The Advent season brings light to the streets and glamour to shop windows. But for many people in Cologne, December is anything but festive: financial worries, a lack of social participation or even homelessness characterise their everyday lives. This makes it all the more important to create places that offer hope and community.
Cologne's Gürzenich was transformed into such a place on 3 December: for the ninth time, REWE Group hosted the charity Christmas dinner in cooperation with five local organisations - Caritas, Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO), Kölner Arbeitslosenzentrum (KALZ), Kölner Tafel and Kölner Freiwilligenagentur. A total of around 800 guests, from infants to senior citizens, accepted the invitation. They experienced an evening full of warmth and socialising.
As soon as they entered the festively decorated Gürzenich, the special atmosphere was palpable: high walls in warm light, a large Christmas tree on the stairs - for many guests, a sight they were experiencing for the first time.
The Cologne Chamber Opera performed Christmas songs throughout the evening. | Photo: ©Michael Breuer
The festive atmosphere continued in the large hall: a large disco ball sparkled under the ceiling and dots of light danced across the laid tables. There was a spacious play area for the younger guests, while the adults enjoyed a varied stage programme alongside a three-course menu. The REWE Group band provided musical accompaniment for each course, while performances by acrobat Noah Chorny, the Cologne Chamber Opera ensemble and the "Choir that rehearses on Thursdays" provided special highlights. As a parting gift, everyone received a lovingly wrapped gift bag - a small token that spread great joy.
Jan Kunath thanked all the helpers and wished the guests a great evening. | Photo: ©Michael Breuer
Jan Kunath took to the stage for the last time in his role as Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board. "The event is a real labour of love for me. I am always impressed by the enthusiasm with which it is perceived - and above all by the commitment of the people who support it," he said, summarising his impressions.
At the end, all the artists and helpers sang the Christmas carol 'Silent Night, Holy Night' together. | Photo: ©Michael Breuer
This year's Christmas dinner was once again organised by Frank Bartels, Head of Event & Travel Management, and his team. They also realise that this evening is very different to the events they usually organise: "The planning and preparation of the evening is now routine, but as soon as the guests arrive, it's no longer routine. New guests arrive, with new stories and, of course, sad stories too. It is still very moving, even in its ninth year. The most important thing for us is to give people the feeling that they are cared for and valued for three and a half hours. For many, this is not something that can be taken for granted - so this symbol is all the more important tonight."
The event was also particularly supported by the numerous REWE Group employees who accompanied the evening as helpers. They helped to decorate the hall, accompany the guests to their tables at the beginning and pack and hand out the gift bags. For most of them, this evening is more than just a social responsibility, it is something that moves them. In the following, our colleagues describe how they experienced the evening and what it did to them.
Niclas Biener, Head of EU Affairs & Agricultural Policy | Photo: ©Michael Breuer
"Personally, the event really gets me into the Christmas spirit. I think it's also a great opportunity to look back on the year.
The best thing that remains from this afternoon is the conversations with the guests. You can just tell that they are very grateful for the Christmas dinner. They have a completely different perception of what we often take for granted. My takeaway today is to feel more gratitude for the little things.
We also talked to our children at the breakfast table this morning about why we are doing this today. It raises my own awareness and is also valuable for my children."
Julia Kölsch, Senior Project Manager NH Climate | Photo: ©Michael Breuer
"When I first read about it, I thought it was a super nice idea - that you can not only celebrate the pre-Christmas season yourself, but also give people with fewer opportunities a nice celebration and a few nice moments.
The collaboration with my colleagues was also great, it was a total success. You felt like a Christmas elf. Somehow, the evening also reminded me of an extended family. I don't know, it was so lively, but at the same time the guests were totally relaxed and everyone was just happy about this special evening.
So I would say to everyone, definitely take part! It's a really nice event - it doesn't get any more Christmas than that."
Daniel Städter, IT Business Engineer Expert | Photo: ©Michael Breuer
"I was very touched when the choir and the guests sang 'O Du Fröhliche' together. It's a classic that is often played last at Christmas services. Many people associate it with fond memories and I thought it was really lovely that so many people joined in.
If I had to summarise the evening in one word, it would be appreciation. I also come from a relatively modest background, but I was lucky that my grandparents were always able to support me. Today, I'm happy when I can help people and give something back in some way."
Elke Lissy-Kiss, Car Product Development Specialist at Clevertours | Photo: ©Michael Breuer
"I'm looking forward to seeing children's eyes sparkle today, but I'm also looking forward to seeing the older people, because I still have a father of 88 myself and Christmas is something special for them. I think I'll have to shed a tear or two myself.
Wherever you live, there are so many opportunities to help. For example, there are older people everywhere who can't get out the door on their own. We have a hospice near us, for example, to which we were able to donate almost €500.00 through a book flea market. They told us that they were able to use it to train another person to take over this hospice service. Of course, we are very happy about that."
"Everything was wonderful! The programme, the atmosphere and the people who looked after us: We felt very comfortable," says a mother with two small children from the Caritas centre for single parents.
"I am very enthusiastic about the event. Even my son, who didn't want to come at first, really enjoyed it. I would love to come back next year," says an employee of the Caritas CariPrint workshop for people with disabilities.
"The party was very nice and the food tasted so good. All the children were very happy and the presents were great. Thank you!" says a female guest from the Caritas accommodation centre for refugees.
