As in years past, the Ottobock Youngsters junior company is donating profits from its turnover to a charitable project. This year’s recipients are the "DRK-Schwesternschaft Georgia-Augusta e.V." (the Göttingen chapter of the German Red Cross Nurses) and the funding association for "Kinder- und Jugendhospiz Sternenlichter" (a hospice for children and adolescents). The donation in the amount of 4,000 euros will be channelled into the new construction of the Sternenlichter inpatient hospice in Göttingen, which is slated to begin in spring. On 19 December, trainees Patrick Hellmold, Tabea Freitag, Hanna Meyer and Johannes Kistel presented a symbolic cheque to Nicole Zimmer, Superior of the German Red Cross Nurses.

There are currently only 130 children’s hospice beds in all of Germany, with the closest being located in Nordhausen und Wilhelmshaven. This means there is a great need in the region of southern Lower Saxony. “Our shared vision is to create a support point in the geographical centre of Germany for affected families from throughout the region. This donation brings us another step closer to our vision,” said Zimmer, speaking on behalf of the Red Cross Nurses and the funding association.

Now that the plans have been finalised, the construction phase for the hospice for children and adolescents is set to begin in spring 2020. The flexible concept provides for 12 places for children aged 0 to 27 years and their families within a 150-kilometre catchment area. In addition to end-of-life care, the hospice aims to provide holistic support for patients and their families. This not only includes all types of therapy, but also counselling for family members following the death of the child.

“It’s important to us that our donation makes a difference in our region. We want to play a small part in supporting the lives of children with serious illnesses,” said Patrick Hellmold, speaking on behalf of the junior company. The Ottobock Youngsters earned the 4,000 euros themselves, and the donation was generated from the proceeds of their own products, services and a rental service.

Funding for the Sternenlichter hospice for children and adolescents is not covered entirely by health insurance companies. This means that the shortfall has to be met by donations. The Red Cross Nurses and the funding association are grateful for any financial support they receive.