Two years after the flood disaster on the Ahr, much has already been achieved, also thanks to donations from our colleagues at REWE Group. Nevertheless, much remains to be done. Timo Feld knows exactly what is missing and how we can all help.
In view of the constant stream of bad news reaching us from all over the world, one disaster is in danger of being forgotten: the devastating flood in the Ahr valley. It was a good two years ago. Some things have been repaired and rebuilt since then. But there is still a lot to do. The devastation left behind by the brutal wave is still obvious; many roads, bridges and houses have been destroyed.
Ahr flood damage in Altenahr, photographed in August 2023 (Photos: Achim Bachhausen)
The situation would probably be even more precarious if there weren't so many volunteers. One of them is our colleague Timo Feld, who actively helped to organise the distribution of relief supplies to those affected immediately after the disaster. We spoke to Timo Feld about his assessment of the situation and asked him how he is currently helping.
one: Timo, what is the current situation?
Timo Feld: There is still a lot to do, the need for relief supplies is still high. At the same time, the willingness to donate is decreasing.
one: What is needed above all these days?
Timo Feld: In short: everything that is needed for storage after moving into temporary accommodation, i.e. furniture, shelving, white goods and household electronics.
one: In what way are you personally involved? Do you still work at the donation distribution centre?
Timo Feld: Unfortunately, local politicians withdrew funding from the donation distribution centre, so we had to look for a new hall. After we had to move from Gelsdorf to Sinzig at the end of 2022, the next move is already scheduled for the end of this year, this time from Sinzig to Bad Breisig. It's much more inconvenient for me to get there. That was one of the reasons why I decided to help from home for the most part.
one: So from your private remote work? What exactly does the help look like? What are your tasks?
Timo Feld: You have to explain that those affected can no longer simply drop by the distribution centre and pick up goods. Distribution is now organised via an online shop, a portal where those affected by the flood can order everyday necessities. There are fixed order quantities and maximum purchase limits, and the system is also more transparent. One of my tasks was to maintain the articles for this portal. My main task is to bring together those affected and donations: What is needed, what is required? I also try to acquire donations.
one: How would you describe this?
Timo Feld: For example, I try to win over companies for specific projects. When a new youth centre was to be established, I used my contacts and asked several companies whether they would like to donate something for the facility.
one: And were you successful?
Timo Feld: Yes, we managed to find a furniture store that donated a complete kitchen, a paint manufacturer supported us with its products and there were samples from the REWE Group.
one: Finally, do you have any tips for those willing to donate on the best and quickest way to support the flood victims?
Timo Feld: The best overview of the needs and a description of the planned and already implemented projects can be found online at stiftung-ahrtal.de.
one: Timo, thank you very much for talking to us.
Ahr Valley Foundation
"The Ahrtal Foundation is a voluntary, non-profit aid organisation that supports those affected by the flood disaster and reconstruction in the Ahr Valley. It emerged from the private initiative of the Ahrtal donation distribution centre and is financed purely from donations. You can find all further information here: stiftung-ahrtal.de"
