Commitment, encounters and cooperation – how an association promotes togetherness in the north of Darmstadt
Clubs are the heart of a community. They enrich local life through cultural and sporting activities, offer educational opportunities, and engage in social projects. In this series, we introduce various clubs that make life in Darmstadt worth living.
Association for Wixhausen
VereinT für Wixhausen eV is an association of church congregations, cultural and sports clubs, the volunteer fire department, and other organizations in the district. The association aims to strengthen Wixhausen as a vibrant, open, and livable community. Its focus is on promoting volunteerism and creating encounters that transcend the boundaries of individual clubs. VereinT für Wixhausen organizes and supports major events such as the Christmas market, Club Day, and district anniversaries – events that can only be managed jointly and that highlight the community spirit in the district. The association thus serves as both a driving force and a platform for pooling commitment, connecting people, and enriching the cultural and social life of Wixhausen. We spoke with representatives of the association about their visions, challenges, and special highlights.
What is VereinT's vision for Wixhausen?
Our activities reflect the desire to make Wixhausen a vibrant and livable community. We create low-threshold opportunities for all Wixhausen residents and guests to meet and socialize. We aim to raise awareness of volunteer work and encourage citizens to get involved.
How do you implement this in concrete terms?
We focus on events and activities that span multiple clubs and whose size means they can't be managed by a single club. This includes, for example, the Christmas market.
Which projects have the greatest impact on the community?
Events that are event-based are particularly effective – whether in the cultural or sports sector. They require a reason, a "hooking point," such as an anniversary, a Christmas market, or a club day.
Who are the driving forces behind the association?
These are our member clubs and organizations – from church congregations to cultural and sports clubs to the volunteer fire department and Mission-Leben Aumühle.
What are the biggest challenges?
Firstly, it's about raising awareness for our goals, especially given the many other activities in the district. Secondly, we need numerous volunteers for our events. But volunteers are a scarce resource – and sometimes difficult to mobilize given the multitude of activities.
How can interested citizens get involved?
We invite everyone to participate actively – whether at specific events or as a supporting member of the association. Any form of support is welcome.
Which events should you definitely not miss?
Club Day, the Christmas market, and district anniversaries are regular highlights in the calendar.
You work closely with Merck. Why is this partnership so important?
Many of the conditions for attractive events can only be realized with a strong partner like Merck. The association itself charges only a small one-time fee, and donations are freely selectable. However, costs arise for things like renting space, advertising, artist fees, and equipment. Merck supports us not only financially but also with practical accessories—from lounge furniture to beach flags and posters.
Liveable Darmstadt
powered by MerckClubs are the heart of a community. They promote social integration and bring people together. They enrich local life through cultural and sporting activities, offer educational opportunities, and engage in social projects. In short: They make a city like Darmstadt a livable place.
But that costs money. Membership fees aren't always enough. In this series, we present selected Darmstadt clubs supported by Merck – be it in sports, culture, the common good, or science education.
Each of these clubs has a unique history and contributes to strengthening the community in its own way. We asked the leaders what defines their club and how the partnership with Merck not only provides financial support but also fosters growth and development.
Learn more about the diverse nature of Darmstadt's club landscape and how Merck and its partners are working together to achieve more – for a region worth living in.
