Austrian Charity ‘Licht ins Dunkel’ Raises Record $10 Million for Those in Need

Vienna, austria – The spirit of giving shone brightly in Austria this Christmas season as the annual “Licht ins Dunkel” telethon shattered fundraising records, raising a remarkable €17.6 million (approximately $19 million).

The beloved tradition, broadcast live on ORF 2 on Christmas Eve, saw celebrities, Austrian Federal Army soldiers, and everyday citizens manning phone lines, answering calls from generous donors across the nation.Hosted by Eva Pölzl and Tarek Leitner, the broadcast featured heartwarming stories, musical performances, and inspiring messages of hope.

A highlight of the evening was the appearance of Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, who emphasized the importance of solidarity and support for those in need.

“Uncountable projects supported by ‘licht ins Dunkel’ help those who need it most,” President Van der Bellen said. “Countless people work tirelessly to ensure others can live self-reliant lives. This shows that we care about each other. We look out for one another, especially when we ourselves feel uncertain. As in Austria, we certainly know that solidarity unites us. And only together can we shape our future for the better.”

Throughout the day, live segments connected viewers with regional studios across Austria, showcasing local initiatives, inspiring stories of community support, and musical performances.

The funds raised by “Licht ins dunkel” will support a wide range of projects focused on accessibility and educational assistance, empowering individuals and fostering greater inclusion in society.

This year’s record-breaking success is a testament to the generosity of the Austrian people and their commitment to helping those less fortunate.

Austrian Broadcasting Giant raises Millions for Charity

Vienna, Austria – The Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) has once again demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility, raising a staggering €6 million for the LICHT INS DUNKEL charity.This year’s campaign, wich culminated on Christmas Eve, saw an outpouring of generosity from the Austrian public.

“This amazing result is a testament to the solidarity and compassion of the Austrian people,” said Alexandra Lipowsky, ORF’s Corporate Social Responsibility representative. “The generosity of the Austrian people is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for their continued support.”

A notable portion of the funds, €500,000, came from the popular “Ö3-Wundertüte” initiative. This programme encourages people to donate their old cell phones, which are than recycled and the proceeds go directly to LICHT INS DUNKEL.

LICHT INS DUNKEL, which translates to “Light in the Darkness,” provides vital support to children living in poverty and individuals with disabilities. The funds raised will be used to provide immediate assistance through the charity’s Soforthilfefonds, and also to fund long-term projects aimed at promoting inclusion and social justice through the Innovationsfonds.”With LICHT INS DUNKEL, we empower vulnerable individuals and families, enabling them to lead independent and fulfilling lives,” said Mag.a Ines Stilling, President of LICHT INS DUNKEL. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we can create opportunities and build a more inclusive society for all.”

The “Ö3-Weihnachtswunder,” a beloved annual tradition, played a significant role in the campaign’s success. The 120-hour broadcast, hosted by a new trio of presenters, captivated listeners across Austria and inspired them to open their hearts and wallets.

“The ‘Ö3-Weihnachtswunder’ is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of community,” said Prof. Pius Strobl, ORF-Leiter Corporate Social Duty. “Every donation, every act of kindness, brings us closer to a brighter future for all.”

The ORF leveraged its extensive media reach, which encompasses television, radio, and online platforms, to promote the LICHT INS DUNKEL campaign. Through dedicated programming, news segments, and social media engagement, the ORF successfully mobilized its audience to contribute to the cause.Donations to LICHT INS DUNKEL can still be made throughout the year. Austrians can call the toll-free A1 donation hotline at 0800 664 24 12, send an SMS, donate online at lichtinsdunkel.ORF.at, or contribute through the ORF licht ins dunkel Facebook page. Detailed details on all donation options is also available on ORF TELETEXT page 680.

Austrian Charity Telethon Raises Millions for Those in Need

Vienna, Austria – The spirit of giving shone brightly in Austria on Christmas Eve as the annual “Licht ins Dunkel” telethon raised a remarkable €17.6 million. This incredible achievement follows a record-breaking $10 million raised during the charity’s recent radio marathon, demonstrating the unwavering support of Austrians for those facing hardship.

