The sports car drive
A day full of joy, hope, and horsepower
There are days that move us, deeply, unforgettably, and over again. One such day is the sports car drive that we at PALFINGER organize every year together with Salzburg Children’s Cancer Aid. Together, we aim to bring children with cancer and their families a moment of joy, enchantment, and lightheartedness. For us, this commitment is much more than just a great tradition; it is something that is really close to our hearts.
This year, the event was held for the 21st time on our company headquarters in Bergheim. As in previous years, we were delighted to welcome around 90 children and their families. Together with around 80 sports car drivers, many dedicated PALFINGER employees and numerous supporters, we once again created a day that put a smile on everyone's faces.
A day full of highlights for young and old – on and off the road
The day began with a celebration for the whole family. At the PALFINGER headquarters, everything focused on the children, with games, fun and shared experiences. Our approximately 260 guests enjoyed an action-packed program with activities and attractions, ranging from the Porsche Driving School, a climbing tower, a clown and face painting to a VR station, fire brigade and police dog units, a photo box and a real Formula 3 car. There was also plenty of food and drink provided. With Thomas Geierspichler, Markus Prock, Georg Hackl and other athletes from the luge team, numerous Olympic and World Champions were also there.
At 1 pm it was time for the much anticipated highlight of the day: a sports car trip through the most beautiful scenery of the Salzburg and Bavarian regions. With the children in the passenger seats, the convoy of sports cars set off. This year, the trip took the children to the Hans-Peter Porsche Traumwerk, a spectacular model museum, where they went on a guided tour and took a train ride. This fascinating location provided a fitting end to an exciting day.
Strong together - with heart and hand
The day would not have been complete without Hubert Palfinger, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of PALFINGER AG, Hannes Palfinger, Second Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of PALFINGER AG, and Felix Strohbichler, CFO of PALFINGER AG, presenting a check for EUR 28,000 to Claudia Kopp, who is Head of Salzburg Children’s Cancer Aid. This year, the municipality of Bergheim also contributed EUR 3,000 to the donation. It is an expression of a heartfelt partnership that goes far beyond contributing to financial support.
As a regionally based company, it is a matter close to our hearts at PALFINGER to take responsibility for our employees, our region and the people who live here. The area of People, Values, and Culture is a central pillar of our sustainability strategy. This includes our strong local commitment, which is deeply rooted in our values. That is because we believe that real economic success is not only reflected in figures, but also in being there for one another. Children who are struggling with serious illnesses in particular need not only medical help, they also need hope, security and moments of laughter. That is why the partnership with Salzburg Children’s Cancer Aid is particularly close to our hearts. It gives us an opportunity to give back a piece of childhood to these children, and for us that is priceless.
