Making the last phase of life as comfortable as possible is the goal of the hospice and palliative services in Chemnitz, Germany. To support this commitment, Zschimmer & Schwarz has donated 10,000 Euro to the Hospiz und Palliativdienst Chemnitz e. V. on the initiative of Dr Nora Wetzold, employee at the Mohsdorf site. The money was used to create a "garden of the senses" where people can find a place to relax in nature.

"Before construction began, the garden was just a lawn that was very impassable and not accessible for both wheelchairs and hospital beds. Now the residents as well as the employees experience a green feel-good oasis with various seating options and a small fountain. In this 'garden of the senses' they can escape from everyday life for a while," says Dr Nora Wetzold, initiator of the project. "The raised bed offers a scent experience and the newly built garden house provides a nice retreat in case of bad weather. The hospice's residents and staff are very happy and thankful for the support from Zschimmer & Schwarz."

On the occasion of the company’s 125-year anniversary in 2019, the shareholders of the Zschimmer & Schwarz Group started a special charitable programme: the 1,400 employees across 16 countries on five continents were asked to present local initiatives that the company could support with a donation.

The “garden of the senses” at the Hospiz und Palliativdienst Chemnitz e. V. is currently one of 14 charitable projects across Europe supported by Zschimmer & Schwarz with a total sum of around 200,000 Euro. “For more than 125 years, our company has represented a philosophy that always puts people first”, explains Monika Börner, shareholder of the Zschimmer & Schwarz Group. “Therefore, we try to give something valuable back to society and involve ourselves in projects that deliver direct and sustainable effects at our business locations.”