The aim of "Ein Funken Wärme" is to cover the winter heating and energy costs of people living in poverty in Austria who would otherwise be unable to pay. BILLA has supported the campaign with around 2.86 million euros since 2008.
"Especially in times of crisis, quick help is needed for those who cannot cover their energy costs on their own. For the BILLA family, it is therefore a matter of course to assume social responsibility and offer those affected unbureaucratic and rapid support. This year, we are making a total donation of 150,000 euros available for this purpose and would like to thank our customers who support the 'Aufrunder' campaign directly at the checkout," says Robert Nagele, BILLA Board Member for Real Estate.
Barbara Stöckl, Krone Ombudswoman, is delighted with BILLA's willingness to help: "Since 2006, we have been working tirelessly with 'Ein Funken Wärme' to help people who cannot afford their heating and electricity costs in winter. Last year, we were able to provide more than 47,000 single mothers and fathers, pensioners, sick people and individuals with a warm home - and we were able to do this thanks to the support of long-standing partners such as BILLA. Thank you very much for the donation."
"In times of inflation, a warm home can no longer be taken for granted. That's why it's important not to look away now, but to once again focus on solidarity. Every donation helps to ensure that people in need don't have to freeze at Christmas. Many thanks to BILLA and its customers - thanks to your donation, those affected will receive the support they need. Every spark of warmth gives confidence," says Katha Häckel-Schinkinger, Head of Communications and Fundraising at Caritas Austria.
"Round up please": do good directly at the checkout
So that BILLA customers can also make their contribution to the aid campaign, they have the opportunity to donate at any BILLA and BILLA PLUS store as well as at BILLA merchants until the end of December as part of the "Aufrunder bewirken Wunder" campaign. If they say "round up please" when shopping at the checkout, the bill will be rounded up to the nearest 10 cents and will benefit "Ein Funken Wärme". As a jö Bonus Club member, customers can also round up permanently. This is possible at the checkout, via the BILLA app or at billa.at/round-up. Almost 60,000 permanent round-ups currently support families in need and the Caritas learning cafés in Austria and have donated around 1.7 million euros since 2013.
