Review: Four donations that count in an emergency The non-profit Family Rauch Foundation strengthens safety in the region

Help needs people who are willing to take responsibility. But it also needs equipment that works when it matters most, shortens response times and takes the strain off emergency services. This is precisely where the non-profit Family Rauch Foundation of the Bavarian-based mechanical engineering company MAHA, regularly steps in. Over the past few months, Anton Klotz, Chair of the Foundation Board and former District Administrator, has brought four donations to where they can make a real difference in an emergency: civil protection, air ambulance services, medical services and community sports clubs.

Haldenwang, 26th May 2026. The beneficiaries are THW Sonthofen, the local branch of Germany’s Federal Agency for Technical Relief, as well as the crew of the Christoph 17 rescue helicopter, the Johanniter emergency response team in Kempten and FC Kempten, a local football club. The four examples demonstrate how targeted support strengthens operational readiness, training and emergency care in the region.

Swap loader vehicle for the THW Sonthofen: Flexible and quick on site
THW Sonthofen has received a new swap loader vehicle, a highly capable emergency response vehicle. The purchase cost around 300,000 euros and was made possible by several donors. The non-profit Family Rauch Foundation contributed 20,000 euros towards the funding.
The new swap loader vehicle makes the THW significantly more flexible in the field. Depending on the situation, volunteers can quickly collect, transport and deliver various roll-off containers to the scene – for example, in the event of flooding, fires or other emergencies. The integrated crane is particularly important: It can be used to move heavy loads, load materials with precision and position containers even in hard-to-reach areas.

Modern resuscitation manikin for Christoph 17: “Annie” is training for an emergency
For the crew of the Christoph 17 rescue helicopter, the donation was an important addition to training and continuing education. The state-of-the-art resuscitation manikin ‘Annie’ can be used to practise realistic emergency scenarios. The donation, amounting to around 9,000 euros, was made by the non-profit Family Rauch Foundation.
The training manikin supports cardiopulmonary resuscitation training and enables the simulation of complex scenarios in which medical procedures, teamwork and communication must work seamlessly together. In air rescue, every move counts: The crew works in confined spaces, often under time pres-sure and in difficult conditions. With more than 1,600 call-outs last year alone – many of them in mountainous terrain, in forests or at accident sites that are difficult to access – practical training plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of patients in the region.

 
Emergency quad bike for Johanniter Kempten: Agile help off the beaten track
The Johanniter emergency services team in Kempten has taken a new emergency quad bike into service. The total cost came to 18,395 euros and, in addition to the vehicle, included a special signalling system, vehicle wrapping, motorcycle clothing, helmets and radio equipment.

This agile quad bike expands the Johanniter’s capabilities in disaster response, at major events and in rough terrain. It reaches places where conventional emergency vehicles cannot go, and enables rapid first aid to be provided – for example at regional events such as the Panorama Marathon, the Grünten Relay, the Jochpass Memorial or the Midsummer March. It is precisely in the face of increasing extreme weather events that the importance of a flexible and well-equipped local emergency response service becomes clear.

Defibrillator and first-aid kit for FC Kempten: Safety on the sidelines
Prompt assistance is crucial not only in major emergency situations, but also wherever people come together in everyday life. For this reason, the foundation provided FC Kempten with a modern defibrillator and a fully equipped first-aid kit for use on the sidelines. The donation amounted to 3,000 euros. This means the club is now better equipped to deal with medical emergencies at the Illerstadion. 

This equipment not only enhances the safety of the players, but also that of everyone involved in the club’s sporting activities – from the coaching staff and volunteers to families and supporters.

Engagement that makes a difference
All four donations demonstrate how targeted support makes a difference in everyday life. “Whether in civil protection, air rescue, medical services or on the sidelines: The key thing is that help reaches those who need it quickly. “Through our donations, we aim to support those who take on responsibility – often on a voluntary basis, and always with great dedication to the region,” says Anton Klotz, Chairman of the of the non-profit Family Rauch Foundation and former District Administrator.

For the foundation, this commitment is more than financial support. It is a contribution to safety, cohesion and reliable local structures. By strengthening rescue services, aid organisations and associations, we help ensure that support remains available — both in emergencies and in everyday life.

Photo THW Sonthofen : Anton Klotz
Photo Christoph 17: Matthias Becker
Photo Johanniter emergency response: Anton Klotz