From Leuven to the Westerwald by bicycle and on foot: As part of the “Kom Op, Cera!” initiative, a delegation from IRU member organisation Cera combined an impressive fundraising tour in support of cancer research with an exploration of the origins and continuing relevance of the cooperative idea. The IRU was delighted to welcome the group on 6 September 2026 in Hamm (Sieg).
The delegation from the Belgian cooperative Cera set out from Leuven and travelled via Genk, the Rhineland and Bonn into the Westerwald. The participants covered the route in different groups, either by bicycle or on foot. Their journey brought together physical activity, social commitment and the cooperative spirit.
Exploring Bonn and continuing towards the Westerwald
On Saturday, 5 September, the delegation reached Bonn. Following a joint lunch in the city centre, part of the group took part in a guided walking tour through Bonn’s historic centre. The participants discovered important landmarks and learned more about the city’s long history and its former role as the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Meanwhile, the cyclists continued their journey from Bonn towards the Westerwald. A group of runners completed the final section to the Westerwald as well.
In the footsteps of Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen
The main cooperative part of the visit took place on Sunday, 6 September, in Hamm (Sieg), the birthplace of Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen.
Mayor Dietmar Henrich warmly welcomed the delegation and introduced Hamm (Sieg) as a municipality that remains closely connected to Raiffeisen and his legacy. He highlighted the continuing importance of cooperatives for the local community and the wider region. The cooperative tradition is still visible in many aspects of local life and continues to shape the identity of Hamm (Sieg).
IRU Secretary General Andreas Kappes and Korbinian März then presented the International Raiffeisen Union, its worldwide network and its current priorities. The exchange illustrated how Raiffeisen’s principles have developed into an international movement that today connects cooperative organisations across countries, regions and sectors.
Particular attention was given to the IRU’s activities in cooperative education and knowledge-sharing. The new training programmes within the Raiffeisen Ambassador Product Family attracted considerable interest. The discussion focused on how cooperative identity, member orientation and Raiffeisen’s principles can be communicated to new generations of cooperative leaders and employees. The participants also exchanged ideas on the importance of international learning and direct cooperation between IRU member organisations.
Raiffeisen’s life and ideas in their historical context
During a guided tour of the German Raiffeisen Museum, the delegation learned more about the life and work of Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen. Born in Hamm (Sieg) in 1818, Raiffeisen experienced poverty and hardship from an early age. Later, as mayor of Weyerbusch, Flammersfeld and Heddesdorf, he searched for practical and sustainable ways to improve the lives of rural communities.
The museum visit placed the development of his cooperative ideas within the social and economic challenges of the 19th century. It showed how Raiffeisen gradually moved from charitable assistance towards organised self-help, self-responsibility and self-administration. These principles formed the basis of a cooperative model that subsequently spread around the world.
The discussions also demonstrated how relevant these ideas remain today. Cooperatives continue to bring people together, strengthen local communities and create solutions based on participation and shared responsibility.
A cooperative conclusion
The visit concluded at the restaurant of the local brewing cooperative “Zum Raiffeisen”. Good food, locally brewed cooperative beer and many enjoyable conversations provided a fitting conclusion to the weekend.
The IRU sincerely thanks Cera for this memorable visit and for its remarkable “Kom Op, Cera!” initiative in support of cancer research. Our thanks also go to Mayor Dietmar Henrich and our colleagues in Hamm (Sieg) for their warm hospitality and their continued commitment to keeping Raiffeisen’s legacy alive.
It was a great pleasure for the IRU to welcome such an active, committed and dynamic group. The visit was a powerful example of cooperation in action: moving together, taking responsibility and making a difference.
