25,000 Volunteers in Saxony Take Advantage of Discounts

Thousands of people in Saxony are benefiting from discounts in recognition of their volunteer work. The Ministry of Social Affairs reported in response to a dpa inquiry that the Volunteer Card, now in its sixth edition, has been issued to approximately 25,000 volunteers in Saxony to date. With the card—which has also been available as an app since February—they can receive discounts from more than 240 providers; according to the information provided, these discounts typically range from 10 to 50 percent. 

These include museums such as the Dresden State Art Collections and the Archaeological Museum in Chemnitz, theaters such as the Eduard-von-Winterstein Theater in Annaberg-Buchholz and the Landesbühnen Sachsen, as well as many outdoor swimming pools and several stores. Going forward, additional providers from the hotel and restaurant sectors are expected to join the program. The Hotel and Restaurant Association plans to announce further details this Friday. 

Card as Recognition for Volunteer Work

“The greatest demand currently comes from state and municipal cultural institutions, museums, recreational swimming pools, and tourist attractions,” the ministry stated when asked about the most popular offerings. According to the information provided, the card itself has been available since 2010. The current edition is valid for three years, through the end of 2027. It is intended as a token of appreciation for people who volunteer.

And there are quite a few of them in Saxony. According to the 6th German Volunteer Survey, more than one in three people (35.2 percent) in Saxony are active volunteers. To qualify for the Volunteer Card, there are several criteria. The cardholder must be at least 14 years old, volunteer an average of three hours per week, and have been doing so for at least two years. This requires confirmation from the respective organization—such as a club or church parish.