Volunteers in Saxony will in future be able to take advantage of discounts from state, private and municipal providers via a digital volunteer card.
A digital version of the previous check card for volunteers is now available on smartphones, the Saxon Ministry of Social Affairs announced. An additional app should make it possible to find benefits in the area more quickly. There are around 240 participating providers across the state, it added. Holders of the existing card can continue to use it as usual until the end of next year.
According to surveys, around 35 percent of citizens in Saxony are involved in voluntary work, according to the ministry. The Saxon volunteer card has been available to them for 15 years. As a sign of recognition, it offers discounts from the state, business and local authorities - such as cheaper admission to leisure facilities. Volunteers who have been involved for at least two years and at least three hours a week and who are resident in Saxony are eligible. The new digital card is available to volunteers aged 16 and over, while the analog card is issued to those aged 14 and over.
