SWG and Tour der Hoffnung extend their partnership
Stadtwerke Gießen is working together with the Tour of Hope for another five years.
It has been almost 14 years since the Tour of Hope first started with the prologue on the premises of Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG). Since then, the event has been an integral part of the co-operation between SWG and the Tour of Hope. The fruitful cooperation goes back much further and will continue for at least five years: "We have now been a partner of the Tour for more than three decades," explains Andreas Hergaß, Commercial Director of SWG, on the occasion of the signing of the contract and adds: "It is a matter close to our hearts to support this truly extraordinary project."
Wide-ranging help
The cooperation between the Tour der Hoffnung and SWG has developed steadily over the years. SWG not only provides the appropriate setting for the start of the prologue, but also welcomes the riders and the organisation team and provides everyone with a healthy, sporty breakfast. White shirts with the red SWG logo make helpers recognisable during the tour.
However, SWG's commitment is not limited to the ride itself. "To support children with cancer and their families, the Tour of Hope collects money throughout the year. We also help where we can," explains Matthias Funk, Technical Director of SWG. For example, an appropriately designed city bus draws attention to Germany's largest charity tour. "We are very grateful that we can continue to plan with SWG as a reliable partner in the future," explains Dr Mathias Rinn, first chairman of "Tour der Hoffnung e.V." And Benjamin Wagner adds: "Without sponsors like this, the project would be unthinkable." He has been treasurer since the organisation was founded in 2022 and is responsible for managing the donations, among other things.
Motivating many people
The social ride has been part of the Tour der Hoffnung programme since 2020. The idea for it was born during the coronavirus pandemic. In this "everyone" campaign in the run-up to the actual tour, individuals, teams, clubs or companies can cover 333 kilometres by bike over nine days. For every kilometre ridden, participants donate at least ten cents - or even more if they wish. "The Socialride allows cycling enthusiasts to ride alone, together with others or even virtually," says Dr Mathias Rinn, explaining the concept.
The success of the campaign is impressive: In 2024, 181,165 kilometres were covered, raising a total of 50,001 euros. "It's really nice to see how the tour has developed over the years," adds Thomas Wagner. The SWG employee established the link between the tour organisers at the time and SWG many years ago. He is now an honorary member of the association's board and looks after sponsors.
Every euro counts
Since it was founded in 1983, the Tour of Hope has collected over 40 million euros in donations. An important factor in its appeal: from the very beginning, the organising team has succeeded in attracting celebrities from sport, television and showbiz to don the green jersey, pedal and support the good cause. "What those responsible for the Tour of Hope have achieved deserves the highest recognition," says Andreas Hergaß.
However, the great success of the Tour of Hope is not just down to the people involved in the project. The transparent handling of the donations plays at least as big a role. Literally every euro goes to where it is needed. Without any deductions. This is because all costs incurred for the organisation and implementation of the tour are borne by sponsors such as SWG. The medical board of trustees of the Tour of Hope distributes the donations collected to institutions for therapeutic and therapy-accompanying measures and, in the spirit of Prof Lampert, the founder of the Tour of Hope, to research institutions.
Tour der Hoffnung e.V. describes exactly where the donations go on its website www.tour-der-hoffnung.de. Of course, all information for people who simply want to donate or register for the social ride can also be found here. "The Tour of Hope is an outstanding example of what committed people can achieve in their free time. Supporting them in their voluntary work is a matter of honour for us. And we would be delighted if as many people as possible - whether companies or private individuals - contributed to the success story of the Tour of Hope," explains Matthias Funk.
By the way: The Tour of Hope will start on 7 August 2025, leading the field of around 150 riders from Gießen to Oggersheim and stopping off in many places as usual.