2020 was an extraordinary year for all of us, in which many things went differently than we expected. But: one tradition we held on to in this very special year was our annual Christmas visits - in line with Corona, of course. SIXT colleagues in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK again organized very nice Christmas initiatives and brought a smile to many children's faces in the weeks before Christmas. The Regine Sixt Children's Aid Foundation says: "Thank you for your tireless efforts!"

Christmas initiative in the UK

We are always particularly pleased when we can strengthen and care for our relationship with institutions we have supported over several projects and years. That's why it's even more pleasing that our colleagues in the UK made their Christmas visits to the Alderhey Children's Hospital. We have already implemented a few smaller and larger projects with the Children's Hospital. For Christmas, 20 children were surprised and made happy with Christmas gifts - how lovely!

Spain

Since 2014, the "Associació Tardor" has been fighting against poverty on Mallorca. In a day centre with a large dining room, people at risk of poverty are provided with food, including many families and children. And in an associated residential centre there are some sleeping places for people in need. The demand has become even greater due to the Corona crisis. As part of the Christmas visits, our colleagues in Spain supported the facility by giving 50 children a wonderful Christmas surprise with small gifts - thank you so much for your commitment!

Italy

In Italy, our colleagues surprised a total of 380 children in 3 different institutions with Christmas presents. They visited the Children Hospital "Buzzi" in Milan, the Family house and Children’s home "Happy home" for abandoned and abused children and the Children’s school & home " golden time for childhood" for disabled and problematic children both located in Milan. A big thank you to Massimiliano Maini and his colleagues who made these amazing Christmas visits possible!

Germany

In Germany, colleagues from all regions delighted over 400 children from 8 different institutions with a surprise visit, Christmas presents and a horse-drawn carriage. Our colleagues visited children in 7 facilities in Munich and also diligently distributed gifts in Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Augsburg, Stuttgart, Frankfort, Cologne and Berlin. We are very happy that, despite the difficult circumstances this year, so many colleagues helped and together we managed to see so many children smiling and light-hearted, who otherwise often have a hard time in life.

Belgium

The Christmas visits of SIXT Benelux took place in Belgium in 2020. Our colleagues from Belgium paid a visit to MFC Combo, right before Christmas to put a smile on the children’s faces. The institution is specialized in youth care and offers integrated guidance for young children living in a problematic situation. According to Urszula Zurawska, Airport Hub Director SIXT Belgium, the initiative was a full success: ''When delivering the gift, we could see a smile from ear to ear at the children, looking at the presents underneath the Christmas tree.''