Author: Andre Grote
VTG RailTrain has been committed to supporting various social institutions and associations in Hamburg for many years. In February, a meeting was held between RailTrain’s training management and Mario Remers, the head of crafts and building services at the Hamburg Animal Welfare Association (“Hamburger Tierschutzverein”).
Thomas Mombrei (Head of RailTrain) and Andre Grote (Training Manager at RailTrain) passed barking dogs, purring cats, cute rabbits, and somewhat frightening snakes in their search for suitable projects for RailTrain trainees. “We wanted to find out whether there were any suitable metalworking jobs that would allow us to support the Hamburger Tierschutzverein and also present our apprentices with job-specific challenges,” explains Andre.
It quickly became clear that this was indeed the case, because although donations and volunteer help cover a large part of the animal welfare association’s total costs of eight million euros, funds are running short in some areas. “Without volunteer help, we would not be able to do our animal welfare work,” explains Dagmar Lüdke-Bonnet, who is responsible for the association’s public relations.
From idea to implementation: bike racks and greater accessibility
It turned out that two new bike racks were needed. Also urgently needed: a wheelchair ramp to give potential new cat owners barrier-free access to the cat shelter’s “showroom.” Just a few days later, Martin Ewansiha and Darwin Hitzke, both in their second year of training, were on site to develop possible solutions and take measurements.
“The projects were to be produced and assembled entirely by the apprentices themselves,” explains Andre. “We instructors were only there to offer advice.” And so, the trainees drew up technical drawings, ordered materials, and began production on their own.
First success
Just in time for the first rays of spring and the start of the cycling season, the first bike rack was installed in front of the administration building by Mohammad Hosseini (1st year apprentice construction mechanic) and Darwin Hitzke. The biggest challenge was installing the five individual bike racks on the outside wall of the building at the same time.
The result is impressive, and both trainees were there to witness the first employees gratefully putting their bike racks into use. “It’s great to see that the employees are so pleased with our work,” says Mohammad.
A tricky task
Last but not least, another bike rack and the wheelchair ramp for the cat house were still on the list. This task was tackled by Romeo Balogh, Mohammed Ibrahim, and Darwin Hitzke, who has since passed his exam to become a metalworking technician and is now highly motivated to continue his training as a construction mechanic at RailTrain.
Romeo Balogh (third-year apprentice construction mechanic) was responsible for planning and constructing the wheelchair ramp. He chose aluminum checker plate for the surface due to its increased slip resistance and ensured the necessary stability with a sturdy substructure.
Darwin Hitzke and Martin Ewansiha finally took over the assembly on site. The new ramp from VTG RailTrain successfully passed its first test with a large feed wagon full of cat food.
Success for everyone involved
At the end of the project, Mario Remers and Dagmar Lüdke-Bonnet thanked all apprentices with gifts. Dagmar Lüdke-Bonnet was not only enthusiastic about the VTG RailTrain training program, but also praised the cooperation: “A really great collaboration. We are truly grateful for this kind of support.”
Andre Grote also emphasized the positive effects: “These kinds of projects, which benefit everyone, are simply the most fun. The animal shelter is helped and the trainees get varied and valuable work for which they receive direct thanks.”
This is what commitment sounds like: Original quotes from the field
VTG RailTrain apprentices Mohammed, Darwin, and Martin report on their work for the Hamburg Animal Welfare Association.
Mohammed Ibrahim (3rd year of training as a construction mechanic)
“When planning the bike rack for the cat shelter, we took every type of bike into account. From wide mountain bikes to heavy e-bikes and narrow road bikes, there’s a place for everything. It was a tricky task, but I’m very happy with the result.”
Darwin Hitzke (2nd year of training as a metalworking technician)
“I really enjoyed working for the animal welfare association. We were able to be creative, and working on the bike racks helped me improve my bending and welding skills for my upcoming final exam.”
Martin Ewansiha (2nd year of training as a construction mechanic)
“Everyone here is very nice and happy that we are helping them with our work. It’s a great feeling.”
Insights into the work of the Hamburg Animal Welfare Association
We spoke to Dagmar Lüdke-Bonnet (Public Relations Officer at the Hamburg Animal Welfare Association) about the challenges facing the association, the importance of donations, and VTG RailTrain’s commitment.
How is the Hamburg Animal Welfare Association financed?
Dagmar Lüdke-Bonnet: “Last year, we had total costs of around €8 million, most of which had to be spent on running the animal shelter. We have a contract with the city of Hamburg to take in found, stray, and animals in need of observation, but this only covers a fraction of the costs incurred. We have to raise at least a quarter of our expenses through donations.“
How can you support the animal welfare association?
Lüdke-Bonnet: “We continue to rely on donations (see above). Membership fees also help us – and especially bequests. Donation options and projects are listed here: www.hamburger-tierschutzverein.de/spenden-und-helfen
Without volunteer help, we would not be able to carry out our animal welfare work. You can find our current needs for assistance on our website: www.hamburger-tierschutzverein.de/spenden-und-helfen/ehrenamt/
Why were new bike racks and a ramp for the cat house needed?
Lüdke-Bonnet: “We gladly accepted the offer to replace our old rickety bike racks, build a temporary wheelchair ramp, and install everything. Firstly, because we rely on donations. Secondly, because we are enthusiastic about the VTG RailTrain training program, which helps young people with special needs on their professional and personal paths.“
Have employees responded to the bike racks yet?
Lüdke-Bonnet: “The bike rack at the administration building was put into service on the same day. Our colleagues are delighted that their bikes are now more stable. We all like the paintwork, which blends in harmoniously with the color scheme of our animal shelter. The same applies to the bike rack at the cat´s shelter, where it also replaces an ancient, wobbly model.“
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