MONHEIM Schukat electronic, which has been selling electronic components globally for decades, shows once again that they are using their commercial success to benefit their employees and help others, as well. Just last November, RP reported that Schukat was paying its employees an ''inflation offset bonus'' of up to 3000 euros, free of taxes and social security contributions. The maximum tax-free sum possible for the company’s approx. 200 full-time employees, as well as another special bonus, resulted from ''achieving the best annual results in the company’s history, despite shaky supply chains, bottlenecks, and Corona,'' said company representative Edith Schukat – and the company owed this achievement to its dedicated workforce.
Now, together with an important supplier, Taiwanese firm MEAN WELL, Schukat is embarking on a remarkable charitable campaign. Their final aim is to distribute around 400,000 euros across a variety of organisations and initiatives.
''Mean Well is one of the world’s leading producers of industrial power supplies, and we have been working with them for almost 30 years,'' explains Schukat’s Frank Stocker (Product Manager Power Supplies) in an interview with RP. The donated sum is calculated from increased sales of Mean Well products in 2021 and 2022, also at Schukat electronic.
True to the good intentions embodied in its company name, Mean Well decided to donate the majority of this special budget within the region, to those dependent on external support. ''We have also added a substantial contribution of our own to the donation pot, so we are closely involved in selecting the recipients, too,'' says Stocker.
In choosing who to donate the money to, the company is taking its lead from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, from environmental protection to fighting poverty. As far as possible, the donations will be handed over personally by representatives of Schukat electronic and Mean Well.
Among the beneficiaries are Monheim institutions including the SKFM and its food bank. On Thursday, SKFM board member, treasurer, and managing director Caspar Offermann accepted a donation of 58,500 euros on behalf of the organisation. The check was presented by Meerten van Oostrum from Mean Well Europe and Jessica Thimm and Frank Stocker from Schukat electronic. ''We’re speechless, but we can certainly put this to good use,'' Offermann commented. Corona hit the association’s resources hard, and the numbers of those in need continue to rise. The donated funds mean better financing for the food bank and the necessary relocation of SKFM’s second-hand and clothing store.
The next big local event is planned for the end of October – with the help of Monheim citizens and Schukat employees, more trees will be planted for the Monheim ''climate forest.''
Before that, however, the donors will visit ''action medeor'' in Tönisforst to present 58,500 euros to Jasmin Herholz and Dr Angela Zeithammer. The donation will be used for a WASH project in Pakistan and to support emergency and disaster relief worldwide. Other recipients include NABU NRW, the CAYA medical practice in Cologne, which provides pro bono medical services, and the Heinz Sielmann Foundation.
IINFO
SKFM Monheim’s mission
SKFM Monheim runs local kindergartens with places for more than 250 children, helps with obtaining housing, is active in open youth welfare, and organises the food bank. In addition, they also provide legal aid and socio-pedagogical support if necessary in family assistance.
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This report appeared in the Rheinische Post on September 11, 2023.
