City awards volunteer prizes 2025

The annual volunteering awards were presented at the annual volunteering event on December 12 in the packed Markgrafentheater. Mayor Florian Janik presented the prizes together with the Chairman of the Board of Sparkasse Erlangen Höchstadt Herzogenaurach, Johannes von Hebel. The bank financed the prize money of 500 euros each.

Honored in three categories

In the "Young Ideas" category, the integration guides for nursing professions at Malteser Waldkrankenhaus took to the stage. Here, volunteers support foreign nursing staff at vocational school, in learning the German language, practising technical terms and preparing for exams. But learning is not the only component of the concept. Joint leisure activities are also intended to strengthen the learners, give them pleasure and also introduce them to Erlangen's surroundings through joint excursions.

The second category is called "Everyday Heroes". The security guard was honored. Based at the police station, it acts as a link between citizens and the police. Volunteers patrol housing estates, parks and pedestrian zones, are approachable and in constant contact with the police. This means that help or support can be requested immediately. The uniformed volunteers have been increasing the public's sense of security and deterring potential criminals since 1995.

The volunteers of Offene Türe Erlangen have been offering their support for a very long time, since 1971. The group was honored in the category "Association with many years of commitment". Supported by the Archdiocese of Bamberg, the Open Door is a center for pastoral care, counseling and conversation. 36 volunteers ensure that people find a listening ear and a protected space to confide in during opening hours. The volunteers receive further training and supervision and can also refer people seeking advice if necessary. But first and foremost, the Offene Türe is an open house for people in emotional distress and with worries.

"Volunteering is diverse and indispensable for Erlangen"

Lord Mayor Florian Janik: "Volunteering thrives on attitude, on togetherness and on the willingness to take responsibility for one another. Whether in supporting foreign care workers on their way into our city society, in their commitment to safety and cohesion or in listening to people in difficult situations - the people honored today impressively demonstrate how diverse and indispensable volunteering is for Erlangen."

"The well-being of us all depends on so many people"

Johannes von Hebel, CEO of Sparkasse: "Voluntary work is at the heart of a vibrant and supportive society. We see impressively how much passion, time and commitment goes into the work of volunteers. The award winners show how joint action strengthens community life in our city. Stadt- und Kreissparkasse Erlangen Höchstadt Herzogenaurach is proud to support and promote this extraordinary commitment - because the well-being of all of us depends on the many people who work with dedication for the common good."

The event began with a performance by the IHNA acrobatics group. A short film gave an insight into the activities of the award winners. This year, the Suppkultur initiative catered for the guests, supported by the drugstore chain dm.

Photos: Photography