City of Mönchengladbach grants Heimat Prize 2025.
**Mönchengladbach's Suumpfperlen e.V. Wins Heimatpreis 2025 for Cancer Support**
The Suumpfperlen e.V., a non-profit association based in Mönchengladbach, has been awarded the prestigious Heimatpreis 2025 for its exceptional work in supporting individuals affected by cancer. The association, which meets monthly at St. Rochus Broich-Peel's parish hall, received the first prize of €8,000 in recognition of its commitment to emotional and practical help for those battling the disease.
The Heimatpreis 2025 is a prize given by the City of Mönchengladbach to support projects that connect people, as part of the "Heimat. Zukunft. Nordrhein-Westfalen" program. The City Council announced the winners on July 9th, with the Suumpfperlen e.V. joining the Turnverein Beckrath e.V., which received the 2nd prize of €4,000, and the Jugendrotkreuz of the DRK Kreisverband Mönchengladbach, which took home the 3rd prize of €3,000.
The Suumpfperlen e.V.'s activities are diverse and far-reaching. They organise events such as the Eltern-Kind-Erlebnis at the AOK Haus Mönchengladbach, in collaboration with AOK Rheinland/Hamburg, which focuses on family and health-related support. The association also participates in health and awareness events like the Frauengesundheitstag at Johanniter-Krankenhaus Bethesda Mönchengladbach, offering information and support alongside medical experts.
One of the Suumpfperlen e.V.'s most unique initiatives is the creation of handmade companions called "Jebo's". These items, made by volunteers, provide comfort and hope to cancer patients. The association also hosts emotional and community-building gatherings, such as the MaCafe at the Bethesda Hospital, themed around battling breast cancer together, which foster valuable conversations and inspiration.
The Suumpfperlen e.V.'s work is underpinned by volunteer support and community involvement. The association raises cancer awareness, gives a voice to those affected, and encourages prevention. The award ceremony for the Heimat-Preis will take place on August 25th during the City of Mönchengladbach's Volunteer Evening.
The "Heimat. Zukunft. Nordrhein-Westfalen" program aims to support projects that connect people, and the Heimatpreis is a significant part of this initiative. The jury for the Heimat-Preis includes Mayor Felix Heinrichs, Frank Eibenberger (CDU), Tim Theuerzeit (SPD), Marcel Klotz (Alliance 90/The Greens), Natascha Stephan (FDP), Torben Schultz (The Left), and Corina Bülow (Bündnis Deutschland).
Eleven associations, organisations, initiatives, or individuals applied for the Heimat-Preis, demonstrating the widespread support for projects that bring people together and make a positive impact in the community. The Suumpfperlen e.V.'s win is a testament to their dedication and the difference they make in the lives of those affected by cancer. Companions are welcome to attend Suumpfperlen e.V. meetings, further emphasising the association's commitment to community involvement.
The Suumpfperlen e.V., despite focusing on cancer support, also extends its efforts to health-and-wellness, as evident in the Eltern-Kind-Erlebnis event they organize in collaboration with AOK Rheinland/Hamburg.
The Suumpfperlen e.V.'s commitment to health-and-wellness is further demonstrated through their participation in events like the Frauengesundheitstag, where they offer information and support alongside medical experts.
