Tue Sep 17 07:00:00 UTC 2024: ## BMW Group Honors Four Associates with Social Responsibility Award

**Munich, Germany – September 17, 2024** – The BMW Group has announced the four recipients of its annual Social Responsibility Award, recognizing their exceptional commitment to social causes around the world. The winners, Björn Sommer, Sibusiso Thusi, Karin Kollross, and Graham Darab, were celebrated at an official ceremony in Munich on September 16th.

This year’s honorees have dedicated themselves to empowering children with cancer, supporting disadvantaged youth, providing aid to street children, and helping individuals break the cycle of addiction. Their projects demonstrate a passionate dedication to making a tangible difference in their communities.

“The BMW Group Award for Social Responsibility is a testament to the power of individual action,” said Ilka Horstmeier, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for People and Real Estate, and patron of the Award. “Our associates are driving positive change by developing practical solutions to social challenges. Their projects are an invitation to everyone to get involved and make a difference.”

Each winner receives €10,000 for their project, reflecting the BMW Group’s commitment to supporting their impactful work. The Award also recognizes the dedication of the entire team behind each winning project, highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives social change.

**The 2024 award-winners are:**

* **Sibusiso Thusi**, an HR associate at Plant Rosslyn in South Africa, was recognized for his work with the “Young Aspiring Thinkers” initiative, which supports schoolchildren in economically disadvantaged areas by helping them make up learning deficits and prepare for internships.
* **Björn Sommer**, a process and digitalisation expert based in Munich, received the award for his innovative project developing a digital patient companion to support the families of children with cancer. This platform, developed in partnership with colleagues and the “Initiative for Children with Cancer Munich,” provides families with access to essential information and resources.
* **Karin Kollross**, a Technology Materials and Process Analytics expert in Munich, was honored for her dedication to helping street children in Cochabamba, Bolivia. She supports the “Emanuel Foundation – Children with a Future,” which provides a safe haven for children whose mothers work in the neighboring red-light district.
* **Graham Darab**, MINI brand manager for central Germany, was recognized for his work as a trained addiction counsellor leading a self-help group at the “Living without addiction” association. He helps individuals overcome addiction by maintaining a stable lifestyle and preventing relapse. He also serves as a BMW Group addiction officer, promoting awareness and prevention efforts.

The BMW Group Award for Social Responsibility forms part of the company’s broader SOCIAL DRIVE initiative, which encourages and supports volunteer activities among its associates. This platform connects individuals and teams working on social causes, providing them with a space to share their projects, recruit members, and learn about opportunities to get involved.

Through the Social Responsibility Award and the SOCIAL DRIVE initiative, the BMW Group demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility and empowers its associates to make a positive impact on the world.

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