Awarding of the volunteer card: Bocholt honours special commitment

On Thursday evening, Bocholt's mayor Thomas Kerkhoff honoured 29 committed citizens with the volunteer card. Among those honoured, five people received the anniversary volunteer card. Jannis Exslager from KC Meckermann received a special honour when he was presented with the city of Bocholt's 800th volunteer card.

The event took place in a pleasant atmosphere and offered the guests space for intensive discussions and dialogue. Many of those present took the opportunity to talk about their experiences and their commitment to volunteering.

Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff emphasised during the handover: "Volunteering is the backbone of our community. I am impressed and grateful for the tireless commitment that the many volunteers show for Bocholt every day."

A total of 806 cards have now been issued since the introduction of the volunteer card. With this award, the city of Bocholt is promoting the recognition and visibility of citizens who work on a voluntary basis.

The following were honoured with the volunteer card:

• Helmut Reygers, Tafel Bocholt e.V,
• Mohammad Elatrash, volunteer for the translation agency "Maria"
• Daniela Santa, Omega Bocholt
• Gisela Gerarts, St. Josef and Caritasverband Dekanat Bocholt e.V.
• Petra Schäfer, Omega Bocholt e.V.
• Maria van Ledden, Child Protection Association Bocholt e.V.
• Wilma Krasenbrink, Child Protection Association Bocholt
• Janine Omar, Child Protection Association Bocholt
• Stefanie Jakovjevic, Child Protection Association Bocholt
• Gertrud Bruns, Tafel Bocholt - Isselburg e.V.
• Heinz-Gerd Sondermann, Tafel Bocholt - Isselburg
• Jannis Exslager, KC Meckermann e.V. - 800th card
• Michael Czimmek, Bocholter Handwerksmuseum e.V.
• Simone Otterbeck, Mouse Mobil
• Heinrich Robeling, 1st FC Bocholt e.V.
• Jan Göhsing, KC Meckermann e.V.
• Erika Althoff, Repair Cafe Bocholt e.V.
• Finja Schmeink, Youth and Social Work JuSa e.V.
• Ulrike Teword, Catholic Student Youth St. Jürg Group Bocholt e.V.
• Antonius Albersmann, Catholic Student Youth St. Jürg Group Bocholt e.V.
• Martin Koslowski, Honorary Judge at the Regional Social Court
• Dr Arnulf Lehmköster, Interplast-Germany e.V.
• Marco Dunker, DPSG Tribe St. Norbert / Herz Jesu
• Helena Michalske-Riedel, German Diabetes Aid
• Selma Zorlu, Cultural Association Akdeniz Alevis BOH and Surroundings e.V.
• Renate Brand, Tafel Bocholt - Isselburg e.V.
• Esra Zorlu, Akdeniz Alevi Cultural Association BOH and surrounding area e.V.
• Justus Lörwink, Catholic Parish Office of St George
• Marion Bubolz, Tafel Bocholt - Isselburg e.V.

About the volunteer card

The volunteer card was introduced by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and many cities, districts and municipalities as a sign of appreciation for voluntary work. Holders of the card can take advantage of numerous benefits. Further information can be found on the website www.bocholt.de/ehrenamt .