Is record-breaking

800,000 euros collected: Waldviertel people show their heart!

Karl Wilfing, President of the Provincial Parliament, Arbesbach's Mayor Martin Frühwirth (right) and "Krone" Editorial Director Lukas Lusetzky visited the association and its protégés.

(Bild: Molnar Attila/Attila Molnar)

They help out of the deepest conviction and completely selflessly: the members of the Waldviertel charity association are also "record-breaking" for this reason. The "Krone" visited the helpful group on site and took a look behind the scenes.

The members of the Waldviertel Benefit Association have collected a record-breaking sum: Willi Stöcklhuber from Arbesbach and his team have raised 800,000 euros in 22 years. Together with Wolfgang Ableitinger, Klaus Neumüller and trust lawyer Franz Eckl, the lively Waldviertel native manages and directs the Waldviertel Benefit Association.

Donations that are collected remain in the region. Among other things, the money is used to help families in need. Help is provided regionally, supporters come from all over Austria: the group is now supported by more than 40 major donors - and companies from Vienna, Burgenland and even Pongau keep opening their hearts and wallets.

On the back of the horses: Little Marie visibly feels at home - and is actively supported by Stöcklhuber's team.

(Bild: Molnar Attila)

A short ride: Karl Wilfing, President of the Provincial Parliament, accompanied Marie, her mom and Melanie Wagner.

(Bild: Molnar Attila)

The ponies at the riding stables provide variety and fun for visitors of all ages.

(Bild: Molnar Attila)

Working for people for more than 20 years
It all began in 2002, when Stöcklhuber and his team organized the first charity gala in Waldhausen. Since then, the association's donations have become indispensable throughout the region. There were considerable donations for speech therapy, for the care or therapies for children with special needs, and in cooperation with the long-standing partner Herz-Kreislauf-Zentrum Groß Gerungs, the general special schools in Zwettl and Groß Gerungs were also supported. Part of the proceeds from the Bad Traunstein Advent were used to finance the care needs of a person in Gutenbrunn. Acupuncture, urgent treatment for seizures and much more is also financed by donations.

I have great respect for Willi Stöcklhuber. He and his association are making Lower Austria more humane!

Landtagspräsident Karl Wilfing

A visit to the riding stables in Arbesbach
With Melanie Wagner and Ermir Sulollari's riding stables, the association now also offers riding for children with special needs. That's why nine-year-old Marie Weichselbaum is always in the saddle. Mom Anita is close by and enjoys the quality time with her daughter. "I can see how good it is for Marie," says Stöcklhuber happily during a visit to the stables.

The Groß Gerungs Cardiovascular Center, represented here by Christina Jahn, also supports the benefit association.

(Bild: Molnar Attila)

The Waldviertel Benefit Association has been helping people in need for 22 years.

(Bild: Molnar Attila)

The courageous group led by Willi Stöcklhuber also works closely with Club Niederösterreich, Hilfe im eigenen Land and the Kottes sports club. Provincial Parliament President Karl Wilfing got to know the "Samaritans of the Waldviertel" as part of his political activities a few years ago. The state politician is full of praise: "I have great respect for Willi Stöcklhuber's big heart and his life's work. Willi lives this aid project 24 hours a day."

What's next? Of course, collections will continue this year - for example at the "Waldviertler Advent" on Saturday, November 23 in Bad Traunstein.