Christmas campaign: Professionals prepare- “Schalke hilft!” delivers
A special tradition at Christmas time – albeit still under special auspices due to the pandemic: On behalf of the club’s own foundation Schalke hilft!, S04 board member Christina Rühl-Hamers, among others, brought presents, small surprises and a cheque for 1904 euros each to the children’s clinic of the Bergmannsheil in Gelsenkirchen and to the Friedensdorf in Oberhausen.
“Unfortunately, the Corona pandemic makes it impossible for our professionals to visit the facilities again this year. As much as we regret it – but it is precisely the protection of the children and people in the facilities that is our top priority. Together with our licensing team, we have nevertheless found a nice way to provide some joy.”
Sebastian Buntkirchen, Managing Director of Schalke hilft! and Director of Fans & Club Affairs
Christina Rühl-Hamers and Sebastian Buntkirchen therefore first travelled to the children’s clinic at Bergmannsheil Gelsenkirchen on behalf of Klaus Fischer and met Dr Lautner, Medical Director of the children’s and youth clinic. In front of the clinic, the foundation delivered backpacks with small gifts for the young patients, presents for the wards, a cheque for 1904 euros and Christmas biscuits baked by the licensing team themselves.
“The Christmas visits put a lot of things into perspective for all of us – that is precisely why it is so important for us as a club to stick to these campaigns, regardless of the situation our club is in. I’m grateful and happy that we were able to provide some Christmas cheer in two great facilities again this year.”
Christina Rühl-Hamers, S04 Board Member
Afterwards, Olaf Thon, the board member and Sebastian Buntkirchen went to Friedensdorf International in Oberhausen. Here, too, the team led by Licence Manager Gerald Asamoah had come up with a particularly nice surprise. In the run-up to the event, the players had opened their team coffers and bought clothes and toys for the children at the facility. Then it was off to the Arena kitchen for them, where they lined up at the ovens and spent an afternoon baking biscuits. Another group of Schalke professionals spent their time Christmas-wrapping presents for the kids at the Friedensdorf.
“The Christmas campaigns have a long tradition and a high value at Schalke. Unfortunately, the possibilities were limited this year due to the current situation. Nevertheless, the team really wanted to help. That’s why they baked biscuits for the children in the children’s hospital and in the Peace Village. In addition, the boys used their money from the team treasury to buy clothes and toys for the children, which were then handed over by proxy. We all very much hope that we can be there again next year.”
Gerald Asamoah, Head of the Licensing Department of the S04
Aris Limassol FC Social, Environmental, and Health Initiatives
