Over the past ten years, Michael Wöhrer has organized 20 student work camps, each lasting three to five days and involving 15–25 students from the HTL Mödling Technical School in Austria. During these camps, students were able to practice their professional skills while helping with the rehabilitation of the historic building that now houses our organization. As the initiator and facilitator of this initiative, Mr. Wöhrer invested considerable effort into motivating school leadership and fellow teachers, organizing travel and logistics, and ensuring the supply of necessary construction materials. Thanks to his enthusiasm and dedication, generations of students experienced not only meaningful hands-on work but also moments of cultural exchange and community life in Oradea.
The gala itself took place beneath the impressive dome of the Zion Synagogue, where the city gathered to honor volunteers who quietly but steadily improve the lives of others through social service. The evening opened with welcoming remarks by Florin Birta, Mayor of Oradea, who spoke about the importance of standing close to people in need and about the values created through teamwork and community engagement. The Oradea State Philharmonic Children's Choir then offered a special musical moment that beautifully heralded the arrival of spring.
Among the speakers was Arina Moș, member of the Romanian Parliament, who emphasized that volunteering represents the closest connection between institutions and the realities people face in everyday life. She highlighted that no social strategy can be complete without the involvement and experience of those who directly encounter citizens’ needs.
The main message of the evening was delivered by Anca Grama, director of the Direcția de Asistență Socială Oradea, who spoke about the importance of generosity and authentic human values. As she expressed in her address:
“We are not defined by what we have, but by what we are willing to give forward. To be a volunteer means to understand that the dignity of the person next to you is the responsibility of all of us. No real change begins with numbers or projects on paper, but in the heart of a person who decides to care. I thank and congratulate you for choosing to be that helping hand that transforms Oradea into a family!”
After the discourses, the spotlight turned to the volunteers of the year, whose dedication continues to shape a more compassionate city.
For our community at Caritas, the recognition of Mr. Michael Wöhrer is both a celebration of an extraordinary volunteer and a moment of gratitude. We sincerely thank Mr. Wöhrer for the dedication, enthusiasm, and perseverance he has shown throughout the past decade in supporting the restoration of our headquarters and in creating meaningful opportunities for young people to serve through their professional skills. At the same time, we would like to express our appreciation to the DASO for the many years of partnership and for the important work they do in supporting the social sector in Oradea. We are especially grateful that, through the annual Volunteers’ Gala, they also recognize the nominees of Caritas Catolica Oradea, helping to highlight the dedication of those who generously serve our community.
