New van for the unemployed association: Help for those in need!

New van for the unemployed association: Help for those in need!

The supply of those in need in the Uecker-Randow district is given fresh impetus: On June 17, 2025, a new Opel Movano was handed over to the Uecker-Randow Unemployed Association (ALV). In the future, this transporter will make it possible to supply the eight food banks and five furniture exchanges in places such as Eggesin, Löcknitz, Pasewalk, Strasburg and Ueckermünde more efficiently. Hannelore Schiebe, the chairwoman of the ALV, was relieved about the new mobile vehicle because the old vehicle was badly worn and urgently needed to be replaced. “The new car enables us to respond even better to the needs of those in need,” said Schiebe.

The purchase of the van was carried out with financing of 20,000 euros, most of which came from the Western Pomerania Fund. Patrick Dahlemann, head of the State Chancellery and SPD politician, ceremoniously handed over a symbolic check to support this important initiative. But other donors also contributed to the project, including the Voluntary Foundation, the Sparkasse Foundation and a generous donation from E.ON. Preparations for labeling the vehicle are already underway.

Important support and technological challenges

The ALV is not only responsible for providing care for those in need, but also has to contend with technological challenges. Support is urgently needed to manage the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. The outdated technology is scheduled to be brought up to date by October 2025, which will require at least five new computers and an IT specialist. This change is important not only for ongoing accounting, but also for the club's entire infrastructure.

The need for a functioning network should not be underestimated, which is why additional financial resources are required to cover the investments mentioned. Schiebe emphasized how important it is for the public to support the work of the ALV, especially through donations to the furniture exchanges, which are an important complement to the food banks and help those in need furnish their homes.

Innovations for medium-sized businesses in the Uecker-Randow district

Another bright spot in the region is the Innovation and Technology Initiative Western Pomerania (INNOTEC), which recently came up with impressive figures. Since it was founded in January 2019, it has advised a total of 43 companies and achieved a project volume of 22.7 million euros. This initiative aims to support medium-sized companies in the development of new products and technologies. The funding is supported by the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Ministry of Economic Affairs and the VorpommernFonds, with a total expenditure of 110,000 euros for many of the projects, which include both research and investment aspects.

The commitment of these program initiatives in Western Pomerania is above all a sign of the positive development of the region. Thanks to the support, many companies were able to purchase new machines and systems, which even fuels hope for further progress.

In summary, it can be said that commitment and support for social projects and initiatives such as the ALV and INNOTEC in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are essential in order to sustainably improve the lives of people in the region and provide innovative impulses for the economy. While the ALV works on its technological performance, INNOTEC shows how important it is to actively promote the local economy.