For four years now, the employees of Goodman Germany have been fulfilling the Christmas wishes of children cared for by Arche, the nationwide Christian children and youth foundation, at their Düsseldorf-Wersten centre.
The Christian children and youth project Arche is committed to helping children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds in Germany in its fight against child poverty. The association was founded in 1995 by Pastor Bernd Siggelkow in Berlin-Hellersdorf. There are now 28 locations nationwide, helping over 4500 children and young people.
Arche aims to help children by instilling self-esteem and social skills, fostering potential and personal responsibility, facilitating learning and education, promoting a healthy lifestyle and supporting parents and families.
Help for disadvantaged children in Düsseldorf
Arche’s Düsseldorf centre for children aged 6-12 opened in June 2012. Their offer ranges from a cooked meal, help with homework and individual support to a diverse leisure programme. As well as painting, crafts, reading and play, a whole host of other opportunities are available to help children discover their hidden talents.
The team of full-time and voluntary staff provides a varied programme of open and scheduled leisure activities for up to 80 children. At its core, their work with the children is all about building relationships. Kids camps are also provided during holiday periods.
Christmas wish list campaign
Part of the activities for the children also involves a Christmas wish list campaign, also supported by Goodman. Over the past four years, the Goodman team has received around 50 wish lists and has fulfilled those wishes. The gifts are donated, personally wrapped and delivered by Goodman employees.
The wishes range from socks, scarves and crayons to games and even headphones. This year, Goodman is also giving each child a jar of honey made by the bees at the company’s very own sites.
“The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation for children who were already in need. Lockdown meant that they missed out on a structured daily routine and now many children still struggle to navigate everyday life” says Kristine Shahinmehr, Head of Facility in Düsseldorf at the Arche. So we are really grateful for Goodman’s continued support in helping us put a big smile on the children's faces every year.”
As Christof Prange, managing director of Goodman Germany, says: “Helping children get off to a good start in life is a matter close to all of our hearts here at Goodman. This is especially true for children who don’t have it so easy. Our annual commitment might only be small but we firmly believe that many little things can all add up to something big.”
