For many, the festive season is a time of warmth, family gatherings, and shared celebration. Yet in an aging society, a growing number of seniors experience the holidays without close family around them. This year, members of Rotaract Club Hamburg International set out to brighten the season for residents of a local nursing home for senior people with disabilities, bringing joy to individuals who often lack regular visitors.
“We reached out to the Martha House and shared our idea to fulfill Christmas wishes for those residents who needed it most and bring some holiday joy,” said Magdalena Sierczyńska, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Global Alliance of Rotaract Club Hamburg International. “They sent us six wish lists. The requests were incredibly simple – for example, potted flowers, coloring books, plush toys, even a CD player.”
The visit left a strong impression on everyone involved.
“The wishes were modest, but the impact was immediate” Sierczyńska said. “As the gifts were unpacked, the residents’ joy was clear. We spent half a day with them – talking, listening, going for a walk. It was a reminder of how meaningful human connection can be. ”
Founded in March 2025, Rotaract Club Hamburg International is a young and diverse club, uniting young professionals from various countries who live and work in Hamburg. Despite still shaping its identity, the club is clear about its mission: to contribute positively to the local community and beyond.
“We are a very young organization, and while we’re still shaping our identity, giving back will remain a core part of what we do,” said Marlow D. Guttmann, one of the club’s founders and its current president. “This year we were happy to share the spirit of Christmas with seniors who often feel forgotten. And we are already planning new projects for the coming year.”
Rotaract Club Hamburg International is part of Rotaract District 1890, continuing the wider Rotary tradition of service, fellowship, and global citizenship.
