Every person has their own story to tell and pursues individual dreams. However, some people in our society are given less space for this than others. By supporting the "make up my story" initiative, BIPA wants to emphasize the needs of every person and bring joy. As part of the project, people with learning difficulties and disabilities from Jugend am Werk's Im Werd Tagesstruktur have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a role that corresponds to their wishes.
"Every cookie stamp sold not only spreads Christmas cheer, but also fulfills a very individual dream for young people. It is important that we sensitize our society to the diversity of human experiences. That's why we are proud to support such an important project," says Markus Geyer, Managing Director of BIPA.
Promoting empathy & understanding through stories
At "make up my story", artists from the Tagesstruktur are professionally made up and dressed by make-up artists according to their ideas. This personal transformation is documented by photographers and the end result is portrayed to ultimately create a joint lookbook. Interested parties can view the transformations in a photo exhibition at the werd:art gallery. The aim of the project is to increase the self-esteem of the participants, thereby promoting their quality of life and creating empathy and understanding within society for the individuality of lifeworlds.
"We are delighted that BIPA is supporting our project idea because it gives the artists with disabilities from our day structure with a focus on art the opportunity to make their dream come true. This also highlights the wonderful diversity of people that makes us all unique," emphasizes Brigitte Gottschall, Managing Director of Jugend am Werk Sozial:Raum GmbH.
BIPA and Jugend am Werk have been working together successfully since 2017. Since then, the bonus boxes, which are available in BIPA stores for Ös 250, have been produced by around 65 people as part of the project. Last year, over 100,000 BIPA boxes were assembled by people with learning difficulties or disabilities from Jugend am Werk.
The festive season is fast approaching and if you want to do something good as well as baking cookies, the BIPA X-MAS cookie stamps are the perfect way to do so. With a playful design, they personalize the treats and bring special joy to the bakery.
The cookie stamps are available in all BIPA stores in Austria for 1.99 euros. Until January 3, 2024, 1 euro from every X-MAS cookie stamp sold will be donated to Jugend am Werk.
Little reindeer, big heart
The reindeer not only plays a major role at Christmas time when baking cookies and in the "make up my story" project, but also in the BIPA Christmas campaign. A touching animated film tells the story of a little reindeer with a pink nose and a big heart, who is always happy to help when help is needed. The little reindeer confirms the campaign slogan "What makes you special is beautiful". The lovable reindeer will be the unmissable star of the Christmas season and is sure to bring lots of joy.
