Munich, Germany — Four remarkable individuals were recently honored with the BMW Group Award for Social Responsibility, recognizing their exceptional contributions to community welfare. The award ceremony, held on September 15 at BMW Welt, marked the 14th year of this initiative aimed at celebrating employees who demonstrate significant social commitment. Each recipient received 10,000 euros to support their respective social projects.
Ilka Horstmeier, a member of the Board of Management of BMW AG and the award’s patron, praised the winners for their commitment to instigating positive change. “Our award-winners embody the spirit of keeping our eyes open to the world and having the courage to drive change,” she said. Their work serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how dedicated individuals can improve lives within their communities.
This year’s selection process featured ten finalists who showcased a notably high level of commitment to social causes. Many nominees had dedicated extensive personal time to launch projects aimed at aiding the disadvantaged. One finalist emphasized the importance of sustained kindness, noting that true friendliness fosters a rhythm of collective goodwill that transcends individual efforts.
The finalists each received 2,500 euros to assist in the development of their projects. Among the standout recipients was Khaled Kombas, a project manager in Munich. He founded “TunisAid – Aid for Tunisians with Disabilities,” an initiative focused on improving the lives of people with disabilities in Tunisia. His efforts include providing in-home care, facilitating workshop apprenticeships, and expanding educational opportunities—initiatives that significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals in need.
Samory Gassama, a Change Management engineer, was honored with the Vera-und-Volker-Doppelfeld Award, which encourages youth engagement in social issues. He, along with a colleague, created “Ihsanprojects – Initiative for Gesundheit und Bildung e.V.,” working primarily in Senegal to ensure access to medical care, clean water, and education. One notable project utilizes innovative digital technology, enabling video consultations for individuals in remote areas without medical facilities.
Giuseppe Cassataro, based in Milan, Italy, has dedicated over 25 years to the “Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla” (AISM), focusing on assistance for those with multiple sclerosis. He organizes transportation for individuals confined to wheelchairs, aiding them in accessing work, medical appointments, and essential services.
Grit Grassberger, who works in MINI Lifestyle Product Management, co-founded “JUNITI e.V.,” after a transformative experience in Sri Lanka. The organization focuses on improving educational opportunities in the region by collaborating with local groups to fund hot meals for children from underprivileged backgrounds. Additionally, JUNITI aims to empower young women to pursue entrepreneurship, enhancing their prospects for the future.
The BMW Group prides itself on its multinational workforce, which contributes to broader social goals beyond automotive manufacturing. The company’s SOCIAL DRIVE initiative exemplifies this commitment by highlighting projects from its employees and encouraging community involvement. This year’s award serves to inspire further social engagement both internally and externally.
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