Overath (rie). “We want to make connections and raise our profile,” says Dagmar Frebert of Café Grenzenlos in Bergisch Gladbach when asked why she is attending the “Marktplatz Gute Geschäfte” event for the first time, alongside Andrea Kowalski-Brüwer from the Inklusion and CBEF organizations in Bergisch Gladbach. This is already the fourth time Ali Misini from die Platte e.V. in Bergisch Gladbach has participated in this event.

Volunteer organizations and companies have gathered at the Kulturbahnhof to exchange valuable knowledge as a commodity. Doris Richter from the Rembold Foundation, which has been the main sponsor of this event for years: “No money changes hands at this event.” During the so-called ‘speed dating’ session, which lasts over an hour, working time and manpower, as well as expertise—such as support with IT issues—are arranged. Dr. Rembold awards the best collaborations with a cash prize of 200 euros each.”

Christian Gollmer, district director of the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband, and Tanja Siebert, executive director of AMAIDI International, are pleased that the event resulted in commitments totaling 23,600 euros and 125 volunteer hours. Eleven nonprofit organizations and six companies participated in the event. According to patron and District Administrator Arne von Bötticher, establishing strong networks and solidarity are important priorities.

Following the event, which took place in Odenthal in 2025, the Dr. Rembold Foundation awarded grants of 200 euros each to: the YMCA in cooperation with “Tanzen mit Friede” (Hoffmann), the Villa Löwenzahn daycare center in cooperation with Katha Arndt (resilience trainer), and the parents’ initiative for children with heart conditions together with seamstress Maria Theresia Wolff of phantasiali Stoffe.