Traditionally for a good cause at the Berlin New Year's Run

Donations instead of participation fees – New Year's runners are happy to help

When around 25,000 participants ran through the Brandenburg Gate on 1 January 1990 in the first Berlin New Year's Run after German reunification, it was not only the runners who were delighted. The fundraising campaign for UNICEF organised by the SCC raised 12,696.37 Deutschmarks. The international nature of the run was also reflected in the currencies collected. In addition to German marks, the fundraisers received other currencies, including East German marks, roubles and dollars. In this way, the runners helped people in need – and did so with joy. Since then, this joy of giving has continued. True to the motto: donate instead of paying a participation fee.

^{For many years, runners have been donating to charity at the Berlin New Year's Run ©SCC EVENTS/camera4}

Charity partners: Initially UNICEF, later the Björn Schulz Foundation

For over 20 years, SCC has been collecting donations for UNICEF together with the runners of the Berlin New Year's Run. The running community started the year not only athletically but also generously. In exchange for their race numbers, the money went into the donation boxes and ‘piggy banks’ provided. Countless projects of the United Nations Children's Fund were thus able to be implemented.

Since 2013, SCC EVENTS has collected over €50,000 for the Björn Schulz Foundation together with enthusiastic New Year's runners. The foundation supports families with children, teenagers and young adults who have incurable and life-shortening illnesses. The focus of its work is on the needs of the families and providing them with relief.

^{Fundraising at the Berlin New Year's Run 2020 by volunteers ©SCC EVENTS/camera4}

Donations for children and families at the New Year's Run

Since 1996, the Björn Schulz Foundation has been supporting, strengthening and relieving families with children suffering from life-shortening illnesses. Its services form a comprehensive network of support for around 650 families each year. These include inpatient care at Sonnenhof, a hospice for children, adolescents and young adults, various outpatient services in Berlin and Brandenburg, and the Irmengard-Hof aftercare and convalescent home on Lake Chiemsee.

At Sonnenhof, sick children, adolescents and young adults from all over Germany are lovingly cared for in crisis situations, as part of respite care and during the time of saying goodbye. Here, they can spend the remaining time of their lives together with their families in a safe and secure environment. There are 12 rooms available, as well as five apartments for parents and siblings. The outpatient services of the Björn Schulz Foundation offer holistic care for families. This enables them to spend the remaining time of their child's life together and for as long as possible in familiar surroundings. Even after the death of their child, families have the opportunity to participate in our individual grief counselling and therapy services.

^{Sibling work with animal-assisted therapy at the Björn Schulz Foundation ©SCC EVENTS/Björn Schulz Stiftung}

Donate on site at the Brandenburg Gate or online

Donations are collected each year at the Berlin New Year's Run when race numbers are handed out directly at the Brandenburg Gate. Anyone who is unable to attend in person on New Year's Day or does not have cash with them at the New Year's Run can use our online donation campaign.

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