Communications and Marketing
A sign against poverty in old age and loneliness: H-BRS sets up wishing tree in Sankt Augustin
Christmas is a time of community and togetherness, when most of us traditionally get together with family and friends to spend time together. For many senior citizens, however, December is also the time of year when they particularly feel their loneliness and poverty.
University President Marion Halfmann and H-BRS Chancellor Angela Fischer, together with Lisa Meis from the Obstkäppchen association, today hung the first wish cards on the university's Christmas tree on the Sankt Augustin campus: "Old-age poverty and the loneliness of senior citizens are problems for society as a whole. With our wish tree, we want to raise awareness of this issue and at the same time help to ensure that those affected have a wonderful Christmas," said Halfmann. Angela Fischer added: "As a university, it is important to us to fulfil a wish for senior citizens and make them happy. I would like to encourage both our employees and members of the public to take part in the campaign."
The "Wishing Tree" campaign takes place for the fifth time
The "Wishing Tree" campaign is taking place in Sankt Augustin for the fifth time. For Esther Hummel, who organises the campaign for the university together with Anna Güllmann, it is a matter close to her heart and a sign of social cohesion. She is convinced: "Helping other people and creating happy moments is the best thing you can give."
The members of Obstkäppchen deliver a bag of regional, healthy food to senior citizens once a month at several locations in Germany. The organisation was founded by H-BRS graduate Chris Kossack, among others. The wishes on the H-BRS wish tree come from senior citizens from Königswinter, Bonn and Hürth.
Delivery of gifts until 17 December
Donors can now pick up one or more wish cards from the Christmas tree on the university campus at Grantham-Allee 20 at any time. The Christmas wishes range from 20 to 25 euros per card. The gifts can then be handed in at reception during the university's opening hours up to and including Wednesday, 17 December 2025.
The university is running another Wishing Tree campaign in Rheinbach at the same time. Unlike in previous years, the tree is no longer located in the Himmeroder Hof cultural centre, but once again on the university campus, which has been largely repaired following the flood damage. This makes it a very special tree not only for the recipients, but also for the departments in Rheinbach, which experienced so much solidarity after the 2021 floods.
Press images for download
Contact
Location
Rheinbach
Room
H 004
Address
Von-Liebig-Straße 8
53359, Rheinbach
Telephone
+49 2241 865 9812
Daniela Greulich
Deputy Head of executive department Communications and Marketing/Press and Public Relations, Press Officer
Location
Sankt Augustin
Room
E 237
Address
Grantham-Allee 20
53757, Sankt Augustin
Telephone
+49 2241 865 641