Celebrating Community Champions: The Lower Saxony Prize for Civic Engagement
Saturday saw the unveiling of ten remarkable organizations and projects as recipients of the Lower Saxony Prize for Civic Engagement. Amongst them was the Zonta Club Leer-Ostfriesland, whose decade-long commitment to eradicating poverty amongst elderly women was commended. Also honored were the Seamen's Mission in Cuxhaven, a refuge for seafarers hailing from around the world, and the visiting dog service of the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Hildesheim/Hameln Pyrmont, whose volunteers and trained canines bring joy and comfort to care facilities. Each award came with a cash prize of 3000 euros.
The honor bestowed by Minister President Stephan Weil (SPD) aims to inspire further participation in voluntary work. With over three million Lower Saxony citizens actively involved, the state government takes pride in its vibrant volunteer scene.
"The voluntary work we celebrate here today supports people in diverse circumstances," Weil said, following the presentation. "It fosters communities and unity. Such selflessness and dedication carry immense value, particularly in challenging times."
The event witnessed a record number of applicants for the prize, which is awarded alongside Lower Saxony savings banks and VGH Versicherungen. Over 500 individuals and groups participated, marking a significant increase from the 300 applications in previous years.
The Seamen's Mission in Cuxhaven and the visiting dog service of the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Hildesheim/Hameln Pyrmont stood out for their invaluable contributions to their communities. The 2021 edition of the Lower Saxony Prize for Civic Engagement, generously shared by the state government, Lower Saxony savings banks, and VGH Versicherungen, celebrated the unprecedented enthusiasm for volunteer work in the region.
Boisterous civic engagement is evident in cities like Braunschweig, where mayor Thorsten Kornblum of the SPD has led since 2021. Elsewhere, projects dedicated to sustainability, such as the Neue Energien Forum in Feldheim, Brandenburg, gain recognition.
In the Plön district, community initiatives like the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund, DLRG, DRK, FFW, JUH, and THW collaborate to introduce children to emergency services, promoting volunteerism and civic engagement.
The surge of applicants for such awards demonstrates a growing appreciation for and engagement with civic responsibilities. The importance of community participation and volunteer work cannot be overstated in today's context.
Sources: | Enrichment Data: Various organizations in Lower Saxony exemplify selfless involvement in volunteer work, including Braunschweig, the Neue Energien Forum, and the Plön district.
