An open letter from Serkan Eren, 1st board member and founder, on the 4th birthday of STELP e. V.
Text: Serkan Eren
Dear Supporter, Volunteers, Association members, Followers, Partners, Friends, dear Innercircle, dear Board,
four years ago today, Steffen and I started out with a small idea in mind. Today, we look back and cannot believe that we have been able to help tens of thousands on what is now three continents. Countless people were saved from illness and death. We were moral support, fought against thirst and hunger, against cold, against homelessness and against oblivion. Almost always we have won this battle.
“We’re looking back at four years,
and cannot believe it.”
Television programs like Monitor and magazines like Focus Online have accompanied us on our missions. We were part of a music video, were able to set a world record and gave Stuttgart a fundraising gala that was unprecedented in its form.
We were able to get a wide variety of people around the table: from students to management consultants, from the unemployed to the doctor, from the far left to the very conservative – at STELP they all work hand in hand. Relationships and even children have been formed.
“At STELP, everyone works hand in hand.”
At the same time, I think again today of the individual fates that constantly accompany me. I think of the nightmares and sleepless nights of the last few years, of the news and bad tidings that you suddenly have on your cell phone display at night. This makes it all the more difficult to ignore the stupid comments in the social media. Let’s just explain it by saying that they haven’t seen what we’ve seen, they haven’t had to experience what we’ve had to experience, they don’t know what we know.
“It’s hard to ignore the stupid comments on social media.”
Or we just ignore it today, because today only one feeling counts for me: That I am the proudest person on the planet. My gratitude for being able to lead this great association knows no bounds.
Greatest appreciation and warmest thanks to all who have accompanied us on our stony path over the past 4 years – and are thus part of our success.
Stay true to us!
With the warmest regards
Serkan
