Volunteering at Hamburg Central Station | Christoph Glaubitz

December 5 is International Volunteer Day. To mark this occasion, we would like to highlight a special commitment from a member of the WEINMANN team. Our colleague Christoph Glaubitz, Supply Chain Quality Manager, has been volunteering at the charity Bahnhofsmission (Christian aid organization at train stations) at Hamburg Central Station for 10 years. It is run by the hoffnungsorte hamburg (Hamburg places of hope) foundation.

What does the Bahnhofsmission do at Hamburg Central Station?

For 130 years, the Hamburg Bahnhofsmission has been part of a Germany-wide network that is active in many major cities. It is a point of contact for anyone who needs assistance in the station area, whether for travel, in acute emergency situations, or in everyday life. Together with Deutsche Bahn and a dedicated team of permanent employees, voluntary social year volunteers, and other volunteers, Christoph Glaubitz provides assistance where it is needed. 

Help for people in difficult circumstances

The Bahnhofsmission opens its doors to anyone who needs help, whether they are homeless, experiencing social or financial difficulties, or simply travelers in need of assistance.

Every day is different and often unpredictable – much like working in emergency medical services. The principle behind hoffnungsorte hamburg is “helping people to help themselves”: people are not only supported here, but also referred to appropriate agencies if necessary in order to receive long-term assistance.  

Christoph confirms that some everyday situations at the Bahnhofsmission can be quite challenging. He still remembers one particularly memorable experience: “The situation at the G20 summit in Hamburg in July 2017 was unforgettable for me,” he says. “The situation was extremely tense – no train service and the central station full of frightened people. Even we as staff didn’t know how and when we would be able to return home. Everything was cordoned off.” In the middle of this unusual situation, the team’s solidarity became apparent: “We prepared everything to bring as many people as possible to safety in our premises – ‘women and children first’ as the saying goes.” Christoph vividly describes the atmosphere: “The numerous police officers on site worked tirelessly to bring the situation under control.” After around 48 hours, the situation was finally resolved – a moment of relief and gratitude. For Christoph, this experience remains a symbol of how important the work of the Bahnhofsmission is, especially in times of crisis.

On Volunteer Day, we would like to thank everyone who, like Christoph, dedicates their time, empathy, and commitment to helping others!