The special donation for the clinic clowns and the German Children's Cancer Foundation

Every year, there is one date that fills me with a very special feeling: my visit to Aachen University Hospital. Although the bright green floor and sterile atmosphere normally make me feel queasy, on this one day it's different. Because then, in the foyer, I encounter something that far outweighs my discomfort: a great deal of heart in human form.

For nine years now, we at tetys, together with a group of like-minded people, have been presenting a donation check to the Aachen Clinic Clowns. This association, which has been dedicated to bringing smiles to sick children since its founding in 2008, is financed exclusively by donations. The goal is to bring a bit of normality and joy to the everyday hospital life of young patients with humor, wit, and soap bubbles. With patron Uwe Brandt and the support of Eckart von Hirschhausen's foundation “HUMOR Hilft Heilen” (Humor Helps Healing), the clowns make an invaluable contribution.

However, this annual donation is more than just a tradition. It is an integral part of our corporate philosophy. A few years ago, we made a conscious decision to stop sending Christmas gifts to our customers. Instead, we prefer to invest this money in charitable causes, preferably in our region, in order to do good here. This is how our long-standing and trusting partnership with the clinic clowns came about.

This year, we were even able to expand our support. In addition to donating to the clinic clowns, we also made a donation to the German Children's Cancer Foundation. This foundation provides comprehensive support to children with cancer and their families, whether through funding research projects or providing direct assistance to affected families in financial distress. With these donations, we want to make a small contribution to giving hope and recognizing the outstanding work of these organizations.

It is the small, inconspicuous gestures that leave the greatest impression. Every year, I am moved when I see how people and companies come together to support this labor of love. From women who painstakingly crochet encouragement and lucky charms for the children, to bus drivers who collect deposit bottles, to city employees who donate their “coin money” throughout the year – it's crazy how much money is raised. The saying “every little bit helps” is absolutely apt here and shows how every individual can help.

The current clown team, with names like Vilma, Frida, Pit, Franzi, and Gino-Cappucino, proves every day that laughter is the best medicine. With their tireless work, they brighten even the saddest moods and bring smiles to the faces of children and their families.

This annual event is a powerful reminder to me that humanity and community engagement can move mountains.
Vilma and Frida, I'm already looking forward to our selfie next year!