Press Release 17th November 2025

Helping Homeless People in Vienna: BILLA Relaunches Gruft Bag Campaign

Doing good together: Following the great response in previous years, BILLA is offering the Gruft bags for the fourth time this year. These bags are specially packed with non-perishable food and everyday essentials for homeless people. From November 17 to 29, customers can buy the bags in 100 BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores in Vienna for €10.29 directly at the checkout. The purchased bags will be collected by BILLA employees and handed over to Caritas. Afterwards, the Gruft bags will be distributed free of charge to homeless people – both at the Gruft shelter in Vienna’s 6th district and through other Caritas Vienna initiatives supporting the homeless.

(from left to right): Hamed Mohseni (BILLA Sales Director in Vienna), Klaus Schwertner (Caritas Director), Alexander Poropatits-Anderl (BILLA Sales Manager), Elisabeth Pichler (Head of Gruft), and Teoman Tiftik (BILLA Sales Manager) with the “Gruft bags,” available in 100 BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores in Vienna. / Copyright: © BILLA / Robert Harson, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

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At a glance

From November 17 to 29, 2025, “Gruft bags” will be offered in 100 BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores in Vienna to support homeless people.
The bags, filled with basic food items and everyday essentials, can be purchased by customers for €10.29 directly at the checkout.
The purchased Gruft bags will be collected by BILLA employees and delivered to the Caritas shelter “Gruft” in Vienna’s 6th district, among other locations.

“Taking social responsibility is a matter close to our hearts at BILLA. That’s why we are once again using our stores as a platform for the Gruft bags to strengthen social solidarity,” explains Hamed Mohseni, BILLA Sales Director in Vienna. “In previous years, our customers have shown that they want to join us in supporting social projects. The strong response to this campaign confirms that. We are confident that, together with them, we will make an important contribution to social cohesion again this year.”

Caritas Director Klaus Schwertner also emphasizes the importance of this social commitment:
“At the Gruft, we have been supporting homeless people for over 30 years, helping them reintegrate into society. Donation campaigns like the Gruft bags are a valuable addition to our facilities. I sincerely thank BILLA and its customers for their commitment. This ensures that help reaches those who need it most.”