At the beginning of the European refugee crisis in 2015, several subsidiaries of McKesson Europe decided to fight the humanitarian challenge: By donating medicine and health products or initiating a fundraising activity among employees and pharmacy clients, McKesson Europe colleagues showed their willingness to change the bleak circumstances at the European refugee camps. While doing so, many of the activities were closely related to the operating business of the prevailing subsidiaries.
Inspired by the overwhelming desire to do good, McKesson Europe AG in Stuttgart decided to support refugees in Germany too. Since McKesson Europe’s core business is to organize supporting processes, the headquarter went in search of an organisation, which is able to effectively support asylum seekers and simplify the German asylum procedure.
The aim of Arrival Aid
Simplifying the procedure is exactly the idea behind Arrival Aid: a young non-profit organisation that trains volunteers to prepare and accompany refugees to the official hearing at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. It’s the organisation’s aim to support refugees during their asylum process and to prepare them for the interview that determines whether or not they are allowed to stay in Germany.
Arrival Aid in Stuttgart
In addition to offices in Munich, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt am Main, it was necessary for Arrival Aid to open a location in Stuttgart. McKesson Europe supported them by providing the start capital of 15,000 € and initiated, together with a local law office, the foundation of Arrival Aid Stuttgart. Apart from financial aid, McKesson Europe also helped the organisation with training premises, the donation of second-hand computer screens and a donation of 1 € for every Christmas card written by a colleague.
Arrival Aid at McKesson Europe in Stuttgart
On a weekend in mid-February, 19 volunteers met at McKesson Europe AG’s premises to attend a two-day training organised by Arrival Aid. Various speakers explained the legal process that an asylum seekers undergo in Germany and discussed the role that volunteers play within that procedure.
One of McKesson Europe’s employees, Jennifer Schmid from Human Resources in Stuttgart, attended the course with the aim to becoming a volunteer for Arrival Aid: “During the 2 day training to become a volunteer, I learned a lot about German refugee law, about how refugees feel and what kind of challenges they are facing in Germany. Giving them the right support is a challenge and Arrival Aid offers the opportunity to learn how to handle these situations together,” she summarizes.
Where do we go from here?
After the 2 day training, the volunteers are able to accompany asylum seekers and help them with the bureaucratic process. Arrival Aid brings the volunteers and refugees together.
If you would like to find out more about Arrival Aid or the German asylum proceedings, please take a look at the website of Arrival Aid.The organisation is continually looking for more volunteers. New training sessions are provided regularly – so, perhaps it’s a great opportunity for you to support people in need!
