In the presence of District Administrator Dr Theophil Gallo, Christine Hauser from Oberbexbach received the Cross of Merit on Ribbon of the Federal Republic of Germany from Saarland's Minister of Social Affairs, Dr Magnus Jung. The ceremony took place at Café Zöllner in Bexbach. The Order of Merit is the highest honour awarded by the Federal Republic of Germany for services to the common good and is awarded to citizens for their political, economic, social or intellectual achievements. It also honours far-reaching social and charitable commitment.
Christine Hauser was nominated for the latter. In 2002, together with other entrepreneurs, she founded the charitable "Christmas market in Stockwäldchen" in Oberbexbach. This developed into a real crowd-puller, as its visitors increasingly appreciated the cosy and personal atmosphere of the event.
Year after year, the proceeds from the Christmas market and generous donations have benefited the Parents' Initiative for Children with Cancer in Saarland and the Cystic Fibrosis Initiative Saar. Ina Ruffing, 2nd chairwoman of the parents' initiative, and Evelyn Lill, 1st chairwoman of the cystic fibrosis association, were therefore also present at the ceremony. Both organisations are committed to helping seriously ill children in a variety of ways. And so the selfless commitment of Christine Hauser and all those who have helped to organise the special Christmas market as a fundraising project over many years is also of great importance: they acted for the benefit of children who were already burdened with a very heavy burden at a young age. Over 600,000 euros were donated to the two organisations.
"The donations were used to help directly where help is urgently needed every day. With her help, Christine Hauser shows us how important social commitment is in our society," said Dr Magnus Jung in recognition of her achievements. District Administrator Dr Theophil Gallo, who over the years has not only made his contribution as a visitor to the Christmas market in front of the mulled wine stand, but has also been happy to help with the sale of drinks, also congratulated Christine Hauser on this special award. "We need people like Christine Hauser who are willing to put their own interests aside in order to dedicate themselves to the common good. Christine Hauser has done this far beyond the usual level by organising the Christmas market and approaching companies for donations. I would like to thank her personally and on behalf of the Saarpfalz district for this exemplary civic commitment," said the District Administrator, wishing the Hauser family good luck and health for the future.
Among those congratulating Christine Hauser were Thorsten Müller, the Bexbach town councillor, Gerhard Pirrung, the head of Oberbexbach, her family, friends and Andreas Kugler, who had nominated her for the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.