For the last 20 years we have been dedicated to making a difference to our society today and for future generations to come.
For the last 20 years we have been dedicated to making a difference to our society today and for future generations to come. This commitment manifests itself through a variety of projects, large and small, dedicated to improving lives for employees, socially disadvantaged individuals and communities in crisis. 2024 was no exception.
The GrECo Foundation
Ever since the inauguration ofthe GrECo Foundation in 2005, we have been dedicated to supporting socially disadvantaged individuals, especially children and young people, across all 19 countries where we have a presence. Over the years we have grown this commitment and dedicated time to sustaining a brighter future for all.
The Foundation’s mission is to facilitate access to education and provide young people with long-term sustainable development opportunities, enhancing their prospects. This includes support for socially disadvantaged children and young people, educational and future-oriented projects, immediate emergency aid in case of catastrophes such as floods and earthquakes, and cultural and youth sports sponsorship.
Employees going the extra mile
Whether through the Foundation’s initiatives or through individual teams striving to support those less fortunate, we are immensely proud of our employees who willingly year-on-year dedicate their time and resources to enriching the future of others. This year the Foundation supported many charitable activities in which our generous workforce pulled together to help those in need.
Walking Around the World
Springboarding off the back of an ingenious initiative by employees at GrECo Sagauta where employees walked 30 million steps, which turned into financial support for the Vilnius Archdiocese’s (VA) Caritas project “Support at a Distance”, the GrECo Foundation sponsored employees from across the Group to collectively walk around the world in just eight weeks.
Designed to bring employees together to work towards a joint charitable goal, whilst also helping them to stay physically and mentally fit, the Foundation challenged employees to walk a total of 40,000 km – the equivalent of walking around the circumference of the world. In return, the Foundation committed to sponsoring a special project for disadvantaged children and young people. GrECo employees across the organisation achieved a whopping total of 36,612 km, and although just shy of our goal, the Foundation donated to Caritas Prework.
Bringing the magic of Christmas to life
In 2024, colleagues at GrECo CZ brought the spirit of giving to life at Christmas through a heart-warming partnership with a local orphanage. Employees from across the team enthusiastically purchased gifts for each childat the orphanage. From toys to shoes and clothing, and other thoughtful surprises, every present was carefully chosen to bring smiles to young faces.
Bridging generation gaps
During the company’s Group conference, attendees showcased their baking talents by partnering with grannies from Vollpension, a chain of cafés dedicated to bridging the communication gap between pensioners and today’s youth. The initiative empowers older individuals by involving them in meaningful activities to combat old-age poverty. Together, our team and Vollpension employees baked apple strudels, which they enjoyed eating afterwards. Some of the team’s freshly baked, hot strudels were also delivered to Caritas Gruft, a day centre for homeless people in Vienna.
Empowering Communities in Need Through Charitable Initiatives
Further support was extended to various charities this year. The Foundation responded to the catastrophic floods in Central Europe by donating funds to provide shelter, food, and medical supplies to the afflicted.
Additionally, we supported Franz Hilf! – Franciscans for People in Need, an internationally active Franciscan aid organisation based in Vienna, by contributing to their charity concert for an Albanian children’s home.
The Dream Workshop Day Centre in Bulgaria also benefitted from our support. Established in 2008, this organisation aids children and youth with specific needs and supports their families. In Poland, we contributed to the foundation I Will Become an Ironman, or at least half, which helps people with intellectual disabilities fulfil their dreams by providing training and equipment.
We also backed Caritas Prework Wood and Digital Studio, a job training project for young individuals who have not yet entered the labour market. This programme supports them in gaining positive access to training and work.
Finally, we continued our long-standing support for Licht ins Dunkel, a nationwide traditional Christmas charity in Austria that assists children and young people in need.
Committing to Building a Brighter Future in 2025 and Beyond
As we look towards 2025 and beyond, we reaffirm our dedication to the Foundation’s mission of creating lasting positive impacts in our communities. Building on the achievements of the past year, we are committed to expanding our charitable initiatives and reaching even greater milestones. We will continue to foster a culture of compassion, support, and collaboration among our employees, ensuring that together, we make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
Gabriele Andratschke
Head of Group Human Resources
T +43 664 962 39 18
