Words of Chancellor Merkel in a quaint town located in the Remstal region

In the heart of Weinstadt-Beutelsbach, a bustling clothing store has become a symbol of unity and inclusion. With a team of 14 dedicated employees who change three times a week, the store continues to serve a diverse community of customers speaking different languages.

The store's journey began a decade ago with a massive donation campaign, as evidenced by photographs of mountains of boxes filled with clothes. This initiative was spearheaded by the Integration Association Weinstadt, a volunteer-driven organisation that has been instrumental in helping refugees settle in the area.

Approximately 40 volunteers from the Integration Association have been actively involved, offering assistance with doctor's visits, childcare, establishing the clothing store, apartment searches, and accompanying refugees to authorities. Their efforts extend beyond the store, with the Association organising language courses, outings, parties, football tournaments, and even running a bike workshop.

The store's doors are open to everyone holding a food bank card, regardless of nationality. This inclusive policy has attracted a diverse clientele, including a Ukrainian woman from Tschernihiw, who regularly shops for affordable, high-quality second-hand clothing. Marlies Lange, a long-time volunteer worker, is often seen helping customers like her find the right clothes and shoes.

Initially, the store primarily catered to Syrian families and people from African countries. However, the store's customer base has expanded to include refugees from various parts of the world, a testament to the city's welcoming spirit.

Lothar Holzwarth, the chairman of the Integration Association Weinstadt, attributes the city's response to the influx of refugees to the phrase "We can do this!" by the then Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel. This sentiment has resonated with the community, leading to a remarkable increase in the number of members in the Association. Today, the Weinstadt Integration Association boasts nearly 340 members, two-thirds of whom are refugees who have found their home in Weinstadt.

Retired teacher Dietrich Kunze, another dedicated volunteer, organised language lessons for refugees and provided assistance with practical matters like finding apartments and filling out applications. The store's experiences have broadened the volunteers' perspectives, helping them understand different parts of the world.

Personal relationships have developed, with some Ukrainian women seeking comfort and being hugged by volunteers. These interactions have humanised the refugee experience, fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding.

The store's operations have not only provided affordable clothing but also offered volunteers like Dietrich Kunze the opportunity to get to know the stories of many refugees and different cultures. This unique blend of community service and cultural exchange continues to make the clothing store in Weinstadt-Beutelsbach a beacon of hope and integration.