THW Celebrates 75 Years of Service: From WWII to Ukraine Aid
The Bavarian Technisches Hilfswerk (THW) is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its 75th anniversary. To commemorate this occasion, the Bavarian State Chancellery is hosting a reception for around 350 THW members in Munich.
The THW, originally established on 22nd August 1950, was founded to protect the population from the effects of war and clear up the aftermath of World War II. Over the years, it has continually adjusted its tasks to adapt to changing global political situations. For instance, after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, the THW expanded its competencies in emergency supply and emergency restoration, among other things, in civil defense.
Today, around 16,000 volunteers in Bavaria dedicate their free time to protect the local population. These volunteers have shown their commitment time and again, such as during the flood disaster in southern Bavaria last year, where they performed countless hours of deployment due to the low pressure system 'Orinoco'. In 2021, thousands of Bavarian deployment forces were also on site in the Ahr valley to combat the damage caused by the flood disaster.
The THW's commitment extends beyond Germany. In response to the crisis in Ukraine, the organization has so far procured aid goods worth a total of over 138 million euros, including vehicles, construction machinery, and power generators. As it celebrates its 75th anniversary, the THW looks back on a history of service and adaptation, with its volunteers remaining a vital force in protecting and assisting the population.
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