Press Release 22nd December 2025

BILLA and the Ö3 Christmas Miracle Raised Funds for the “Licht ins Dunkel” Emergency Aid Fund!

For the twelfth time, the Ö3 Christmas Miracle took place, raising donations for the “Licht ins Dunkel” Emergency Aid Fund. From November 17 to December 6, all 78 BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores in Salzburg participated in the Ö3 Christmas Miracle – an initiative that connects people across Austria and supports families in need. During Advent, the stores became places of generosity, where employees contributed their own creative ideas to collect donations for a good cause: from homemade cookies and freshly baked cakes to small festive gifts.

A group of five people smiling and holding a large check for €28,500 and a cake. The setting is festive, with Christmas decorations and colorful lights in the background.

A Total of €28,500 Donated to a Good Cause via BILLA Donation Boxes – Officially Handed Over to the Ö3 Christmas Miracle on December 20 at Salzburg’s Kapitelplatz / Copyright: © BILLA / Christian Maislinger, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

Download

At a glance

78 BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores in the province of Salzburg supported families in need during the pre-Christmas season
€28,500 collected between November 17 and December 6
Donation amount handed over to the Ö3 Christmas Miracle on December 20

Commitment to Families in Need in Austria

The heartfelt support of employees and apprentices was impressive. For example, on November 21, a small Christmas market was held at BILLA PLUS in Bischofshofen, offering mulled wine and other treats. The store in Itzling baked delicious cookies, which were sold in aid of the Ö3 Christmas Miracle. Under the guidance of Sales Manager Manuel Hanser, apprentices at the training center baked additional treats for charity.

In addition, the youth music band from Wals created a festive atmosphere with a musical performance at BILLA PLUS Wals on November 29 while collecting donations. Christmas markets were also held at BILLA Bürmoos and BILLA Mattsee, offering various delicacies and actively inviting the local community to join in. A special highlight was the visit of St. Nicholas and the Salzburger Stefani Perchten at BILLA PLUS Wals on November 28, who contributed to the fundraising efforts with their presence and activities.

€28,500 for “Licht ins Dunkel”

In total, €28,500 was collected for the good cause and placed in BILLA donation boxes, which were officially handed over to the Ö3 Christmas Miracle on December 20 at Salzburg’s Kapitelplatz.

“It is truly a matter close to our hearts to be part of the Ö3 Christmas Miracle. Together with customers and employees, we were able to raise this impressive amount of €28,500 – an important sign of solidarity and togetherness. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this outstanding result,” said Kurt Aschbacher, BILLA Sales Director for Salzburg, Tyrol, Carinthia, and East Tyrol.

“As one of the largest employers and local suppliers in the country, we see it as our responsibility to help where support is needed. The fact that our employees are so passionate about this makes me especially proud,” added Ernst Weissenbacher, BILLA Sales Manager for Salzburg and Tyrol.