Every year, when it gets dark outside, people whose pensions are barely enough to live on, people who are homeless, people who have fled to us, young people who live in residential groups and children whose families lack the most basic necessities gather in Cologne's Gürzenich for the REWE Group Christmas dinner. They are invited by four Cologne charities and social associations, which act as a link between them and REWE Group's event management team, which organises the celebration. The invitees are served a delicious menu in the huge, festively decorated ballroom, while a varied programme from children's choir to toom band takes place on stage and the children have fun in their own area. As a farewell, there are gift bags for all guests. Once again this year, they were packed on the morning of the party by REWE Group colleagues who had volunteered to help. A slightly larger group of helpers was on hand during the party, welcoming and looking after the guests during the event, which was opened by REWE Group Management Board member Jan Kunath. He was delighted that around 800 people had accepted the invitation and wished everyone "good health, more peaceful and more normal times" for the Advent season and the coming year

Five colleagues told us why they helped with the charity Christmas dinner and what they took away from it.

"I helped out at the Christmas party in the morning by packing the gift bags for people in need with a group of helpers. I volunteered because I think it's important that we all keep in mind how many people there are out there who are unfortunately not doing so well and who we should be helping. In everyday life, it's easy to forget to appreciate what we have and often take it for granted. But that's not the case! I was very happy to be able to support a few hours to bring a little joy to the poor and needy people with the gift bags. I think it's great to be part of a company that has been organising such a nice Christmas party for people in need for many years and that brings together many REWE Group employees from different areas in this way. I really enjoyed the morning and it was great to see that all the helpers were so happy to lend a hand."

Carmela Lardara
Category Buyer Discount

"I signed up for the campaign because I just wanted to contribute to a nice event. The parcel-wrapping appealed to me the most. The atmosphere was very pleasant, the organising team told me something about the party so that I got a better idea of the Christmas dinner and the people who were invited. In no time at all, we had spread out all the presents for the parcels at a long table and split up. I was right at the front and unfolded the bags with a colleague, put the REWE voucher inside and then passed it on to the next person, who filled up the sweets, for example. It was a great experience to see how we all worked hand in hand towards the common goal. We were really quick and the parcels looked lovely. Between the gift bags for the adults and those for the children, we took a short break with coffee and sandwiches. Finally, we were allowed to take a look into the ballroom of the Gürzenich, which was being decorated for the Christmas party. I think it's really good that REWE Group organises an event like this and I was pleased to be able to contribute to it."

Anette Schaumlöffel
Technical Writer Paymenttools / OC Payment

"I thought I could just give something back to people who aren't doing so well, who perhaps don't have as nice a Christmas as we do. There was a lot to do in the early days where people needed guidance. I was with those who guided the guests to the lift, which was a bit hidden. During the celebration, we were the contact persons, a child was looking for his mother, some people had to be accompanied to their tables, otherwise we could just watch the programme. Things got exciting again at the end when the gift bags were handed out at the exit. Afterwards, we helpers sat together in a cosy atmosphere. It was a nice side effect that I got to know nice colleagues from other areas.
I really enjoyed it, especially all the children. They could run around freely and there was a children's area where there was lots of action. And that many people thanked me several times for the lovely party, for the gift bags. I was particularly pleased that I was able to do what I could to make people a little happy before Christmas."

Kai Goede
Senior Business Analyst Location Strategy and Geoanalysis at Retail Germany

"It was really nice. The children had fun in the children's area or ran around freely. The adults, on the other hand, sat quietly at the beautifully laid tables and followed the programme. The absolute hit was the violonist Julius Meier. People were so enthusiastic that some tried to get very close to him for a selfie. In front of the banqueting hall, chefs prepared the plates in several rows, as each course was served at the table. Then the service staff came, took four or five plates and brought them to the tables. I loved the fact that everyone was served their food almost at the same time. If someone did need something, they could turn to us REWE helpers. I think everyone felt well looked after. When they received their gift bags with shining eyes, I would have loved to give them all a big hug, especially the older people.
I would do it again and again and can only recommend it to anyone. It brings you back down to earth and makes you grateful for what you have. Hats off to our employer for organising something like this, especially in this day and age when everyone is cutting back... When I told my friends about it, everyone was thrilled and said: 'What a great employer'."

Christine Venner
is responsible for Zoo Royal's online trade at REWE Markt Logistik

"I applied to be a helper because I simply enjoy helping. What I experienced, both with my colleagues and with the guests, had a lasting effect on me. I've worked in many teams before, but I've rarely experienced it being as clear as it was with this group of REWE Group helpers: Everyone is 100 per cent committed, everyone wants to help and they want to do it together. We were immediately on the same wavelength and got on well.

The people invited reflected the needy in our society: pensioners, refugees, homeless people. Many children were also among the guests. Some encounters have stayed with me for a long time: Two of us helped an elderly woman to climb the grand staircase to the ballroom, she didn't want to take the lift under any circumstances. When she joined us, she said: 'I feel like a princess'. The conversations with homeless people also left an impression on me. Many told me that the worst thing about their situation was that people ignored them for fear of being mooched at. They would be really happy if people at least paid attention to them and said hello. That's what I do now. And it's true, they are happy to be greeted.
After a long conversation with one lady, it turned out that she is homeless. Unfortunately, you have these clichés in your head about what people who live on the street look like. She went on to say to me: 'I'm homeless with class'. That touched me."

Daniel Leske
Systems engineer at REWE digital