Facts & Figures 2024
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43,000 Volunteers are engaged with Caritas and parishes
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832,000 Hours of Dedication A staggering amount of time that our volunteers have generously given to support people through Caritas programs and services
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44,000 People support Caritas through the digital community engagement platform füreinand'
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127,500 Children, Teenagers and Young People have participated in youngCaritas campaigns and events
Shaping the Future Together
Volunteers are indispensable to Caritas' work. They dedicate their time because they refuse to look away when others need support. And in return? They receive warm smiles, heartfelt thanks—and just as valuable: fresh perspectives, hands-on experience, and shared knowledge.
Just like Johann Pöcksteiner, who found meaningful purpose in retirement by volunteering as a German teacher with Caritas. With cheese-filled pastries, playful pantomime, and shared excursions, he brings lightness and joy to the lives of Ukrainian women living in a Caritas residence. He visits them twice a week. It has been a year since the German course began, and it is paying off: the women proudly share how they have found the courage to speak to shopkeepers on their own. The lessons are rooted in everyday life—one week it is grocery shopping, another a visit to the doctor.
Sometimes Johann brings along Topfengolatschen from the bakery next door, and they explore the recipe together—comparing it to similar treats from Ukrainian cuisine. Other times, the women come with questions from their daily routines, which then guide the lesson.
“If I can help make someone’s day a little easier—even for just a few hours—that brings me joy,” says Johann Pöcksteiner.
fuereinand’ – Austria’s Community for Humanity
In 2024, this nationwide community contributed over 10,000 hours of direct, hands‑on support in Caritas facilities and projects—and lent vital assistance to families affected by floods. In a matter of hours, more than 540 volunteers sprang into action: shoveling mud, clearing out damaged homes, and delivering food and basic supplies.
For the third year running, the popular “Reverse Advent Calendar” campaign invited participants to collect food and hygiene items throughout Advent and donate them at Christmas. This allowed us to distribute around 4,800 calendars to people affected by poverty across Austria. Thank you for your support!
Thank you!
Ready to Lend a Hand?
We support you on your journey into volunteering. Whether through spontaneous actions, online contributions, or regular commitments - Caritas offers many ways to create meaningful change.