HELPING HANDS e.V.: Two Decades of Compassion Across Borders
By Jeminah Birkner, Isla Magazine
It all began in 2005, with a simple yet powerful idea: to lend a helping hand, directly, quickly, and from the heart.
In a small corner of Westerwald, a group of Filipino and German friends gathered over shared meals and laughter, united by compassion and their love for the Philippines. They didn’t set out to create a large institution or bureaucracy. Their goal was humbler, yet deeply human, just to make a difference where it was needed most.
From that modest vision, Helping Hands e.V. was born. Two decades later, it has grown into a thriving bridge between Germany and the Philippines, a symbol of service, empathy, and shared humanity that continues to unite two cultures under one purpose.
In its early years, Helping Hands e.V. reached across the Westerwald, Koblenz, the Rhine Valley, Hunsrück, and the Eifel. The first members were largely of Filipino heritage or had Filipino family ties, though membership was always open to anyone who shared their values of compassion and cross-cultural solidarity.
The association began with small, intimate gatherings, Filipino-German families cooking together, organizing charity dinners, collecting funds for typhoon victims back home. Each shared effort built the foundation for what would become one of the most active Filipino-German community organizations in the region.
At the heart of it all was one guiding principle: helping should be simple and sincere.
No red tape, no unnecessary bureaucracy, just people acting quickly when lives depended on it. Whether responding to typhoons, floods, or local community crises in the Philippines, Helping Hands e.V. became known for its direct action and its commitment to ensuring every euro donated reached those who needed it most.
Their mission has always been clear: to bring relief to the poor, the displaced, the sick, and the vulnerable, those who might otherwise be forgotten. Each initiative, no matter the size, carried the same message: small acts of kindness can create ripples of hope that cross oceans.
Helping Hands e.V. has never been only about aid. It’s also a cultural lifeline, preserving and sharing Filipino traditions within Germany.
Through dance performances, benefit concerts, and cultural galas, the organization has offered both comfort and connection, a way for Filipinos in Germany to celebrate their heritage while introducing it to their German neighbors.
At these events, barriers vanish. Germans and Filipinos laugh, sing, and dance together. What begins as a performance often turns into friendship; what begins as friendship often blossoms into collaboration for a greater cause.
Helping Hands e.V. has become a home away from home, a place where Filipino warmth meets German precision, and where compassion knows no nationality.
The organization’s story began in Ransbach-Baumbach, where its earliest members mapped out their vision of service. As the years went on, the community expanded, reaching new families and volunteers across Koblenz, the Rhein Valley, and beyond.
In 2020, reflecting this growth, the association relocated its headquarters to Urbar, near Koblenz, where the heart of the community now beats stronger than ever.
Today, Helping Hands e.V. stands as a home for everyone, Filipino, German, or otherwise, who shares one simple but profound love: love for the Philippines and its people.
Two decades on, the story of Helping Hands e.V. is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose. Behind every event, every fundraiser, and every relief mission are volunteers, ordinary people doing extraordinary things with open hearts.
Some joined because they missed home. Many stayed because they found one, within this circle of kindness. They’ve witnessed the power of compassion in motion: children returning to school, families rebuilding after storms, and strangers becoming lifelong friends.
At every anniversary, members look back not only on what they’ve accomplished, but also on the laughter shared, the songs sung in two languages, and the friendships that continue to cross borders.
Helping Hands e.V. isn’t just a story of aid, it’s a story of togetherness.
The 20th Anniversary: A Night of Heart and Heritage
Under the leadership of President Gretchen Gipp, Helping Hands e.V. marked its 20th anniversary with a heartfelt celebration that beautifully captured two decades of compassion, culture, and community spirit.
Joining her were Vice President Emma Schindewolf-Vogel, Secretary Rochelle Heuser, Treasurer Rose Manns, Second Treasurer Helen Kiay-Bersch, and Advisers Melinda Haas, Araceli Quiming, and Marlet Adlawan women who embody the quiet strength that keeps the organization moving forward.
With Auditors Liberty Schneider and Mildred Alex ensuring the organization’s continued transparency and integrity, Helping Hands e.V. stands as a testament to how volunteerism and accountability can coexist in perfect harmony.
