Kolibri provides warmth

Cosy blankets, warm lights and hot tea – for many of us, winter and cold temperatures bring cosiness into our homes. But what about the people who don’t have a home at all? Supporting people who spend the cold winter nights outdoors is a particular concern for Konrad and Marion Godec from the Austrian promotional products specialist Kolibri. “We have everything we need – we have a wonderful family, a warm home and our company is doing well. But what about our compatriots who live on the streets and for whom no one feels responsible?”

Therefore, they decided to donate warmth: In early February 2025, Marion and Konrad Godec handed over 200 sleeping bags suitable for temperatures down to -20° C and 200 waterproof sleeping mats to the Vienna-based “das Stern” day care centre of the Red Cross to alleviate some of the suffering. “We could have also donated the corresponding amount of money, but that doesn’t protect people from the cold! That’s why it was so important for us to provide the most effective protection: sleeping bags and waterproof sleeping mats”, said Kolibri managing director Konrad Godec. He adds “During this very emotional encounter with the homeless, we realised that there was a lack of many essential items, such as clothing, shoes, dishes, towels, etc. By following our example, the some of our suppliers – Cotton Classics, Kontur, Nestler Matho, SND, Hepla and Spranz – generously supported us with precisely these items. This will make the hard lives of these people a little easier and we will repeat this campaign next winter.”

“das Stern” is a counselling centre for homeless people on and around Praterstern, which offers daytime accommodation for homeless people. The people concerned receive counselling and support, coffee and tea, and have the opportunity to cook, shower and do their own laundry. During this time, the team looks after the needs of homeless people and supports them with their various individual problems. Another service is medical care, which consists of medical and psychiatric consultations. They must leave the centre by 6 p.m. at the latest and find somewhere to sleep for the night. www.kolibri.eu

Photo: Marion and Konrad Godec (2^nd from the left and right) handing over the sleeping bags and mats to the day care centre “Das Stern”. Photo credits WRK/H. Kellner