We, Frank and Winnie Behrens, have decided to participate in the Baltic Sea Circle Winter Rally to raise funds for the ambulatory children’s and youth hospice service of the Katharinen Hospice in Flensburg. This decision is not just an adventure for us, but a heartfelt mission deeply rooted in our personal experiences and convictions.
Although we have never needed the services of the hospice ourselves, we have witnessed firsthand how crucial this support is for affected families. Our children have had early encounters with the death of close relatives, some under tragic circumstances. Additionally, caregivers and parents of our children’s friends have passed away. During these difficult times, we saw how the hospice service helped the affected children. They not only provided individual support but also initiated discussion groups in kindergartens and schools to support the children and their families in their grief.
This valuable work would not be possible without volunteer engagement and donations. We firmly believe that it is a societal responsibility to support such initiatives. The ambulatory children’s and youth hospice service accompanies and advises families facing life-threatening illnesses, death, and grief. They offer not only emotional support but also practical help to ease the everyday lives of affected families.
We are very aware that our family is not only economically well-off and able to live in a peaceful environment, but also fortunate to provide each other with a lot of support and resources. We want to use this privilege to help others. Volunteering is a given for us. We have been engaged in two other areas for many years and know from personal experience how enriching it can be to give something back.
Participating in the rally, besides the fun and travel factor, is an opportunity for us to raise awareness of the important work of the hospice service and to collect donations at the same time. This journey is not just an adventure but also a symbolic ride for a good cause. We want to show that it is worthwhile to volunteer and that every contribution counts in improving the lives of children and young people in difficult times.
We are firmly convinced that it is our societal responsibility to support those in need. With our participation in this rally, we not only want to collect donations but also send a message: for solidarity, compassion, and the power of collective engagement. These virtues, in our opinion, are unfortunately somewhat neglected in the current social and political environment. Challenges can only be overcome together, never against each other!
Our team name „Insanire“ (from Latin – and our family motto) stands for the crazy but passionate challenges we seek. Thus, this team name symbolically fits very well with our participation in the Baltic Sea Circle Winter Rally – Crazy and Passionate, anyone can do summer 😉.