In addition to its investments in science education for young people, WACKER also helps fund social projects aimed at helping children and adolescents. For the past several years, for instance, WACKER has supported Die Arche (The Ark), a German Christian charity that aids children and adolescents from socially disadvantaged families in German cities. WACKER continued its tradition of donating to The Ark in 2009 and 2010. In each case, we donated €100,000 to the charity, which provides children with a warm lunch every day, homework assistance, opportunities to play games, and organized outings. Thanks to WACKER’s financial support, the charity was able to expand its services during the period under review: alongside its work with 5 to 11-year-olds, The Ark began offering programs for 12 to 17-year-olds in 2010. WACKER’s commitment to The Ark goes beyond financial contributions – WACKER employees also contribute their free time to volunteer at the annual Ark Summer Festival.
WACKER’s support for children and young people is not limited to the company’s focus on funding for The Ark. In 2009, for instance, WACKER donated funds to the Bavarian Red Cross in Altötting to provide follow-up care for children who have undergone cancer treatment. Also that year, we supported the Burghausen Office of Youth Welfare in its efforts to combat right-wing extremism.