On the one hand there are more and more people who no longer know how to cope with their daily lives – but on the other hand there are also many people who live financially without worries despite high inflation. The second group has now been called upon in a Styrian initiative to donate state aid measures such as a climate bonus and compensation for living costs. Caritas uses it to help people in need.
Martin Schaller, general manager of Raiffeisen in Styria, gave an unusual insight into his private life on Friday: “My wife and I have said we would like to return the 500 euros to the government. But we don’t know how to do that.”
Background: Each adult in Austria receives 500 euros as climate bonus and living expenses (250 euros for children), plus other support payments. The money is usually distributed in the watering can principle. Politicians do not want to condemn Schaller for this reason, but: Many do not need government money because they have sufficient financial buffers. At Raiffeisen Styria alone, the savings amount to 20 billion euros!
Please solidarity
Based on an idea of Schaller’s daughter (“We should donate the money”), Raiffeisen has now launched a social fund together with Caritas: “We ask everyone who does not depend on the bonus to donate it out of solidarity with them. parts that absolutely need help,” emphasizes Caritas Vice President Erich Hohl.
“Poverty moved to the center of society”
At Caritas, the consequences of high inflation, sky-high energy prices and rising interest rates on loans can be felt: “The circle of those in need is growing. The poverty issue is coming to the center of society and that is an alarm signal.” The number of first contacts during counseling sessions has risen by 30 percent this year and the funds paid out by ten percent to 460,000 euros. “And the situation will get even worse for many people when the financial statements come and the reserves are already used up,” Hohl fears.
The new donation account will receive a basis of 100,000 euros from Raiffeisen. Schaller does not want to name a target, but he will also hold talks with well-known companies and outside the borders of the state. In any case, the donations received will be used “quickly, efficiently and sustainably”, promises Hohl from Caritas.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
