A year ago, through its ‘Partner of the fire brigades’ sponsorship programme, BUTTING placed particular emphasis on the commitment of the volunteer fire brigades to recruiting young people in the area surrounding its main plant in Knesebeck. One year on, over 20 children’s and youth fire brigades are taking part in the initiative.
Hermann Butting knows that the young people in the children’s and youth fire brigades are taught far more than ‘just’ firefighting skills. “Children and young people are taught values such as responsibility, team spirit and reliability from an early age. At the same time, they have the opportunity to experience a sense of community and develop personally,” explains company owner Hermann Butting.
“Through our support, we want to help ensure that children’s and youth fire brigades have the right conditions in which to carry out their work. At the same time, it is important to us to recognise the commitment of our staff who volunteer their time with the fire brigades,” explains Jakob Tack, project manager at BUTTING and himself an active member of the fire brigade. This meant that all staff members who are involved in the fire service – whether actively or passively – could apply to become a mentor for their children’s and youth fire brigades.
One year, many different projects
After the first year, it has already become clear that the support provided by the funding programme is being utilised in various ways.
For example, handcarts were purchased for use at events, drills or outings. To ensure the sustainable and careful storage of equipment, games and accessories for camping trips, one youth fire brigade purchased aluminium boxes with support from BUTTING. The children’s and youth fire brigades were also able to supplement their equipment with camping accessories, children’s beer tent sets and fire bowls.
Another key focus is on the personal kit for young firefighters. With caps, jumpers, jackets and trousers, numerous children and young people were kitted out from head to toe. Fire service technical accessories were also essential: with mock breathing apparatus, the children can really put themselves in the shoes of the active firefighters.
Smoke houses and experiment kits also enable the children to observe, try things out and learn. In a playful yet realistic way, the children learn how fire and smoke behave.
The excursions, which were made possible with the help of BUTTING, proved particularly varied. Whether it was a trip to Europa-Park, Movie-Park or a bowling session for the children’s and youth fire brigades, the fire service supervisors proved extremely creative here too.
Commitment that makes a difference
The examples from the first year demonstrate just how versatile the funding can be in meeting the diverse needs of the fire brigades.
“The wide range of projects shows us that the funding is going exactly where it’s needed,” says Jakob Tack. “It’s particularly heartening to see that, alongside necessary purchases, it also enables joint activities that bring joy to the children and young people and strengthen team spirit.”
BUTTING – more than pipes – for a better quality of life
