Last year we already reported on our decision to continue forgoing the traditional paper Christmas card. Many of our customers, partners and friends appreciate a personal greeting in the run-up to Christmas, but sooner or later it ends up in the bin from the reception desk or the office kitchen. That's why we're sticking with digital festive greetings in 2024 too – which come no less from the heart just because they're in electronic form.
But sustainability isn't the only thing that matters to us and shapes what we do. codecentric AG and its employees are defined by their commitment to an equal and socially inclusive way of working together – as demonstrated, among other things, by our "Hey, Alter!" group, Girls' Days and our regular Charity Days.
So this year too we have decided to make a Christmas donation to non-profit organisations – as usual, in the name of codecentric's employees and their clients.
Our employees were able to nominate organisations that are particularly close to their hearts. The codecentric board – Rainer Vehns, Verena Deller, Lars Rückemann and Stefan Riedel – then selected three organisations.
"We are overwhelmed by how many employees have once again taken part with nominations and underlined them with their own personal commitment. It was therefore not an entirely easy choice for us, but we are delighted to be supporting three organisations with our Christmas donation that stand for sustainability, education, equality and fundamental and civil liberties, and that reflect codecentric's values and aspiration to serve society beyond the actual business purpose."
The recipients of our donations
We would like to give the employees who, through their nominations, have become sponsors for the organisations, the opportunity to explain in their own words why codecentric's donations are in good hands there.
Acker e. V.
The association is committed to helping children and young people develop a better understanding of where food comes from and how it is grown. Through programmes such as the "GemüseAckerdemie", Acker e. V. offers schools and nurseries the opportunity to create vegetable plots and cultivate them together with the children. The aim is to give participants hands-on knowledge of sustainable agriculture, healthy eating and environmental awareness. This not only fosters a joy of gardening, but also a sense of responsibility towards nature.
The nomination came from our employee Lisa Prosch at the Solingen office: "As a mother, I think it's incredibly important for children to find out where our food comes from and to learn how much effort and work goes into growing it. It's a wonderful feeling to literally harvest the 'fruits' of your own labour – whether as an 'AckerRacker' at nursery or through the GemüseAckerdemie for school pupils. That's why I think this association, which combines educational work and climate protection, is so particularly important."
Sozialdienst katholischer Frauen e.V.
The Sozialdienst katholischer Frauen e.V. (SkF) is a women's specialist association within the Catholic Church that specialises in supporting and advising women, families, children and young people in difficult life situations. The association offers a wide range of social services and support, including counselling services, support for children, young people and women, as well as care and educational programmes.
Our sponsors for the association are Katrin Fischer, Anke Koke, Johanna Nolte and Katharina Dziuk from the Münster office.
Katrin reports: "SKF Münster has been committed to the welfare of women and families for many years. In addition to a counselling centre with a comprehensive range of services, the SKF advocates for the protection of women and their children. They accompany, advise and support women and children following experiences of domestic violence until they are able to start a new chapter in their lives. Many volunteer helpers are at work here. But of course that is not enough. Financial resources are needed to ensure the basic provision for these women and children and to support them with food, clothing, hygiene products or with furnishing and renovating a new home. ...and now, at this time of year, the SKF also takes care of housing for homeless women. This commitment at every level deserves our recognition!"
Gesellschaft für Freiheitsrechte
The Gesellschaft für Freiheitsrechte e.V. (GFF) is a German non-governmental organisation dedicated to the protection and enforcement of fundamental and human rights. The GFF pursues this goal primarily through strategic litigation aimed at securing landmark rulings and thereby strengthening the legal protection of civil liberties. The GFF is active across a wide range of subject areas, including data protection, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, protection from discrimination and many other aspects of civil liberties.
Our colleague Christian Becker from Munich is pleased that part of the donation will go towards safeguarding rights:
"Especially at a time when our fundamental and civil liberties are being threatened by increasingly populist and backward-looking forces, strong civil society engagement is important. The Gesellschaft für Freiheitsrechte uses the tools of the rule of law to take targeted legal action against rules and laws that seek to restrict our fundamental and civil liberties. It has already rendered valuable services on various occasions in the past, and I am delighted that, with our support, the GFF will be able to continue standing up for our freedom and fundamental rights in the future."
Visit the Gesellschaft für Freiheitsrechte
Many heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors for their commitment to these valuable organisations. We are delighted to be able to support them with our donations both locally at our offices and across Germany. Anyone still looking for ideas for donation recipients at the end of the year is very welcome to join us.