20 May 2022

Cosmetics, healthcare, household products retail chain dm drogerie markt supports integration projects for refugees and people with migration background in Austria

On occasion of tomorrow's 'World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development', the German retail store chain of cosmetics, health food and drinks, healthcare and household products 'dm drogerie markt' announced the donation of 100.000.- Euro for integration projects for people with migration background or refugees in Austria. The aim of the projects is to help people to live permanently in their new homeland. dm drogerie markt has chosen five integration projects of the social aid organization 'Caritas' as well as the counselling center for asylum seekers and refugees 'Integrationshaus Wien' with focus on women, children, youth, sport and violence. Each of the projects will be supported with 20.000 Euro.

The 'WEGweiser'-workshops for women are held by the Caritas for asylum seekers in Salzburg. Together with experts, the women explore under the aspects equal rights, values, empowerment topics like role models, relationships, violence, rights and duties. In addition, the participants get insights into the Austrian education system and the labor market. The aim of the project is the integration for starting a new life chapter in Austria through asylum recognition or subsidiary protection entitlements.

For the psychological support of children with traumatic experiences made in the country of origin or while fleeing, dm drogerie markt selected the psychological project 'Strong as a bear' of the Integrationshaus Wien where young residents are supported in finding their own strengths and trust in their social environment.

The Caritas project 'STAR*K' happens in Vienna and Lower Austria. The project's workshops are developed for young people against gender-based violence with special focus on equal rights and the training to stand against violence.

The Caritas social integration project SIQ+ in Graz-Seckau, Styria, offers young people with migration background from 6 to 21 years of age the chance to participate in sports activities.

The fifth project that was communicated today in a press release is named 'DIVAN' for women who are threatened by honor-related violence and forced marriage. The aim is to empower women and build a non-violent and gender-equitable society together.

dm drogerie markt publishes insights into its social activities at dm-miteinander.at.

Image: Caritas-Projekt 'SIQ+'. Photo: © Caritas Graz-Seckau / Wolfgang Hummer. The project uses the socially integrative potential of sport to expand the integration offer for people with migration background in Styria.