WDR 2's charity campaign, the Weihnachtswunder 2024, has once again ignited the spirit of giving across the community, as heartwarming events and determined individuals come together to address the pressing issue of global hunger. With the motto 'Gemeinsam gegen den Hunger in der Welt' (Together Against Hunger Worldwide), this year’s campaign commenced on November 29, running through December 20, inviting everyone to participate and contribute.
Last Saturday, December 14, the holiday spirit was palpable at the Weihnachtsmarkt in Paderborn, where the WDR 2 team, including hosts Steffi Neu, Sabine Heinrich, Thomas Bug, and Jan Malte Andresen, broadcasted live from their temporary glass studio. They engaged listeners with stories of hope and resilience, gathering donations to support various humanitarian projects aimed at combating food insecurity.
One particularly touching event was the community Christmas singing held in Schwalmtal-Waldniel, which marked the area's inaugural participation in the Weihnachtswunder initiative. Organizers expressed pride as they raised almost 4,000 euros within the short timeframe of the evening. 'Mit dieser Aktion möchten wir ein starkes Zeichen gegen den weltweiten Hunger setzen und gleichzeitig den Zusammenhalt in unserer Gemeinde stärken,' explained the organizing team. Most of the funds—3,352.76 euros from donations and another 630 euros from mulled wine sales—will be presented to the WDR 2 team at the end of the campaign.
The effort not only showcased the generosity of local residents but also included the enchanting performances from local choirs singing classic Advent and Christmas carols. Visitors to the market were encouraged to join in the festivities. With text sheets provided for songs, the joyful atmosphere drew many participants, allowing them to sing together against the backdrop of twinkling lights.
Mayor Andreas Gisbertz added to the festive spirit by reading heartwarming Christmas stories, inviting both laughter and tears from attendees. This kind of engagement exemplified the campaign's goal of fostering community unity through charity work.
Among the stories of individual contributions, 12-year-old Emil from Wipperfürth stood out. This young champion has taken part in the Weihnachtswunder before and set out this year to run for charity, successfully raising 1,636 euros through his ten-mile sponsorship run. His dedication was amusingly paired with his confession of not being particularly fond of running. 'Ich mag Laufen eigentlich gar nicht so sehr,' Emil shared during his conversation on the air with Thomas Bug and Jan Malte Andresen.
The ninth-grader exemplifies determination, marking his third consecutive year participating. Emil's fundraising strategy involved mobilizing 31 friends and family members, who pledged contributions based on how many kilometers he could run. "Ich fang erst mal an und laufe so weit, wie es geht," he remarked, describing his persistent outlook during his recent sponsorship run.
Emil recounted his experience of running through chilly weather, even pushing through spells of drizzle and snow. It was with support from his parents and music blaring from his playlist on the way, including hits like 'Major Tom' and 'Around the World', which kept him energized and motivated throughout the run.
This year, Emil's goal wasn't merely the financial aspect but also the community engagement he witnessed. Reflecting on prior years where he raised 1,400 euros running ten kilometers, he felt proud and determined to do more. '14 kilometers wären dann cool - aber mal schauen,' he said with aspirations for next year, showcasing his eagerness to participate again.
So far, the donations collected from WDR 2 Weihnachtswunder 2024 have already surpassed the 2 million euro mark. Emil hopes for even greater accomplishments, expressing, 'Also zehn Millionen sind auf jeden Fall drin – wenn es so weitergeht.' Each contribution, from community events to individual runs, plays a pivotal role toward the ambitious collective goal of reaching at least 10 million euros by the campaign's end.
While larger-scale projects are underway, the Weihnachtswunder initiative also aims to directly support 33 various humanitarian projects across crisis-ridden countries, alongside benefiting local initiatives through the collaboration with the 'Tafel Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V,' which provides food to those most desperately in need.
This campaign is not just about raising funds—it's about fostering hope, compassion, and community spirit as residents rally together for those less fortunate. With events still planned, the public is encouraged to engage in this charitable undertaking, amplifying their impact through donations, whether online or live at the Paderborn station. The collective response from the citizens of NRW reflects the enduring belief: together, hands can make significant strides against hunger and poverty.
