The war in Ukraine continues unabated. The extent of the destruction and the humanitarian situation in the country are catastrophic. People are desperate, millions are on the run. Children and families need immediate and unbureaucratic help – both in times of acute need and in the long term. Zeller+Gmelin, the Eislingen-based specialist for lubricants, printing inks and chemical products, condemns war and violence and is therefore donating 10,000 euros to Agapedia as a first step. Jürgen Klinsmann’s aid organization is currently supporting refugee children and families from Ukraine in particular.
Soccer star and former national coach Jürgen Klinsmann has been helping those on the dark side of life for years. His charitable foundation Agapedia (Greek for “love of children”) supports projects for children in need. “Ukrainian children are now coming to our children’s centers in Esslingen and Geislingen more and more regularly,” explains Agapedia Managing Director Stefan Barth. “They are given the opportunity to meet other children and immerse themselves in a different, more peaceful world through sport, fun and games. At the same time, we specifically try to support the parents and relatives so that they can maintain a family life as far as possible despite their acute need.”
Living social and societal responsibility
The traditional Eislingen-based company Zeller+Gmelin is also severely affected by the catastrophic effects of the war and the daily images of humanitarian hardship. Siegfried Müller, Managing Director of Marketing and Sales at Zeller+Gmelin, emphasizes in this regard: “As a medium-sized family business in the heart of Eislingen, Zeller+Gmelin has been living its social responsibility for over 150 years. We stand for peace, exchange and constructive cooperation. It is therefore absolutely clear to us that we have to help the many people in need in the most uncomplicated and targeted way possible.”
Putting a donation in good hands
The ideal donation partner was quickly found in Agapedia, the foundation of Göppingen native and soccer world champion Jürgen Klinsmann. “The foundation has shown enormous commitment here in the region for 27 years. We are therefore confident that our donation is in good hands and will arrive quickly where it is needed most,” continued Siegfried Müller. Stefan Barth has already received the emergency aid of 10,000 euros. “We are delighted to have the support of Zeller+Gmelin,” says the Agapedia Managing Director. “This will enable us to further expand our current aid projects for needy and distressed children and families from Ukraine.”
From the region, for the region
The children’s charity Agapedia was founded in 1995 and currently operates in the old home of
Jürgen Klinsmann, in Esslingen and Geislingen an der Steige, two open children’s centers for children
between the ages of six and twelve. In the afternoons, children are offered games, sports, arts workshops and creative activities to discover their abilities and develop them in their own way.
strengthen self-esteem.
Helping where no help would otherwise arrive
Agapedia also has four subsidiary foundations in Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia. These were set up specifically to support children, mothers and families in need. Aid measures and projects for refugee children and families from Ukraine are currently being carried out at all Agapedia locations. The subsidiary foundations in the Republic of Moldova and Romania, which border on Ukraine, are currently particularly active. In Moldova, Agapedia runs two centers for children and families in need, which also take in Ukrainian refugees.
Especially in the rural regions of the Republic of Moldova, people are exhausted as they rely exclusively on private aid and hope in vain for state support. That is why Agapedia’s helpers strive to help in places where no help would otherwise arrive. “We have been active in the Republic of Moldova for over 20 years and work closely with the people, organizations and authorities there. Mutual trust has grown steadily over the years, so we are sure that the aid we provide is used in the best interests and in a responsible manner,” explains Agapedia Managing Director Stefan Barth.
Picture 1: Handing over the check
From left to right: Agapedia Managing Director Stefan Barth, K19 Director Sonja Maurer, live from the USA
Jürgen Klinsmann as well as Siegfried Müller and Tobias Dannemann from Zeller+Gmelin
at the cheque presentation in the Geislingen children’s center K19.
Download link:
https://www.prx.de/fileadmin/download/pictures/Zeller_Gmelin/GEI_Spendenuebergabe_K19_002.jpg
Picture 2: Jürgen Klinsmann at the K19 children’s home in Geislingen: With his foundation Agapedia
the ex-football star and native of Göppingen supports children, mothers and families in need. The
Donation of 10,000 euros from the long-established Eislingen company Zeller+Gmelin will be used in view of the
Ukraine war is currently urgently needed.
Download link:
https://www.prx.de/fileadmin/download/pictures/Zeller_Gmelin/ZG_Juergen_Klinsmann_Spendenaktion.jpg
Picture 3: A break from the war: Nikita and Margarita are the names of the two children who, together with their
Mom and her grandma from Agapedia. Many more Ukrainians are still waiting
currently rely on help, which can consist of even the smallest everyday things.
Download link:
https://www.prx.de/fileadmin/download/pictures/Zeller_Gmelin/ZG_Juergen_Klinsmann_Spendenaktion_Bild2.jpg
Picture 4+5: Helping where no one else helps: Agapedia distributes relief supplies to Ukrainian families in
the Republic of Moldova.
Download links:
https://www.pr-x.de/fileadmin/download/pictures/Zeller_Gmelin/spendenbild_kind.jpg
https://www.pr-x.de/fileadmin/download/pictures/Zeller_Gmelin/spendenbild_familie.jpg
Image 6: Deeply rooted in the Eislingen region since 1866: Traditional company Zeller+Gmelin
donates 10,000 euros in emergency aid for Ukrainian children and families to Agapedia. Siegfried Müller,
Managing Director Marketing and Sales at Zeller+Gmelin, emphasizes in this regard: “As
As a medium-sized family business in the heart of Eislingen, Zeller+Gmelin has been living and breathing life for over
150 years of social responsibility. We stand for peace, exchange
and constructive cooperation. It is therefore absolutely clear to us that, in view of the many
We need to help people in need in the most uncomplicated and targeted way possible.”
Download link:
https://www.pr-x.de/fileadmin/download/pictures/Zeller_Gmelin/ZG_Schlossstrasse_Eislingen.JPG