TV chef Nelson Müller in an interview about volunteering

According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs, around 29 million people in Germany are currently committed to the common good in our society. Volunteering is regarded as the ‘engine of our democracy’. The Ecclesia Group not only protects volunteers through their sponsors, many of our employees also volunteer in their free time. Prominent men and women such as Nelson Müller are also actively committed to helping their fellow human beings. In this interview, the TV chef, restaurateur, presenter and singer talks about his wide-ranging voluntary work and explains why it is particularly close to his heart.
 

Mr Müller, you volunteer for several social projects, charitable associations and initiatives. How did the idea come about and what motivates you?

Nelson Müller: That was a very inspiring journey for me. I have been a member of the international and social network Rotary for several years. Our primary aim is to actively support our fellow human beings who need help. It was also at Rotary that I met Tim Geldmacher, who recently received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his voluntary work. He introduced me to the volunteer agency in Essen. That really touched me. It was and still is fascinating to see how many people are involved in voluntary work and how important this commitment is for the functioning of our society. As a chef and entrepreneur, I am often very busy with my own projects. This encounter made me realise how much solidarity, compassion and meaningful charity projects exist here in Germany and around the world. That is very motivating. Sometimes I also help personally on site.
 

You are involved in Essen, where you opened your first gourmet restaurant ‘Schote’ in 2009. Is this city and its people particularly close to your heart?

Yes, definitely. I'm not a fan of what is called ‘new colonialism’. In other words, projects where, for example, African children and their families are put on public display. Instead, I believe in intercultural exchange on an equal footing. Be it on a cultural, economic or sporting level. That's why I find it more coherent to get involved locally in Essen. There are also many people here who need support - whether because of illness or because they didn't have the same opportunities as me. Innovative projects such as the Essen Volunteer Agency are very close to my heart.

Can you please tell us about the volunteer agency and your work for it?

With pleasure. Ehrenamtsagentur Essen is involved in various areas.  For example, we repair playgrounds, organise cookery courses and give German lessons to refugees. Another project I am involved in is the ‘Spirit of Hospitality’. This involves providing food for children who go to school or nursery. I also support the Essener Tafel food bank and I am involved in various projects for the Menschenmögliches association, for example looking after children whose parents are seriously ill.
 

Henning Baum and you act together as patrons for Menschenmögliches. The actor was born in Essen. How did you get to know him?

Henning Baum and I actually got to know each other better through our joint commitment. We met on a project and immediately hit it off. Although we are very different - he is the tall blonde rocker and I am the Afro chef (laughs) - we have developed a very good friendship. Henning is a very witty and sensitive person. I enjoy supporting and realising projects together with him.
 

What characterises the projects and what events and experiences do you particularly remember?

Menschenmögliches is a very special organisation, the chairman of the board is also Tim Geldmacher. The members work on a voluntary basis to support families during illness and bereavement - especially children whose parents are seriously or even terminally ill. The aim is to support those affected in these difficult times and also to enable dying adults to spend the last days of their lives surrounded by their loved ones. This project offers not only logistical support, but also emotional support. It is incredibly touching and valuable to be a part of it. For example, we organised a Christmas Soul event, which was also attended by many of those affected. It was moving to see how music and community can provide comfort in these moments. My friend Philipp Poisel, singer and songwriter, and I also performed there together.
 

You are also active as patron of the Flizmobil project organised by the Social Service of Catholic Women (SkF) of Caritas Essen. What is this about?

The Flizmobil is a mobile health promotion programme in primary schools in the city of Essen. Healthy eating and the promotion of exercise and relaxation for children, parents and teachers are the central themes. A mobile cookery box and an exercise box are used, usually in the classrooms. The preventative activities help the children to learn to recognise and understand their own eating habits, develop a sense of physical and health well-being, recognise dangers and take responsibility for themselves. It is also about learning the principles of a healthy and balanced diet and finding a responsible approach to food. I am happy to support this with full conviction.


You talk about the ‘For A Reason’ project on your website. What can you tell us about it?

The ‘For A Reason’ project is a new initiative with the philosophy that if you are doing well, you should give some of it away to help others. The project brings different organisations together to promote exchange and cooperation. It is unique in Essen and shows how indispensable voluntary work is for a functioning society. Around 2,000 pupils at 14 primary schools in Essen benefit from this programme. The aim here is to offer children a good basis for life and to show them how important it is to stand up for others. It's always a challenge to reconcile all these projects with my work as a chef and entrepreneur, but I find it incredibly rewarding.
 

You make music together with rapper and actor Eko Fresh. He supported you at a charity event in Essen. What does that mean to you?

Eko Fresh is not only a good friend, but also someone who is involved in many areas. Our friendship and our collaboration in music are characterised by an open heart and the desire to help others. It's inspiring to see how Eko uses his opportunities to do good. He also motivates me to stay involved. It helps that we use our visibility and platform to raise awareness of important issues and inspire others to get involved too.
 

As a chef and nutrition expert, you deal intensively with topics such as animal welfare and sustainability, for example in TV reports. Do you also speak about this live in front of a larger audience?

Yes, I am regularly invited to speak about these topics at events. As a chef in particular, I have a special responsibility to use resources sustainably. I give talks on this and often talk about how important it is to avoid meat from factory farming and promote plant-based nutrition. Our planetary boundaries have already been reached in many areas and it is important that we as a society rethink. As a keynote speaker, I share my experiences and approaches on how we can all contribute to a more sustainable way of life.
 

What do you recommend to people who are considering volunteering?

I always try to make it clear that volunteering not only helps those who need support, but is also incredibly enriching for people who are motivated to volunteer. There are so many ways to get involved. Be it through time, knowledge or resources. Every little contribution counts and can make a big difference. It is important that we are aware of our responsibility and that we work towards a caring and compassionate society.