We have enjoyed a close partnership with humedica e.V. for several years. We have supported numerous joint projects in the past and have seen first-hand how valuable reliable cooperation can be. Our most recent visit to Kaufbeuren builds on this connection – this time on the occasion of a wheelchair donation, which we see as our small contribution to a big task.
Since 1979, humedica has been making an indispensable contribution to international emergency and disaster relief. Based in the Allgäu region of Germany, the organisation has developed into a global aid agency that has been or is currently active in over 100 countries. Its tasks are diverse: humedica provides medical care through its own staff, organises the transport of relief supplies and supports those affected in rebuilding a secure existence in the long term. In doing so, humedica pursues a holistic approach. It is not only about responding to acute crises, but also about creating sustainable structures. For example, health stations are set up, local partners are trained and training programmes are supported. In this way, rapid assistance is combined with a long-term perspective – a combination that is recognised worldwide.
A special mark of quality: humedica is classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a ‘Type 1 fixed emergency medical team’. This means that the organisation meets internationally recognised standards for providing medical assistance in crisis regions within the shortest possible time.
During our visit to humedica headquarters, we were able to take a look behind the scenes. It became clear right from the start: for the employees, providing aid is much more than just a job – it is a personal commitment. We were deeply impressed by the motivation and conviction with which the team works.
The central role that donations in kind play in humedica's everyday work left a lasting impression on us. Aid organisations do not have the financial resources to cover every need by purchasing aid supplies. Every donated aid supply therefore fills a small gap somewhere and is urgently needed.
As a manufacturer of medical aids, we bear a special responsibility. Our products aim to improve people's quality of life, promote their independence and facilitate their participation in society. This awareness shapes our daily actions – in our exchanges with users, carers and partner organisations.
For us, our collaboration with humedica is an expression of this self-image. It shows that we can and want to take on responsibility beyond the mere manufacturing process. Our contribution may seem small in comparison to global challenges, but it is in line with our claim to create added value through quality, reliability and partnership.
In the past, we have been able to support humedica with donations of operating theatre screens, nursing beds and now wheelchairs.
But what actually happens after such a donation?
Just four weeks after our visit, we received a message from Carina Freudig (Corporate Partnerships, humedica e.V.) informing us that some of the donated wheelchairs had arrived in Ukraine:
"Your donation was passed on to a community centre in north-western Ukraine. One of the main tasks of the community centre is to support elderly people living alone, those with limited mobility and people who find themselves in difficult life situations due to illness, financial hardship, etc. The facility not only provides assistance to the residents of the community, but also to displaced persons, who today need help and support more than anyone else."
The remaining wheelchairs are intended for another area with great need: Syria.
We are aware that our contribution is only a small part of the big picture. The real work is done day after day by humedica – by a dedicated team that travels around the world to help people in need. Our aim is to raise awareness of this work and support it within our means.
One thing that particularly impressed us was the transparent use of funds. Around 85 pence of every euro donated goes directly to the projects. Only a small proportion is used for administration and advertising – a figure that is well above the average for many aid organisations. This means that donations go where they are most urgently needed.
The visit to Kaufbeuren was an impressive experience for us. Not only did we gain a deeper insight into the workings of an internationally active aid organisation, but above all we got to know the people who are passionately committed to this work.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to humedica for the open insights, the warm hospitality and the invitation. Above all, however, for the valuable work that has been done day after day for over four decades – in the Allgäu region, in crisis areas around the world and wherever rapid assistance is needed.
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