexander Poropatits-Anderl (BILLA Sales Manager), Elisabeth Pichler (Head of the Gruft), Klaus Schwertner (Caritas Director) and Hamed Mohseni (BILLA Sales Director) are delighted about the launch of the Gruftsackerl campaign, which benefits Caritas' homeless aid. / Copyright: BILLA / Robert Harson, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

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At a glance

From now until December 2, Gruft bags are available in 100 BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores in Vienna
Customers can buy bags filled with basic foodstuffs and products for daily needs for up to 10 euros directly at the checkout
Bags will be donated to Wiener Gruft in the 6th district, among others

Every BILLA and BILLA PLUS in Austria works with social organizations throughout the year and also takes additional measures to support people and families in need in cooperation with its customers. One of these is the Gruftsackerl campaign, which is being implemented in the Vienna stores for the second time this year. From now until December 2, 2023, customers will have the opportunity to buy Gruftsackerl bags for up to 10 euros directly at the checkout in 100 BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores in Vienna. Filled with non-perishable basic foodstuffs and products for everyday needs, the bags will benefit homeless people at the Vienna Gruft in Vienna-Mariahilf and other Caritas activities to help the homeless. The Gruftsackerl are collected at the checkout and passed on to the facility by the employees.

"The best way to do good is together. I am therefore delighted that we are once again implementing the Gruftsackerl campaign, which was first initiated in 2021, in cooperation with our customers this year and expanding it from the original 30 to 100 stores. Every bag purchased will benefit Gruft, which has been successfully helping the homeless for years. Especially in the cold season, it is very important to us to make our contribution here in the spirit of our social responsibility in the neighborhoods," says Hamed Mohseni, BILLA Sales Director in Vienna.

"The Caritas Gruft, probably the best-known facility for homeless people, has been a safe haven for people living on the streets for over 30 years. 365 days a year, those affected receive breakfast, lunch and dinner, clean clothes, a place to stay and shower and a warm place to sleep. For homeless people, the most challenging time of the year begins with the cold temperatures. We at Caritas are also dependent on support so that we can help them in the best possible way - in the Gruft and in many other places. We are therefore very pleased that BILLA and its customers are supporting us with the Gruftsackerl campaign. Thank you very much in advance for your commitment and your help," says Caritas Director Klaus Schwertner.