Dortmund Aid commemorates its anniversary, spotlighting the significant role of volunteer work in its achievements

AIDS Help Dortmund Celebrates 40 Years of Support and Solidarity

AIDS Help Dortmund, a vital organisation providing help, counseling, and solidarity for individuals affected by HIV and AIDS, celebrated its 40th anniversary with a grand celebration attended by many guests from politics, volunteering, and society.

The event, held to demonstrate the solidarity and unity in the work of AIDS Help, saw Frank Przibylla, a member of the AIDS Help Dortmund board, being presented with the Engagement Award. Przibylla, who has been active in the Communication Center Ruhr since 1977, serving on its board for over 35 years, was praised by colleagues as a quiet and reliable person who was always there when things got critical.

In his speech, Przibylla emphasized that volunteering can bring joy, broaden horizons, and is an essential part of societal interaction. He also highlighted the indispensable preventive work of AIDS Help, even in times of scarce financial resources.

Chairwoman Sonja Gerhardt took the opportunity to thank approximately 1600 volunteers who dedicate over 3,500 hours to AIDS Help each year. She emphasized the importance of friendship and volunteer engagement, especially in challenging times.

Claudia Middendorf, Patient Advocate of North Rhine-Westphalia, stated that AIDS Help Dortmund is indispensable. NRW Health Minister Karl-Josef Laumann (CDU) acknowledged the work of AIDS Help Dortmund, saying that prevention remains central, and they want a society that stays together and doesn't keep drifting apart.

Dirk Schäffer, drug work consultant, stated that there have never been as many homeless drug addicts as there are today, making the support of AIDS Help more important than ever. As a result, progress has been made in Dortmund: the opening hours of drug aid have been doubled, there are new meeting places, and the night café has been established.

A photo exhibition designed by drug-addicted individuals themselves, documenting their reality, is currently being shown in over 80 cities. This exhibition serves as a testament to the impact AIDS Help has had on the lives of many individuals and the importance of the organisation's work.

Despite the progress made, the demand for housing remains high. The shortage in NRW funding in Dortmund poses a serious setback for AIDS relief. However, AIDS Help continues to be a place of support and will continue to do so in the future.

In conclusion, the 40th anniversary celebration of AIDS Help Dortmund was a reminder of the organisation's dedication to helping those affected by HIV and AIDS, and a call to action for continued support and solidarity in the face of ongoing challenges.

Dortmund Aid commemorates its anniversary, spotlighting the significant role of volunteer work in its achievements