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MOMBACH – One year of “Mombach helps”, a year of a success story that began on March 13, 2020 with a WhatsApp group. We spoke to the initiator Monika Schmitz about this.
Ms. Schmitz, how did “Mombach hilft” come about?
MONIKA SCHMITZ: Through the reports in the first corona lockdown at the time and the questions that I asked myself in a quiet minute. Because we all did not know much about the virus, its transmission and how dangerous it is. But it was clear to me that I had to lend a hand and would like to help those who are no longer so mobile, who have to be in quarantine or are already very stressed by previous illnesses. Therefore I founded the WhatsApp group “Mombach hilft”. Then it happened in quick succession. Daniela Gönner became the group’s administrator. Via social media, the group was suddenly full of people who, on the one hand, all wanted to help, but on the other hand knew so little about the coronavirus.
And how did it go on?
MONIKA SCHMITZ: Structures had to be created quickly. We set up a coordination staff. Michael Zangi, operator of www.mombach.de, designed our logo and the first flyers on which our offer and contact details were recognizable. With a donation from the Genobank, the first great support from our mayor Christian Kanka and a huge network of volunteers from the WhatsApp group, 10,000 flyers were distributed to all households in Mombach.
How was the response in the first few weeks?
MONIKA SCHMITZ: Overwhelming, nerve-wracking, exciting, time-consuming, but beautiful. We were able to coordinate and serve hundreds of inquiries from the district within a very short time.
How did “Mombach hilft” help at the beginning?
MONIKA SCHMITZ: We from the coordination staff accepted all inquiries by phone and then put them in the WhatsApp group in order to convey the help: shopping aids, doctor and errands or even support with walking. We also covered the cost of taxi rides when elderly or sick people had doctor’s appointments and did not receive a transport ticket from the health insurance company or if their family and friends could not support them. And of course we talked on the phone like the world champions, because the need for information and exchange was very high, especially among the older fellow citizens. We quickly received the first funding from the state and from “Mainz helps immediately”. In April and May, for example, we were able to sew around 1000 fabric masks with the help of volunteer seamstresses and distribute them to the first classes of both Mombach elementary schools.
How did the relief efforts then develop?
MONIKA SCHMITZ: After the situation had calmed down in the summer, we too could take a deep breath. As a result, there were fewer inquiries, as we had also made it a point to set up sponsorships right from the start. Because the elderly in particular need trust and solid structures. To date, we have been able to find around 300 sponsors, some of whom have been active for almost a year. We are more than grateful for that.
So the offer of help was not superfluous ?!
MONIKA SCHMITZ: We noticed that neighborly help is not only in great demand during a pandemic. Therefore, the desire quickly arose to continue to contribute sustainably to the district. We held initial talks and also entered into cooperation with other actors and existing associations from the district – such as Caritas, the care support point, the carnival associations, the Mombacher trade association or, most recently, the Mombacher gymnastics association. We see ourselves as an intermediary between the Mombach citizens and the associations. It is important to us to report on all our actions and to let people participate. For example, we were able to quickly set up a network in social media such as Instagram or Facebook. Or local food savers use our WhatsApp group to draw attention to their offers. Since our association was founded, we have also been able to get involved in the district round of the Socially Integrative City. A great support in all of this is our close cooperation with Mayor Kanka.
Why was “Mombach hilft” then converted into an association?
MONIKA SCHMITZ: We want to remain in the cityscape in the long term and with our ideas, our vigor and our attitude – rather to tackle than to complain – create an incentive for living together with forbearance and care towards the weakest in the district. So we were able to develop structures that work and maybe just put a smile on the lips of the Mombachers here and there. But what is also very important to us: With our actions, we manage to sustainably promote cohesion in the district.
How many active members does the club have now?
MONIKA SCHMITZ: We have around 160 members in our WhatsApp group, around half of whom are actively helping. The rest are happy about information and actions that we share in the group. The association, chaired by Daniela Gönner, currently has around 30 members. We also have a strong advisory board, which we are very proud of. This is made up of well-known politicians such as Minister Doris Ahnen, Member of the Bundestag Tabea Rößner, Head of Department Manuela Matz, Mayor Michael Ebling and Mayor Kanka as well as David Dietz and Mark Stehle as representatives of the Mombacher Gewerbering.
What is planned for this year?
MONIKA SCHMITZ: On the one hand, we are currently planning a small event for Easter: We want to decorate several of Mombach’s social institutions with Easter decorations and self-made window decorations. On the other hand, we will support the DreckWeg day – of course in compliance with the Corona rules – and thus free Mombach of rubbish. We are also considering offering this more often at irregular intervals. We are also applying together with the municipality, Mombacher Gewerbering and Caritas for the “Engagierte Stadt” brand, which this year will be awarded to a further 27 cities, districts or districts from all over Germany. With this network and strong financial support, we want to start an image campaign for Mombach and bundle civic engagement and better network it. We are also planning a digitization workshop for older people and a dedicated website for our association. Furthermore, it was and always is our strength to react quickly to new circumstances.
Is the one year old celebrated somehow?
MONIKA SCHMITZ: Unfortunately, due to the Corona, we can only toast one year of “Mombach helps” digitally and in small groups on March 13th. But what we want from the bottom of our hearts is that in the course of the year we will find the opportunity to really celebrate with all helpers, all members and supporters.
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