KLINGER Gysi: fostering hope in South Africa

KLINGER Gysi supports an aid initiative in South Africa. The incentive came from an employee with a big heart.

Living from hand to mouth—this is how Pia and Jörg Caluori from Switzerland describe the situation for people in the South African township situated about two kilometers from Kapstadt. This is where the Calouris have found a second home. Since the Corona pandemic, and as a result of the lockdown with its related limitations, the financial situation for the local population has deteriorated drastically. In 2020, the two emigrants set up the initiative “Township Help”—and have since then been able to help roughly 5000 people.

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Rahel Haldemann: „Seeing the circumstances the children live in while still having a real zest for life makes a lasting impression and changes you permanently!“

Living hand to mouth

In particular need of help are the orphans in a township called Langa. Jörg Caluori has taken it upon himself to build a new children’s home since he visited the original building where up to 30 children had to live together in the most cramped of spaces. Since the summer of 2022, one of the orphans is supported by a long-distance sponsor from Switzerland: Rahel Haldemann, the assistant to the management at KLINGER Gysi, became aware of the initiative via a Facebook post made by the Caluoris.

„I contacted the organizer and talked with him about the local situation. It was immediately clear to me that I wanted to support one of the children. Since then, I have been sending monthly financial support which is used for school uniforms, hygiene articles, and school supplies"

Rahel Haldemann, Assistant to the Management & Marketing at KLINGER Gysi

Vision for a better future

In the course of her involvement she has visited the orphanage once, in December 2022. She set out on her trip with mixed feelings: “I had no idea what to expect.” She was prepared for the worst, but she soon discovered that the situation was far more dire. “The children welcomed me with open arms and lots of love”, says Haldemann, who together with other sponsors organized a Christmas celebration. They had a Christmas tree with decorations, and cuddly toys for the orphans living there. And the photos that Haldemann brought home from her trip have also left an impression here with us. Not least on our Business Manager Daniel Läubli who in the name of KLINGER Gysi has donated a substantial sum to the township initiative:

„A small amount can make a big difference. We know thanks to Rahel Haldemann that our donation is used 100% correctly. It is only when the children of this world are doing well that we will be able to do well in the future —it is wonderful to contribute to that."

Daniel Läubli, Managing Director of KLINGER Gysi

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Organizing a Christmas celebration with only meagre means was a challenge. Seeing the children’s eyes light up made it all worth it to Haldemann, though.