Green Care GmbH takes over sponsorship of Lichtblickhof – a sign of the importance of animal-assisted therapy
Green Care GmbH is sponsoring the young therapy sheep Liselotte on Lichtblickhof in Vienna. The Green Care-certified farm specializes in animal-assisted therapy and hospice services for seriously ill, traumatized, or grieving children. With this symbolic gesture, Green Care sets a strong example for the effectiveness, quality, and social relevance of animal-assisted interventions in Austria.
In the future, Liselotte will accompany children who are confronted with particularly challenging life situations. This involves much more than just petting: The animals at Lichtblickhof are important co-therapists who are carefully educated and trained over years.
Animal-assisted therapy needs visibility
"Animals can build bridges where words fail. Our sponsorship is a sign of recognition for all those who work with expertise and great commitment in animal-assisted work," says Günther Mayerl, Managing Director of Green Care GmbH. "At the same time, it's a call to give these services in the social and healthcare sectors more visibility."
Green Care stands for social services on farms – from farm kindergartens and day centers for the elderly to animal-assisted education and therapy. The quality of these services is ensured by a proprietary certification system, which also covers the suitability and training of the animals used. Lichtblickhof, with its two locations in Vienna and Lower Austria, has been part of the network for many years and is considered one of the most prominent Green Care companies in the field of animal-assisted hospice care.
The Lichtblickhof: Security and hope
“The animals at Lichtblickhof are relationship partners – they give closeness, trust and strength,” explains Verena Bittman, Chairwoman of the Lichtblickhofs and the Austrian Board for Therapeutic Riding (OKTR). "The sponsorship of Green Care GmbH honors not only an individual animal, but also our attitude: Animal-assisted work requires time, respect, and mindfulness – values that we share with many Green Care companies."
The therapy form Equotherapy®, which was specially developed for animal-assisted hospice work, was Lichtblickhof Originally developed with horses, the program was later expanded to include other animals such as rabbits, dogs, cats, and sheep. In addition to outpatient services, the Vienna location also offers inpatient stays in hospice-style apartments. There, children and young people can draw strength from nature with their families, find peace in the company of animals, and take advantage of a variety of respite services—thus experiencing precious moments of lightness.
Together for professional standards
The Lichtblickhof As a non-profit organization, we are committed to the continuous development of animal-assisted services in close cooperation with the OKTR (Organic Research and Training Association). Together with Green Care GmbH and other partners, we are developing practical training formats, binding animal welfare standards, and effective quality assurance tools.
Sponsorships as an ideological and financial foundation
Animal-assisted services require not only quality standards and specialist knowledge, but also significant financial resources – for example, for veterinary care, species-appropriate housing, education, and regular training of the animals. For many Green Care farms, these ongoing costs pose a major challenge. Sponsorships – whether from private individuals or companies – therefore provide far more than a symbolic contribution: They provide concrete help in securing animal-assisted work in the long term and providing reliable support to children and their families during difficult phases of life.
