Dr. Oetker Stories
Between company and community – Dr. Oetker’s commitment to community service
At Dr. Oetker in Germany, a lot of employees dedicate their free time to volunteering for causes such as children's programs, animal welfare, and hospice associations. Although they engage in this work outside of their regular job, they can apply for support from the company.
Since 2011, Dr. Oetker has been supporting the volunteer efforts of employees and retirees in Germany through its "Hand in Hand fürs Ehrenamt" (engl. Hand in hand for volunteering) program. Whether it's providing healthy breakfasts for children in daycares, organizing choir concerts, or running dog neutering projects, the program has seen around 450 volunteers dedicate their time to charitable causes over the past 13 years — either as part of one-time campaigns or as long-term members of various organizations.
Working “Hand in Hand” to support community service
Here’s how the help reaches those in need: Current and former employees can apply for financial and product donations—such as pizzas, cereal, or puddings—to support their volunteer efforts during their free time. Dr. Oetker’s contributions benefit the organizations partnered with the volunteers.
Twice a year, a five-member committee at Dr. Oetker’s Bielefeld branch reviews applications based on specific funding criteria. It’s essential that applicants are actively involved in the project and submit a final report upon completion. While most projects have taken place in Germany, some volunteers have also made a positive impact in countries such as Poland, the Netherlands, Tanzania, and Colombia.
The drinking water project of “Gemeinsam TECHO e.V.”, which was supported by Laura Klöker, international marketing employee at the Bielefeld site.
Water on! in Colombia
"Gemeinsam TECHO e.V." is dedicated to sustainable infrastructure projects in disadvantaged communities across Latin America. Laura Klöker, an international marketing employee at the Bielefeld site, is actively involved with the organization.
In 2023, TECHO Germany aimed to improve access to clean drinking water for families living in poverty in Colombia. In October, 30 young TECHO volunteers helped install five water collection and treatment systems in an informal settlement in Bogotá, the country's capital.
Michael Jung from the Wittlich site took part in the “Eifelliebe” music project.
Together to the beat
The "Eifelliebe" project captivates audiences with its vibrant music. In April 2024, a large number of people gathered to make music, including Michael Jung from the Wittlich site. "Eifelliebe - the Concert" featured around 90 volunteer musicians from three local music associations and a specially commissioned composition. The concert celebrated the four elements — fire, water, air, and earth — as a tribute to the Eifel region. The support from Hand in Hand helped fund a successful rehearsal weekend for the musicians. The German TV station SWR also covered the event (German video).
The children's and family festival of the Perdöhl volunteer fire department was co-organized by Robert Kiencke, an employee at the Wittenburg site.
A fairground comes to life
The children's and family festival organized by the voluntary fire brigade Perdöhl (a district of Wittenburg) in the summer of 2023 was a hit with both kids and adults. Around 300 guests gathered to celebrate in style at the fairground, enjoying a variety of activities like a bouncy castle, a straw pool, and a bungee run. The event aimed to promote the local youth fire department while also fostering a sense of community in Perdöhl. Robert Kiencke, an employee at the Wittenburg site, played a key role in organizing this successful project alongside his fellow volunteers.
The tree planting project at the Rebengarten daycare center was supported by Kay Dusemund, an employee at the Wittlich site and board member of the daycare's booster club.
A shady spot for summer fun
Everyone enjoys being outdoors when the weather is nice, but it’s easy to overheat in the sun. To ensure the children at the Rebengarten daycare center in Zeltingen-Rachtig could play comfortably in the summer sun, trees were planted to provide much-needed shade in their outdoor play area. In 2023, the board of the daycare’s booster club, including Kay Dusemund who works at the Wittlich site, worked together with local parents to sustainably increase the shade for the children to enjoy.
Text: Janina Sturm and Lilly Horstbrink
More about social commitment at Dr. Oetker:
Corporate Citizenship | Dr. Oetker
Partnership SOS Children’s Village
For more information please contact:
Birgit Deker
Pressesprecherin People & Culture