This year around 24.2 million euros were collected for a good cause on the television show “Ein Herz für Kinder”. This was announced by moderator Johannes B. Kerner and Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) on ZDF. Several celebrities endorsed the show. For example, Sweden’s Queen Silvia came to the television studio in Berlin.
The guests also included Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens), EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, singer Roland Kaiser, singers Vicky Leandros and Andrea Berg, actress Senta Berger, “Tatort” actor Jan Josef Liefers, Olympic champion Kristina Vogel and ex -Football professional Philipp Lahm.
The evening was moderated by Johannes B. Kerner. The 58-year-old spoke at the beginning of a challenging year. He recalled the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, inflation and higher energy prices. “No one really knows what’s going to happen next. But we don’t want to lose hope.”
Award for Wladimir Klitschko
Aid projects were presented during the program. People talked about strokes of fate in their lives. And celebrities took calls for donations on phones. There was a special award for Wladimir Klitschko, the former professional boxer and brother of Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko. He was honored with the Golden Heart on behalf of all helpers of war-affected children in Ukraine.
In her laudation, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recalled the people of the country. “If it happens at this moment, anywhere in the world, that a child is born, then in addition to a lot of love, two things are needed: protection and security. For many children in Ukraine, this is unattainable,” she said.
“For many newborns, the first light is the glow of a flashlight because there is no electricity in the delivery room. The cold creeps across the hospital corridors. There is a lack of hot water. Babies are born under rocket fire,” von der Leyen said. Russian President Vladimir Putin fired rockets at apartment blocks, power grids and heating plants. Foreign Minister Baerbock said that the people there should not be forgotten. She appealed to Putin to end the war.
“Please don’t stop”
Klitschko thanked for the support. He didn’t just want to say thank you to those who looked after the children behind the front line. He also mentioned the people in the studio and in Germany, everyone who supported financially or took in refugees. It is also important to condemn the barbaric attack. “Thank you for the support,” said Klitschko. “Please don’t stop.”
The “A Heart for Children” campaign has existed since 1978. It was brought to life by publisher Axel Springer and the “Bild” newspaper. For example, it supports children’s clinics, kindergartens, soup kitchens and families. Donations should continue after the broadcast. Last year around 27.6 million euros were collected for children in need and social projects.
