"It is an honor for me to present these awards," said Lord Mayor Dennis Weilmann. "Their outstanding personal commitment in the social and cultural field, in sport, for the environment and nature conservation, in clubs and associations, is of particular importance for social cohesion."

Reception with talk and music

Before the actual award ceremony in the castle, there was an ecumenical service in the planetarium. Afterwards, the talk with Lord Mayor Dennis Weilmann, Daniela Cavallo (Chairwoman of the General and Group Works Council of Volkswagen AG) and Gunnar Kilian (Volkswagen Board Member for Human Resources and Truck & Bus) was exciting. One of the topics discussed was how our city and Volkswagen are undergoing change. The reception was accompanied by music from the Magic Flames marching band from Hattorf and jazz singer Jeff Cascaro, who gave a short concert sponsored by the Autostadt.

These are the honorees

Petra Neumann-Wollenhaupt founded the "Wolfsburg hilft" association in 1995, which supports people with leukaemia and other blood disorders - with typing campaigns and as a contact point for those affected.

Manfred Schreiber has been organizing charity concerts with the Hanover Army Music Corps for over 15 years. He is also involved in the reservists' association and was active in the German War Graves Commission.

Brigitte Fahse founded the "Raum zum Wachsen" association in Hattorf. The project brings generations together - with joint activities such as cooking, gardening or vacation programs.

Barbara Metzkat helped shape the Hehlinger Roland cultural association for many years. The Roland statue in the village is the most visible sign of her commitment.

Susanne Sammann has been an exercise instructor at SSV Kästorf/Warmenau since 1994 - active in children's and senior citizens' work and for inclusion in sport.

Gerhardt Chrost led the Wolfsburg district group of BUND for over 30 years. Under his leadership, projects for the renaturation of rivers, the protection of hedges and the creation of orchards were developed.

With the city plaque, we are honoring his extraordinary commitment. And say: Thank you!