Press Release 11th November 2024

Kick-off for the Gruftsackerl campaign: BILLA and its customers support Caritas Vienna's help for the homeless for the third time

Do good with ten euros and support homeless people: For the third time, the ‘Gruftsackerl’ bags are available at 100 BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores in Vienna during the Advent season. Customers can buy the bags, which are filled with non-perishable staple foods and everyday products, for 10 euros directly at the checkout. The employees in the stores collect the purchased bags and then pass them on to the Caritas team. The donated bags are donated to the crypt in Mariahilf or to other Caritas activities to help the homeless. This year the campaign runs from 14 November to 28 November.

Four people smiling and holding shopping bags stand in front of a BILLA store entrance surrounded by fresh produce displays, including oranges and apples. The environment is bright and inviting.

(f.l.t.r.): Elisabeth Pichler (Head of Gruft), Alexander Poropatits-Anderl (BILLA Sales Manager), Klaus Schwertner (Caritas Director) and Hamed Mohseni (BILLA Sales Director in Vienna) with the Gruft bags, which are available in 100 BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores in Vienna. / Copyright: © BILLA AG / Robert Harson, Abdruck zu redaktionellen Zwecken honorarfrei, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

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At a glance

From November 14 to November 28, 2024, the "Gruftsackerl" will be available in 100 BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores in Vienna, benefiting homeless people
The bags contain staple foods and daily essentials, and customers can pay €10 directly at the checkout
BILLA employees will collect the purchased "Gruftsackerl" and pass them on to the team at the Gruft in Vienna’s 6th district, among others

“Solidarity is a force that can only be unleashed together. I am very pleased that we are conducting the ‘Gruftsackerl’ campaign again this year and can demonstrate how valuable each individual donation is,” explains Hamed Mohseni, BILLA Sales Director in Vienna. “The feedback from previous years shows that many people are willing to contribute to implementing social projects. Together with our customers, we can make a real difference for homeless people in Vienna.”

Caritas Director Klaus Schwertner also emphasizes the importance of this support: “The Gruft has been a place of protection and humanity for homeless people for over 30 years – especially now, as the cold season begins. With the donated ‘Gruftsackerl,’ we can provide warm meals and a safe refuge. Thanks to the willingness to donate from BILLA and our customers, many people receive the support they lack in their everyday lives. A heartfelt thank you for this embodied togetherness.”