Anonymous donor in Schwalmstadt covers children's pool entry for entire summer holidays
An anonymous older man in Schwalmstadt, Hesse, has paid €5,000 to cover entry fees for all children aged 4 to 16 at the local outdoor pool during the six-week summer break, hoping to get them away from screens and into the water.
A quiet pool inspires a gift
On a warm day early in the summer, the donor found himself almost alone at the Ziegenhain outdoor pool in Schwalmstadt. The lifeguard and cashier were on duty, but the facility was empty. He thought the pool was too good to go unused and decided to act.
Such a great facility, and then it's not being used, you have to do something.
He approached the pool management, the supporting association, and the city, and by the start of the school holidays in Hesse the deal was in place: all children and teenagers aged 4 to 16 would get free entry. Normally they pay one euro; younger children already enter free.
The donation
The donor transferred €5,000 to the city to cover the costs. He said if that runs out, he will top it up, even if it pinches his wallet. The joy of seeing more young people at the pool would outweigh any financial annoyance, he told the German Press Agency.
The last shirt has no pockets. You can spend money on things like this.
He hopes the free entry will also attract families from neighbouring towns, bringing extra visitors to Schwalmstadt and benefiting the pool and the community.
Mayor welcomes community spirit
Mayor Tobias Kreuter called the donation a wonderful sign of solidarity in the city.
It comes at exactly the right time. Especially for families who cannot go on holiday this summer, the free entry is a wonderful enrichment.
He noted that many families cannot afford a holiday, and the free pool visits give children a place to meet friends and have fun.
Donor's philosophy
The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he has been swimming daily in summer since the pool was built in the 1980s. He described the sensation of floating in the water as a beautiful feeling he wants to share. His main goal is to get children away from digital devices, encourage them to socialise, and let them enjoy football and beach volleyball at the pool grounds.
