Assuming social responsibility is an integral part of Rheinmetall’s company DNA. Ralf Hoffmann is no stranger to social commitment either: in his spare time, the IT specialist is involved in various organisations and projects. One form of volunteering that particularly affects him is his engagement with Biker4Kids. The enthusiastic bikers support the families of children and teenagers suffering from life-shortening illnesses with funds, aid, and shared experiences. One of the highlights of their activities is the annual motorbike parade in the state capital of Düsseldorf.

Hoffmann helps with the organisation, instructs the bikers, and arranges rides for children and teenagers. A task that has become increasingly complex as the event has grown in size. “There were around 300 bikes at our first parade in 2009, today up to 3,000 bikers from all over Germany ride the route of 20 kilometres through Düsseldorf. This makes us proud, as the parade creates visibility, collects donations for important aid, and gives the children and families unforgettable moments. When a ten-year-old boy thanks us in the evening with tears in his eyes for the wonderful day, it makes us sad, humble, but also infinitely grateful”, emphasises the family man Ralf Hoffmann.

The idea: every bike that wants to participate in the parade receives a green ribbon for one euro, although the donations are usually higher. Many participants leave the ribbon attached to the vehicle even after the event, symbolising their support. Over the years, the supporting programme on the day of the parade has grown. A stunt show, live music, a raffle, and many other attractions provide fun and excitement – even for visitors without a motorbike. Thanks to the additional support to numerous sponsors, Biker4Kids recently raised more than €100,000. The group founded the Association of Friends and Supporters of Children’s Hospice Work Duesseldorf (Verein der Freunde und Unterstützer der Kinderhospizarbeit Düsseldorf, VdFU e.V.) in order to be able to distribute the funds unbureaucratically and in direct consultation with the outpatient children’s and youth hospice service in Düsseldorf. “With the help of the VdFU, we can support families quickly and easily – for example, if a ramp is needed for a staircase or a gravestone needs to be paid for. We also use the funds to finance excursions, such as to the climbing park or gliding, or we organise barbecue get-toghethers – experiences that mean life,” Hoffmann emphasises, noticeably moved.

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His engagement for others teaches Hoffmann gratitude, forbearance, and humanity – values that he also incorporates into his daily work: “Ultimately, it’s about people. A person who feels badly treated will leave the team one day or fall ill. That’s why we have to treat each other with respect and question why the other person is behaving the way they are”. The 60-year-old considers himself fortunate with his family and his job. Through his community work, he wants to give a little bit of this fortune back to society in return. “Because even small steps can make a big difference,” he emphasises. Ralf Hoffmann has not yet decided which project he will dedicate himself to at the start of his passive semi-retirement. But he is certain that he will continue to use a large part of his newly gained time for meaningful tasks in the future.