Review: Greater safety through targeted donations Commitment of the non-profit Family Rauch Foundation

The non-profit Family Rauch Foundation of the Bavarian-based mechanical engineering company MAHA continued its regional commitment with further targeted funding measures at the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026. The support was directed towards organisations whose voluntary work makes an indispensable contribution to safety in the region.

Imberg/Kempten, 21st January 2026. The Imberg Volunteer Fire Brigade has commissioned a new off-road vehicle. The tracked vehicle, specially converted for firefighting operations during mountain forest fires, significantly expands the brigade’s operational capabilities, particularly in difficult-to-access terrain. The total cost amounted to around 58,000 euros, of which 53,000 euros was financed through donations. The non-profit Family Rauch Foundation made a substantial contribution of 20,000 euros, thereby strengthening local emergency response capabilities and enhancing the operational performance of the Imberg Volunteer Fire Brigade. The official handover of the donation took place in the presence of representatives of the participating emergency services.

5,000 euros for the Kempten Water Rescue Service
The Kempten Water Rescue Service also received support. For the first time, the organisation now has a professional underwater drone equipped with a sonar system and a hydraulic gripper. The system enables fast and safe searches for missing persons, reconnaissance operations and the recovery of smaller objects. The acquisition costs of approximately 10,000 euros were covered equally, with half funded by the non-profit Family Rauch Foundation. The new technology is scheduled to be deployed from spring 2026 and will significantly expand the technical capabilities of the water rescue service, particularly during operations under challenging visibility and current conditions. At the same time, it helps to further improve the safety of the volunteer emergency responders.

12,000 euros for the Kempten Mountain Rescue Service
In addition, the Family Rauch Foundation supported the Kempten Mountain Rescue Unit with a designated donation of 12,000 euros. The funds will be used to procure modern emergency medical equipment as well as protective and personal protective equipment for the rescue teams. Alongside the modernisation of medical equipment, the donation also supports training: currently, 15 trainees are being prepared for active rescue service. The funding makes an important contribution towards meeting the growing demands of alpine rescue operations.

Personal handovers and a clear commitment to the region
All donations were personally handed over by Anton Klotz, Chairman of the non-profit Family Rauch Foundation and former District Administrator. ‘The voluntary commitment of emergency services organisations is indispensable for our society. Through targeted investments in modern technology and reliable equipment, we aim to provide the best possible support to the volunteers and sustainably strengthen their valuable work,’ Anton Klotz emphasised during the handovers. With its funding activities, the non-profit Family Rauch Foundation focuses its engagement on areas where people find themselves in need through no fault of their own.