The Günzburg-based Malteser aid agency - a visit by Dr. Hans Reichhart, County Commissioner, and donations delivery by Scheppach
Support for Günzburg’s Children and Youth Hospice Outpatient Service
As in previous years, Scheppach donated €10,000 to the Children and Youth Hospice Outpatient Service of the Günzburg-based Malteser aid agency. On 1 October 2024, the Malteser aid agency invited Dr. Hans Reichhart, County Commissioner, and the First Mayor of Ichenhausen, Robert Strobel, to find out more about the Children and Youth Hospice Service of the Günzburg-based Malteser aid agency.
Ms Sylvia-Maria Braunwarth, Director and Co-ordinator of the Hospice Outpatient Service, and Alexander Pereira, Managing Director of the Augsburg-based Malteser aid agency, introduced their service, which has been active for many years, and the extensive tasks of its helpers, many of whom are volunteers. There has been a lot of development in the last few years. The Malteser Service helps families who are having the toughest time. While families with terminally ill children and young people have mainly been supported in the past, help is now also available to young families who suddenly have to face the death of a parent. Supporting mourning families requires constant training so the burden of those affected can be borne together, reports Ms Braunwarth. To this end, the Malteser Service organises various seminars for all helpers as well as for the family members to learn how to deal with death and mourning.
Another extensive project organised by the Malteser aid agency in Günzburg is the animal-based support of terminally ill patients or siblings saying good-bye. The “Seelengrübchen” in Glött was established with its Icelandic horses. The damaged souls of those mourning can find a little bit of comfort there. For Stephan W. Müller, Managing Director of the Scheppach Group and long-standing council member of the Maltesers, the Children and Youth Hospice Outpatient Service is a matter close to his heart. “I hope we can attract additional supporters of this important institution in our area”, Müller says, continuing “both those providing financial aid and, even more importantly, active helpers.” Dr. Hans Reichhart and Robert Strobel were very impressed. Ms Braunwarth was spontaneously invited to the next meeting of the regional mayors to introduce the service to a big group of local decision-makers.
Donations given to the Malteser Service (from left to right): Robert Strobel, Dr. Hans Reichhart, Sylvia-Maria Braunwarth, Stephan W. Müller, Alexander Pereira
