Natasha Ochsenknecht
This project is a real affair of the heart
Natascha Ochsenknecht has been supporting the children and youth project “Die Arche” for many years.
© Milan Soos
Natascha Ochsenknecht spends Christmas with daughter Cheyenne for the first time. Before that, however, she takes care of a real heart project.
Natascha Ochsenknecht (58) has been supporting the children and youth project “Die Arche” for many years. “The way ‘Die Arche’ works for families is really unique,” enthuses the designer, author, mother and grandmother at a fundraiser.
As a courier on the bike, Ochsenknecht surprises children and young people of the “Arche München” with a lunch delivery and thus starts this year’s Lieferando fundraiser, in which users of the delivery platform throughout Germany can donate their loyalty points to the children’s project. The 58-year-old sees it as her duty to get involved as a celebrity for a good cause. “I can’t understand the influencers who don’t use this opportunity and just advertise some products.”
Now that the Christmas season is approaching, the focus is more on the idea of charity. What makes the children and youth project “Die Arche” so special?
Natascha Ochsenknecht: I’ve known “Die Arche” for years. I also donate part of the proceeds from my children’s eyewear collection to “Die Arche”. All the better that I can now implement this beautiful campaign together with Lieferando. How “Die Arche” works for families is really unique. They give children and young people self-confidence, encourage them – and as in this case – they ensure that they get healthy and regular meals. And customers can make their own small contribution with the loyalty points they have collected in December and support the foundation. In total, we want to reach a total donation of 45,000 euros, so that “Die Arche” can provide 10,000 meals for the children and young people in its facilities throughout Germany.
Do you see it as an obligation for you to get involved as a celebrity for a good cause?
Ochsenknecht: Definitely. I have also been supporting an orphanage in Tanzania for more than ten years. Many people follow me on social media, I can use this reach to point out grievances or to draw attention to great campaigns like this one. I can’t understand the influencers who don’t use this opportunity and just advertise some products.
Are you particularly keen to donate at Christmas?
Ochsenknecht: I support my projects all year round. But I also understand when people are grateful for what they have at Christmas and want to give something away at exactly that time.
What are you particularly looking forward to in the run-up to Christmas?
Ochsenknecht: I love it when cities are beautifully lit and everything sparkles and shines. I’m now on my bike in Munich, Berlin and Hamburg to deliver food to the children and families. All cities are decorated differently and have a very special charm and I am really looking forward to these winter bike tours of a special kind.
Have you already taken care of the Christmas presents?
Ochsenknecht: My children usually have wish lists – this year they said they were perfectly happy. So I’m going to surprise them. However, I had so much on my plate and filmed so much. I have many ideas and will start next week.
How are you spending Christmas this year?
Ochsenknecht: This year we are celebrating for the first time with Cheyenne, Mavie and Nino at the farm in Graz. I’m very excited and looking forward to it.
Are all your children and grandchildren with you?
Ochsenknecht: We all celebrate together, also with my mother and my brother. And Nino’s whole family is there for the first time.
Are there certain traditions that you keep up year after year?
Ochsenknecht: In any case, there is of course a large decorated tree. My Christmas goose with dumplings and red cabbage is also a must. And of course cookies.
The Christmas season also marks the start of the final sprint for 2022. What is your personal balance sheet for the year?
Ochsenknecht: I can hardly believe that the year is over. There was so much going on and I was able to experience and try out so many new things. I am so thankful that life keeps surprising me.
What do you wish for 2023?
Ochsenknecht: Of course, that all my loved ones are healthy and happy and that things continue to be just as exciting and varied. The second season of our series “Die Ochsenknechts” will start in spring – I’m particularly looking forward to it.
Do you already know how you will spend New Year’s Eve?
Ochsenknecht: I’m not a big New Year’s Eve fan, I decide that spontaneously. Maybe I’ll just stay at home and have a delicious New Year’s Eve menu delivered.