Austrian Charity Telethon Sets Record with Millions in Donations
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Austria’s annual “Licht ins Dunkel” (“Light into Darkness”) charity telethon, a beloved Christmas Eve tradition, concluded with a record-breaking fundraising total. The ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Corporation) broadcast raised an astounding €17.6 million in donations, exceeding previous years’ totals.
Adding to the remarkable sum, the accompanying Ö3 Christmas miracle radiothon also achieved a record-breaking €5.5 million. this combined fundraising success underscores the generosity of the Austrian people and their commitment to charitable causes during the holiday season.
The “Licht ins Dunkel” program reached its peak on Christmas Eve with a star-studded lineup of guests. The broadcast featured prominent figures from Austrian society, including Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, who lent their support to the cause.
Joining President Van der Bellen were several high-profile political leaders. Among them were ÖVP Chancellor Karl Nehammer, SPÖ leader Andreas Babler, Green Party leader Werner Kogler, and FPÖ National Council President Walter Rosenkranz. Their presence undoubtedly contributed to the telethon’s remarkable success.
the event’s success highlights the power of collective giving and the importance of charitable initiatives, particularly during times of need.The funds raised will go towards supporting various social welfare programs across Austria.
This year’s record-breaking fundraising demonstrates the enduring spirit of generosity within Austria and serves as an inspiring example for charitable efforts worldwide.
Austrian charity Drive “Licht ins dunkel” raises Millions for Inclusive Projects
Austria’s annual “Licht ins Dunkel” (Light into Darkness) charity campaign concluded with a resounding success, raising millions of euros to support inclusive projects for children and individuals with disabilities.The event, broadcast live on ORF 2, featured a star-studded lineup of celebrities, military personnel, and civil servants manning donation hotlines throughout the day.
President Alexander Van der Bellen highlighted the campaign’s impact, stating, ““the dark’ projects help all those who urgently need help.” The impressive fundraising total underscores the deep-seated solidarity within the Austrian community. This year marked the 52nd anniversary of the initiative, a testament to its enduring legacy.
ORF General Director Roland Weißmann praised the “solidarity of the people in Austria for one another,” calling it “particularly impressive.” Ines Stilling, President of “Licht ins Dunkel,” emphasized the campaign’s commitment to strengthening children affected by poverty and people with disabilities.Pius Strobl, ORF head of Corporate Social Responsibility and “Licht ins Dunkel,” affirmed the station’s dedication to supporting “families and children in need as well as people with Disabilities.”
The campaign focuses on promoting ”inclusive projects” designed to enhance accessibility and learning assistance, enabling greater societal participation for those in need. The funds raised will be used to provide crucial support in these areas, ensuring that individuals facing challenges have the resources they require to thrive.
The broadcast, hosted by Eva Pölzl and Tarek Leitner from the ORF media campus, featured musical performances by Vincent Bueno and the “ORF Allstars Band,” who entertained viewers with customary Christmas songs. Andreas Onea conducted interviews with prominent guests at the A1 donation center.
Ö3 Christmas Miracle Sets New Record
Adding to the overall success, the Ö3 Christmas Miracle radiothon also achieved a record-breaking fundraising total. This year’s event, featuring a new team of hosts – tina Ritschl, Sylvia Graf, and Philipp Hansa – raised nearly €5.5 million over 120 hours of broadcasting from Wiener Neustadt. These funds will be directed to the “Light in the Dark Emergency Aid Fund,” providing vital assistance to families in need across Austria.
With an additional €500,000 expected,the combined fundraising efforts of “Licht ins Dunkel” and the Ö3 Christmas Miracle represent a notable contribution to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals and families in Austria.The success of these campaigns highlights the power of collective action and the unwavering generosity of the Austrian people.
The Federal Chancellery announced that the community service initiative will celebrate its 50th anniversary on January 1, 2025, further emphasizing its long-standing commitment to supporting those in need.
Austrian Radio Station’s Eco-Pleasant Fundraising Campaign Raises Millions
An Austrian radio station’s innovative fundraising campaign has yielded impressive results, raising millions of euros for charity. The initiative, dubbed the “Ö3-Wundertüte” (Ö3 Wonder Bag) campaign, focused on environmentally responsible recycling of old cell phones.
The campaign encouraged listeners to responsibly dispose of their old mobile devices. This eco-conscious approach generated significant cashless donations. According to broadcaster boss Michael Pauser, in an interim report, a substantial portion of the funds raised will come from this initiative.
the success of the Ö3-Wundertüte campaign is even more remarkable when combined with the proceeds from another fundraising effort. The Christmas miracle campaign contributed an additional €5,486,812, bringing the total provisional amount raised by Ö3 to approximately €6 million.
“A substantial portion of the funds raised will come from the ‘Ö3-Wundertüte’ campaign,” announced broadcaster boss Michael Pauser in an interim report. The innovative approach of using environmentally friendly cell phone recycling to generate donations proved highly triumphant.
This impressive fundraising total highlights the power of creative and socially responsible initiatives. The success of the Ö3-Wundertüte campaign serves as an example for other organizations seeking innovative ways to raise funds while promoting environmental sustainability.
Austrian Generosity Drives Record-Breaking Donation Total for “Licht ins Dunkel”
Austria’s beloved annual charity telethon, “Licht ins Dunkel” (Light into Darkness), has once again broken fundraising records, highlighting the power of community spirit and shared generosity during the holiday season. World-Today-news.com Senior Editor, Emily Carter, sat down with Dr.Maria Gruber, an expert in philanthropic trends and Austrian social welfare, to discuss this year’s inspiring results.
Record-Breaking Totals for a Beloved Tradition
Emily Carter: Dr. Gruber,”Licht ins Dunkel” has been a cherished Austrian tradition for over five decades. What makes this year’s telethon so remarkable?
Dr. Maria Gruber: This year’s event was truly extraordinary, Emily. Not onyl did it raise a record-breaking €17.6 million, but it also saw a surge in participation from all segments of society.
EC: What factors contributed to this remarkable success?
DG: Several factors were at play. Firstly, the enduring spirit of charitable giving in Austria is truly remarkable. Secondly, the “Licht ins Dunkel” campaign effectively connects with the public by focusing on tangible projects that directly benefit vulnerable groups within Austria.
Focusing on Inclusion and Accessibility
EC: This year’s campaign emphasized “inclusive projects” aimed at supporting children and individuals with disabilities. Can you elaborate on the meaning of this focus?
DG: Absolutely.”Licht ins Dunkel” has always been dedicated to social welfare, but this year’s emphasis on inclusion is particularly timely considering growing awareness surrounding accessibility and the need for equal opportunities.
EC: How will the funds raised be used to support these “inclusive projects”?
DG: The money will be allocated to various initiatives, including educational support programs for children with disabilities, accessibility improvements in public spaces, and job training programs designed to empower individuals facing challenges.
Beyond Financial Support: A Symbol of National Solidarity
EC: The telethon also featured prominent Austrian political leaders, including the President and Chancellor. What message does their involvement convey?
DG: It demonstrates a strong commitment from Austria’s leaders to social responsibility and underscores the importance they place on supporting vulnerable citizens.
EC: Dr. Gruber, thank you for sharing your insights on this inspiring event.
DG: It was my pleasure, Emily. The success of “Licht ins Dunkel” exemplifies the power of unity and compassion. Hopefully, it serves as an inspiration for similar endeavors worldwide.
