“Everything about volunteering” is once again the motto of the sixth Lower Austrian Volunteer Fair, which is taking place in the government district today, Sunday, until 5 p.m. Organized by Kultur.Region.Niederösterreich, those interested will find many opportunities for volunteer work, as more than 50 organizations provide insights into their activities.
At the opening of the volunteer fair in the state parliament meeting hall, State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner said: “With so much volunteer work, you are not just doing well, but very well.” Nevertheless, a few weeks after the disaster, “we are still under the impression of the flood disaster tested us. We mastered this test.” Images emerged in your head that you will never forget. “But I am firmly convinced that cohesion is particularly evident in times of crisis. As dramatic as this flood crisis was for us, it was great to be able to experience this solidarity,” she emphasized and thanked the Lower Austria security family for sticking together and standing together: “This security family was there from the beginning during the flood and we appreciate all of this, Respect and recognition,” said the state governor, explaining that they wanted to focus on this commitment around the state holiday with today’s volunteer fair.
Over 50 organizations were on site to present themselves. “No matter which club, every institution is valuable and important to us and we salute what they all do voluntarily and unpaid,” she emphasized and added: “Volunteering is our strength and our pride, and we would like to thank everyone for that.”
The state governor also highlighted the mayors who support voluntary work and local associations. The state of Lower Austria also supports, which is why the volunteer center has been expanded and is the first point of contact for clubs to offer help and support. She also emphasized the newly introduced insurance cover for those who are involved outside of the clubs – i.e. in informal volunteer work.
In any case, today offers the opportunity to get excited about volunteering and recharge your batteries at the mega concert by “Wir4” and “Die Seer”. In conclusion, Mikl-Leitner said that in view of the global concerns, many would lose sight of “what makes us special in Lower Austria, that we can consider ourselves lucky to be able to live in such a great and wonderful country. In one of the richest regions in Europe and the world, in a country where we have a social network that welcomes those who need help and support. Where, above all, we live in a cultural country and can give space and space to those working in culture and guarantee freedom for art. Where we have a healthcare system that we are working on to make it even better. And where we feel one thing above all: togetherness. We feel that today and we should convey that with courage and optimism that things will continue to work together and that we will build together in the state of Lower Austria.”
In addition to representatives of the voluntary organizations, state councilors Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister, Susanne Rosenkranz, Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig, many members of the state parliament, state office director Werner Trock and representatives of the media and public life also took part in the opening ceremony. The “Eichgraben Vocal” choir created the best musical atmosphere at the opening with “Weekend and Sunshine”, as did Benjamin Altmann, finalist in the Lower Austrian songwriter competition, who performed his song “Wunder”. The opening was moderated by Martin Lammerhuber, managing director of Kultur.Region.Niederösterreich.
After the opening and the Radio Niederösterreich Frühschoppen in the Ostarrichisaal, Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner invited people to the open day in her office and took a lot of time for discussions and souvenir photos. Visitors can also find “open doors” in the new Children’s Art Laboratory, the Former Synagogue, the Lower Austria Museum, the State Archives, the State Library, the Festival Hall, the State Parliament Forum and the ORF Lower Austria.
In general, a colorful supporting program awaits the guests of the 6th Volunteer Mass: A Catholic service took place early in the morning in the country house chapel with Diocesan Bishop Alois Schwarz, which was broadcast live on ORF 2 and the next highlight, the thank you concert in honor, will start shortly of the flood helpers in front of the sound tower. “Wir4” will start at 2 p.m., followed by “Die Seer” as part of their farewell tour.
The exhibition of the blue light organizations, a “This is how Lower Austria tastes” delicacies market as well as the restaurants in the cultural district and on the country house boulevard make the day a great overall experience.