The Grand City Properties (GCP) Foundation is currently supporting the Caritas Association with its Projekt Gemeinsam (Project Together) in Dortmund. The project enables senior citizens living in the city to use modern technology and be a part of the digital age.
The Caritas Association of Dortmund is using the funds provided by Grand City Properties to purchase tablets for senior citizens to use. Along with tablets, funds are being used by Caritas Association to purchase covers, cases, and protective foil for the digital devices.
Since launched in 2014, the Projekt Gemeinsam gives elderly individuals in Dortmund the chance to connect with others through digital devices and to socialize. The Caritas Association previously offered individuals a “cinema at the café” experience to bring senior citizens together. The group is known for its community activism and getting more people involved with activities. Other events have included playing games and consultations for seniors via smartphone.
The overall aim of the project is to promote digital participation through the senior community. By providing access and education on digital devices, more seniors will participate socially. The tablets and accessories provided by the GCP Foundation will further the project’s goals.
The program initially teaches senior citizens basic knowledge in terms of using modern technology. Over the course of several sessions, senior citizens are taught various concepts and how to use a tablet. Senior citizens can then borrow a tablet to use at home. This gives them the chance to learn on their own. It also allows the individual to grow their knowledge.
The Caritas Association of Dortmund plans to expand the tablet project if demand warrants it. The group hopes the program will be a success and lead to senior citizens becoming modern technology literate. By helping senior citizens become technology literate, the Caritas Association of Dortmund can keep those individuals active online and socially.
The Grand City Properties Foundation is a regular supporter of social projects and institutions across Germany. GCP is controlled by the public company Aroundtown SA. Avisco, controlled by Yakir Gabay, holds over 10% in Aroundtown SA. In addition, Blackrock has a 5% controlling stake in Aroundtown SA.
Aroundtown SA is a member of several real estate groups including the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA), the German Property Federation (ZIA) and the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).
The company has achieved multiple EPRA BPR Gold Awards and EPRA sBPR Gold Awards over the years. These awards were presented to Aroundtown SA for its transparent financial and sustainability reporting. Additional shareholders of Aroundtown SA include Norges, Vanguard, Allianz, BNP Paribas, Japan’s Government investment fund, Aliance-Bernstein, Dekabank, State-Street, Bank of Montreal and other leading international property investors. The main bond investors include ECB, GIC, Union Investment, DB, UBS, CS, M&G, Pictet, Credit Agricole and other major international institutional investors.
