Horrific images emerged from the Ahr Valley and other regions of Germany on July 14, 2021: persistent heavy rain had caused rivers to burst their banks, sweeping away houses, killing 134 people along the river Ahr alone, and destroying countless livelihoods. A catastrophe, but one that also generated an unprecedented wave of solidarity. In order to contribute to the continuing reconstruction aid, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management has now donated furniture and other office equipment for institutions in the Ahr Valley. Among others, the vocational school in Bad Neuenahr will receive desks, chairs, mobile filing cabinets, and shelves.
"It has now been five months since the flood ended, and reconstruction work is progressing at varying speeds," says Wolfgang Staus, Associate Director Student Services of the bachelors’ and masters’ programs at WHU and organizer of the donation campaign. "Some buildings still have to be dried or are being re-plastered. In others, floor screeds are being applied, or new furniture is being brought in. It will still be months before all public and private buildings will be completely renovated. And it will take years before all outdoor facilities and infrastructure will be restored. It is therefore important to make sure support and aid are continued. WHU is committed to contribute to these efforts."
WHU students (BSc 2023) actively supported the project team of the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), which came to pick up the donated items, in packing and loading the furniture. More furniture could follow at the beginning of next year, e.g., for the benefit of the Levana special school in the city of Ahrweiler.