Messages That Moved Hearts
The evening was graced by Guest of Honour, Consul Miguel Hornilla of the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt. Having assumed his post in Germany in July 2025, his presence symbolized unity between Filipinos abroad and the homeland they still serve.
In his stirring message, Consul Hornilla praised Helping Hands e.V. for embodying the Filipino spirit of bayanihan the power of many hands lifting as one.
“Each helping hand extended, no matter how small,” he said, “becomes a light of hope.”
His words resonated deeply with everyone in attendance, setting the tone for a night defined by gratitude and generosity.
A Celebration of Culture and Community
The evening flowed with rhythm and joy. Hosted by Ms. Heyz Dela Cruz, Nurse Gian Manalo, and BesfrenTofi (BFT) of TTPM ACT and SAGO International Club e.V., the event radiated Filipino warmth and humor.
When the official theme song “Tulong Tulong Para Makabangon” played, the hall erupted in applause. Guests rose to their feet, clapping in time, an impromptu act of unity that perfectly captured the night’s spirit.
Performances by the Dancing Mamas of Koblenz, the Limburg All-Star Dancers, and the Tinikling duo Kim Schindewolf and Jovel Nano brought color, nostalgia, and pride to the stage. Each performance was a reminder of how Filipino artistry continues to flourish, even far from home.
Between numbers, guests enjoyed a buffet of Filipino and German dishes, refreshing drinks, and a “Pinoy market” that brought a slice of the Philippines to the heart of Germany.
Honoring the Pillars
A highlight of the night was the tribute to long-time members who have been part of Helping Hands e.V. since its founding in 2005: Emma Schindewolf-Vogel, Bernd Schindewolf, Amelia Dapprich, Amelia Leimbach, Clarita Wagner, and Rose Manns.
Their decades of dedication embody the organization’s core belief tulong-tulong para makabangon, helping one another rise.
Gratitude also filled the hall as certificates of appreciation were awarded to partner associations, performers, and friends who have stood by the organization’s mission. Among the awardees were:
TTPM ACT Advocacy Channel, SAGO International Club e.V., What’s Ganap,Isla Magazine, Limburg All-Star Dancers, Dancing Mamas of Koblenz, Ms. Heyz Dela Cruz, BesfrenTofi, Nurse Gian Manalo, Gemma Salize, Nathan & Ethan Manalo, Jem Birkner, Florian Mark Roque, Custer Aranas, Nely Meyer, Maricor Librando Cruz, Kim Schindewolf, Jovel Nano, and Jaime Goloyugo.
Behind the scenes, the SAGO on the GO production team, Nurse Gian, Nathan and Ethan Manalo, BesfrenTofi, Ms. Heyz Dela Cruz, and Gemma Saliz,ensured that every special moment was captured with care.
When Lights Dimmed and Hearts Glowed
As the lights faded and the first notes of “Heal the World” played, a hush fell over the crowd. The collaborative performance by SAGO on the GO and Helping Hands e.V. was the emotional peak of the night a moment of reflection, hope, and shared humanity.
Audience members lifted their phone flashlights, creating a sea of stars in the dimmed hall. “Wir bekommen Gänsehaut!” (“We’re getting goosebumps!”) whispered one guest, and indeed, everyone felt it.
Joy, Raffles, and Farewell Smiles
The night ended on a joyful note with music, laughter, and dancing, and the much-awaited Tombola Raffle Draw:
🥇 1st Prize (Flypino Travels): Peter Christ
🥈 2nd Prize (€400): Perla Schmitz (Lohmar)
🥉 3rd Prize (€200): Lorena Calderon (Nicaragua)
The winners celebrated alongside President Gretchen Gipp, Vice President Emma Schindewolf-Vogel, and Flypino CEO Rafael Schmidt with Pepsi Schmidt, closing the evening with heartfelt smiles and gratitude.
Looking Ahead: The Next 20 Years
What truly sets Helping Hands e.V. apart is its spirit of family. It’s not just a membership organization — it’s a community of hearts. Within it are people of all backgrounds who come together to serve, celebrate, and lift one another up.
As Helping Hands e.V. enters its next chapter, the mission remains clear: to empower the next generation, expand partnerships across borders, and keep the flame of bayanihan burning bright.
Because every hand that gives becomes a bridge of hope, and every heart that cares becomes a light that never fades.