A Nation United in Generosity

The beloved “Licht ins Dunkel” tradition, broadcast live on ORF 2, saw celebrities, Austrian Federal Army soldiers, and everyday citizens manning phone lines, answering calls from generous donors across the nation. Hosted by Eva Pölzl and Tarek Leitner, the broadcast featured heartwarming stories, musical performances, and inspiring messages of hope.

Caption: A lively scene from the “Licht ins Dunkel” telethon.

A highlight of the evening was the appearance of Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, who emphasized the importance of solidarity and support for those in need. “Uncountable projects supported by ‘licht ins Dunkel’ help those who need it most,” President Van der Bellen said. “Countless people work tirelessly to ensure others can live self-reliant lives. This shows that we care about each other. We look out for one another, especially when we ourselves feel uncertain. Because in Austria, we know that solidarity unites us. And only together can we shape our future for the better.”

Inspiring Stories from Across Austria

Throughout the day, live segments connected viewers with regional studios across austria, showcasing local initiatives, inspiring stories of community support, and musical performances. These segments provided a heartwarming glimpse into the diverse ways “Licht ins Dunkel” makes a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

Building a More Inclusive Future

The funds raised by “Licht ins Dunkel” will support a wide range of projects focused on accessibility and educational assistance, empowering individuals and fostering greater inclusion in society. This ongoing commitment to social progress distinguishes “Licht ins Dunkel” as a true beacon of hope and a symbol of Austria’s compassionate spirit.

Austrian Charity ‘Licht ins Dunkel’ Raises Record €17.6 Million for Those in Need

Vienna,Austria – The spirit of giving shone brightly in Austria this Christmas season as the annual “Licht ins Dunkel” telethon shattered fundraising records,raising a remarkable €17.6 million (approximately $19 million) too support those in need.

A Night of Hope adn Generosity

This beloved tradition, broadcast live on ORF 2 on Christmas Eve, saw celebrities, Austrian Federal Army soldiers, and everyday citizens manning phone lines, answering calls from generous donors across the nation. Hosted by Eva Pölzl and Tarek Leitner, the broadcast featured heartwarming stories, inspiring musical performances, and messages of hope.

A highlight of the evening was the appearance of Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, who emphasized the importance of solidarity and support for those in need.

“Uncountable projects supported by ‘licht ins Dunkel’ help those who need it most,” President Van der Bellen said. “Countless people work tirelessly to ensure others can live self-reliant lives. This shows that we care about each other. We look out for one another, especially when we ourselves feel uncertain. As in Austria, we certainly know that solidarity unites us. And only together can we shape our future for the better.”

Throughout the day,live segments connected viewers with regional studios across Austria,showcasing local initiatives,inspiring stories of community support,and musical performances.

Making a Real Difference: Where the Money Goes

The funds raised by “Licht ins dunkel” will support a wide range of projects focused on accessibility and educational assistance, empowering individuals and fostering greater inclusion in society. Some of the initiatives include:

• Providing immediate financial assistance to families in crisis through the Soforthilfefonds.
• Funding long-term projects aimed at promoting inclusion and social justice through the Innovationsfonds.
• Supporting educational programs for children with disabilities.
• Improving accessibility for people with physical challenges.

Record Breaking Success: A Testament to Austrian Generosity

This year’s record-breaking success is a testament to the generosity of the Austrian people and their commitment to helping those less fortunate. The “Licht ins Dunkel” telethon serves as a powerful reminder of the collective spirit of hope and compassion that defines Austria.

ORF’s Commitment to Social Responsibility

The Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) played a pivotal role in this remarkable achievement, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to social responsibility.

Through its various initiatives, including the popular “Ö3-Wundertüte” cell phone recycling program, ORF successfully mobilized its audience and generated meaningful support for LICHT INS DUNKEL.

Alexandra Lipowsky, ORF’s Corporate Social Responsibility representative, expressed her gratitude to the Austrian public for their extraordinary generosity.

“This amazing result is a testament to the solidarity and compassion of the Austrian people,” she said. “The generosity of the Austrian people is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for their continued support.”

A Brighter Future for All

The success of “licht ins Dunkel” offers hope and promise for a more inclusive and equitable future for all Austrians. Thanks to the collective effort of the ORF, dedicated volunteers, and the overwhelming generosity of the Austrian people, “Licht ins Dunkel” continues to shine a light on the path towards a brighter future.