As part of an action day for financial health, the Second Sparkasse is opening its westernmost branch in Dornbirn today.
Dornbirn/Vienna (OTS) – As part of an action day for financial health, the Second Sparkasse is opening its westernmost branch in Dornbirn today. This means that the Second Sparkasse can offer its services to all Austrians. The Second Sparkasse has been supporting people who have gotten into financial difficulties since 2006. This means that many of those affected are able to get their financial life back under control and manage their business successfully. “In our experience, sometimes it only takes a little to get into financial trouble. We are therefore convinced that everyone deserves at least a second chance, and we are pleased that more than 23,000 people have already taken advantage of it
“, emphasizes Günter Benischek, CEO of the Second Sparkasse.
Eighth location in Austria
The opening of the new branch is supported financially and personnel by the Vorarlberger Sparkassen. Board spokesman and project initiator Harald Giesinger is convinced that the Second Sparkasse will also play an important role for Vorarlberg residents on the path to financial recovery: “The aim of the initiative is for those affected to get their financial situation back under control as quickly as possible. In order to improve the situation, the ‘second’ contributes with consultations at eye level and without time pressure. Of course, it is important that those affected have a serious desire to change their situation and cooperate.
“
You can only become a customer of the Second Sparkasse through recommendations from NGOs. “We are therefore very happy that we were able to win ifs debt advice, Caritas Vorarlberg, the homeless initiatives Kaplan Bonetti and the dowas association as partner organizations right from the start. Together with them we were able to realize today’s day of action
“, adds Benischek.
Bench for hopefuls
Thanks to the ERSTE Foundation, which provided the founding capital of 5.8 million euros, this unique bank is there for people who need a second person. To this end, the Second Sparkasse offers checking accounts, insurance as well as personal advice and support – together with partner organizations. Customers receive a full checking account with a debit card and access to George online banking from Erste Bank and Sparkasse. The current account does not have an overdraft limit, but it does have gambling protection: With the Second Sparkasse debit card, online payments are possible worldwide. Registered gambling establishments and online gambling/betting are excluded. Since 2020, there has also been a microcredit for people who cannot immediately raise the entire deposit when moving into a new apartment.
Run by volunteers
Another special feature: The Second Sparkasse does not have any earnings targets, but rather is committed to the savings bank philosophy that is oriented towards the common good. It is supported and run exclusively by volunteers. Over 350 volunteers from Erste Bank and Sparkasse all over Austria are involved in their free time. The board members of the Second Sparkasse also work on a voluntary basis. Günter Benischek is currently the chairman of the board of directors of the Second Sparkasse. The other members are Carmencita Nader, Robert Schmidbauer and Karin Wochele-Thoma.
The Dornbirn branch of the Second Sparkasse will begin operations on February 26, 2024. 50 to 80 customers are expected for the first year.
Questions & Contact:
Opening of the second savings bank in Dornbirn
Dornbirner Sparkasse Bank AG
Mag. Susanne Hagspiel
Press Spokesperson – Corporate Communications
Tel, 05 0100 – 6 74150, susanne.hagspiel@dornbirn.sparkasse.at
Second savings bank in general
ERSTE Foundation Communication
Mag. Maribel Königer, 0664 8385341, maribel.koeniger@erstestiftung.org