Santa's visit to Göttingen: surprise for sick children!

Santa's visit to Göttingen: surprise for sick children!

On December 8, 2025, two days after the actual St. Nicholas Day, St. Nicholas visited the Clinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG). Due to a cold, Santa Claus was unavailable at short notice, but Jana Brockmann stepped in and took on the role of the popular journeyman. This popular tradition was carried out for the tenth time in collaboration with the Göttingen fire department, which supported the campaign with a fire engine, a turntable ladder and a basket. HNA reports that the children waved through the hospital windows as Jana, dressed as Santa Claus, handed out toys, stuffed animals and sweets to them.

Behind this initiative is the Rotaract Club Göttingen, which was founded in 1982 and works under the motto “Learn – Help – Celebrate”. The club members are committed to social projects, which benefit people in need. One of the long-standing projects is the St. Nicholas campaign, in which gifts such as books and toys are provided for the small patients in the UMG children's wards. Support comes from local Rotary clubs, businesses and numerous donations.

A heart for children

Like every year, a Rotaractor in a cart waved to the children at the UMG windows. The teams sang songs and distributed sweets and gifts. The main person responsible for the organization this year was Jana Rösler, who actively coordinated the campaign.

But the Rotaract Club of Göttingen has even more on its mind. For example, he organizes the Buy One More campaign (KEMA), in which shoppers are asked to buy one more item and donate. The focus is on long-lasting food and hygiene products, which are then passed on to the Göttingen Tafel to support those in need.

Long-term commitments

Another important project is the KidsCamp - a district campaign that offers children from financially disadvantaged families a varied one-week camping holiday. Many of these children take part for years and often develop their own interest in volunteer work. This campaign is financed by large events such as “Happiness in Cans” as well as sponsors from the Rotary network. Further information about the club's projects can be found here.

Overall, St. Nicholas' visit to the University Medical Center Göttingen not only shows how important support is for children in difficult times, but also the warm and long-term commitment of the Rotaract Club and its members - a real example of charity and community spirit in action.