Andorfer aid organization has already carried out almost 3,500 aid transports

ORA is now one of the top 60 NGOs in all of Austria and is active in 14 countries worldwide. Last year alone, a total of 217 aid transports were handled, with the warehouse in Andorf being the central transshipment point. ORA founder Hanspeter Hofinger began addressing the world’s problems when he was between 20 and 30 years old. “My idea was to help together, but I quickly realized that it would take a lot of volunteers,” says the now 85-year-old. With the arrival of Philipp Eschbach, he has been able to slow down a bit for six months, even if he continues to work diligently in the background and remains a volunteer chairman.

Three to relief transports per week

The warehouse where the donations and relief supplies are stored was previously a warehouse that had not been used for a long time. The number of next aid transports increased more and more, with these being really large semi-trailers that set off from Andorf fully loaded between three and five times a week. Hofinger’s daughter Katharina Mantler joined ORA 15 years ago and has now taken over the management, which of course filled her father with great pride.

With the help of the flea market, all personal costs can be covered. There are now five locations in total, donations come from both companies and private individuals, and many second-hand items find their way to ORA. Eschbach’s job is primarily to be in constant contact with partner companies, preferably in Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Albania, Hungary, Slovakia and Ukraine. The controls and bureaucracy in particular increased over time. “We now need ten documents for a transport,” says Eschbach. The aim of ORA is to lift people out of poverty and improve their lives through aid supplies. But what should be avoided in any case is creating a dependency. “Independence should definitely be maintained or made possible in the first place; it should change people’s lives,” says the Swiss native.

200 helpers at all locations

There have been almost 120 transports so far this year, and the number from last year will probably not be quite reached this year. After more than 25 years, a total of around 3,400 trucks have already been sent on their journey. As far as the number of employees is concerned, around 30 people work in Andorf, many of whom belong to the 70 plus generation. The core team consists of eight employees who occupy 4.5 full-time positions. In total, the network consists of around 200 people at all locations.

Mayor proud of achievement

Andorf’s mayor Karl Buchinger is also enthusiastic about ORA’s great commitment: “It is a huge achievement and motivation that has arisen here over the last 25 years.” I am proud that the organization has its base camp in Andorf, we as Of course, the market community tries to highlight and support the work of ORA as best as possible.” Many volunteers go a long way to support. Those in charge would like to see even more Andorfers get involved, especially because many of the helpers are already older and young people are urgently needed. Especially during the upcoming Christmas season, ORA will be launching several support campaigns again in order to continue to live up to its motto “We change children’s lives”.