Domestically Produced
In the heart of Germany, the city of Neuss recently celebrated its annual Neuss Heimat Prize, a local civic award that recognises individuals, groups, and organisations for their outstanding contributions to community engagement, cultural heritage, social cohesion, or volunteer work. This year's ceremony, held under the motto "Home. Future. North Rhine-Westphalia," was marked by a heightened sense of appreciation for the recipients' efforts, especially in light of the ongoing pandemic.
The city council of Neuss, in collaboration with the state government, increased the prize money by 50% to 7,500 € to further strengthen and promote volunteer work and local engagement. Mayor Reiner Breuer presented the awards, which included a special volunteer award, two first prizes, and two second prizes.
Dr. Albert Wunsch was the first to receive the first prize worth 3,750 €. His dedication to preserving remnants of the former Bauer & Schaurte screw factory for the city's history was commendable. Wunsch's work serves as a testament to the importance of preserving local history and fostering a sense of community pride.
The Young Citizens' Foundation, represented by Jan Di Benedetto and Tanja Ragunathan, was awarded a second prize for their engagement in the social sector. Their efforts have significantly contributed to the well-being of the community, reflecting the award's focus on social cohesion.
Melanie Bröxkes, a dedicated volunteer, was honoured with a special volunteer award for her efforts in the flood-stricken Ahr valley. She regularly collects and delivers relief supplies, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to her community in times of need.
Martin Kluth received a second prize of 1,875 € for his significant contribution to local traditions in Neuss, particularly as the long-standing president of the "Fidelen Brueder Helpenstein." His work in preserving and promoting local traditions is crucial in maintaining a strong sense of community identity.
The Neuss Heimat Prize is awarded for contributions to the creation, strengthening, or preservation of the idea of home at the local or city-wide level. Typical criteria for such Heimat Prizes in German municipalities include significant voluntary civic or cultural engagement, activities that foster social integration, cultural preservation, or community development, and measurable impact on local society.
If you're interested in nominating someone for next year's Neuss Heimat Prize, we recommend checking the official website of the City of Neuss or their cultural department for the most accurate and detailed criteria and award details. The application deadline for next year's prize is expected to be announced in due course.
The Neuss Heimat Prize, focused on recognizing contributions to the creation, strengthening, or preservation of a sense of home, extends beyond cultural heritage to include volunteer work and social cohesion. For instance, Dr. Albert Wunsch's dedication to preserving Neuss's history and Melanie Bröxkes's efforts in flood-stricken areas are both commendable as they foster a sense of community pride and strengthen local engagement, respectively. Moreover, home-and-garden enthusiasts might find inspiration in Martin Kluth's endeavors to preserve local traditions, as these activities contribute to a strong sense of community identity, a key criterion for the Heimat Prize.
