In Cologne on 3 July, the motto was "D'r Zoch kütt", but this did not mean the Rose Monday parade. On the occasion of Christopher Street Day (CSD), 1.2 million visitors came to the city to set an example for tolerance and diversity - including numerous REWE Group employees.
After two years of significant coronavirus restrictions, the CSD was able to take place as usual for the first time. Around 1.2 million visitors marched through Cologne's city centre in a colourful procession - either on one of the many floats or in one of the 170 foot groups. The common motto: "For human rights. Many. Together. Strong!"
150 employees on site
REWE Group took part for the sixth time. More than 150 REWE Group employees from various departments were on site and, together with the LGBTIQ network di.to., set an example for tolerance and diversity. "The atmosphere at the side of the road, in the group on foot and among the 50 employees on the float was very exuberant. This was also ensured by the presenter 'Julie Voyage', who animated the spectators along the demonstration route for almost four hours with her cheeky slogans in Cologne dialect, encouraging them to sing along, dance and even make la-ola waves," reports di.to. spokesperson Frank Bartels.
Design of the trolley for the first time by PENNY
The design of the truck was taken over by PENNY for the first time this year. "We wanted to express our appreciation for PENNY and the outgoing CEO Stefan Magel, who has always been very supportive," says Frank Bartels.
A sign of collegial cohesion
"It was so much fun to finally celebrate together again after two years of pandemic-related restrictions. We wore bright red T-shirts and were so recognisable as a group - so different and yet one unit. Many of them continued to celebrate in different places after the demo. As a result, the red PENNY shirts could be seen all over the city - a visible sign of the collegial cohesion within the REWE Group. And the claim 'First to Penny' could be heard again and again throughout the day," says Frank Bartels.
High proportion of women
"I was particularly pleased about the balanced ratio between women and men for the first time. When I welcomed them four years ago, I called on the lesbian employees to be more visible. It's great that we have achieved this through numerous campaigns," says Frank Bartels.
2.000 euros donated to youth centre
As every year, the proceeds from the participation fee were donated to the anyway e.V. youth centre. The symbolic donation cheque for 2,000 euros was handed over to the association on site, which thanked di.to. and the REWE Group for their generous donations.
