Adolf Paster, born 1930

Founder of the HIFA and its president since 1971

In 1971 my family and I decided that I would give up my profession as manager for a publishing company to run the HIFA. I retired from the HIFA in 1990 but have remained as its president.

Why do I work for the HIFA?

-because my neighbor is as important to me as myself;
-because no one gets full from talking;
-because the HIFA is a good foundation for the realization of the saying “one for all, all for one”;
-because, in its 40 year existence the HIFA has, and is still, achieving this goal.

Mag. Sonja Reiselhuber-Schmoelzer, born 1976

Nutritionist, runs her own business: ernährung e³, Macho & Reiselhuber OEG

I am a member of the HIFA for several years, and since 2009 I am a member of the board of HIFA Austria. I also sponsor a child in Nigeria.

Why do I work for the HIFA?

In my view equity, sustainability and solidarity are important values in order for humans to live together. To this end, through my work with the HIFA, I want to make an active and sustained contribution.

Mag. Silvia Rainer, born 1948

Art Historian and Painter, mother of 8.

I have known and have been associated with the HIFA since 1972. I have sponsored 10 godchildren and I have sat on the board of the HIFA since 1992.

Why do I work for the HIFA?

I have 8 children and therefore I know about the importance education. I am very thankful for having healthy children, therefore I sponsor a godchild for each one of my own, and later on I will sponsor two more. In our board-meetings I work to emphasize the child sponsorship program.

Christine Tarnai-Hammer, MA, born 1949

Mother of three sons, teacher (which also means educator and entertainer), conducts therapeutic painting, part-time lecturer for the Pedagogic University Extension, Master of Arts in Intercultural Competencies.

Has sat on the board of the HIFA as General Secretary since 1992.

Why do I work for the HIFA?

I choose to use my time, knowledge, skills and strength for the purpose of helping others, particularly with a focus on human dignity and justice. My trip to Nigeria in 2003 showed me that people don’t need a handout as much as they need a helping hand in order to help themselves.

Ulrike Mayr, MAS, born 1955

Social Services Manager for Lower Austria, Social Worker, Business Adviser and Consultant.

I have worked for the HIFA since it was founded in 1971and first went to Nigeria in 1975. I have been the General Manager, and Vice-president of the HIFA since 2003.

Why do I work for the HIFA?

I believe it is important to immerse ourselves in other cultures in order to learn from one another that which is possible and about that which touches us.

As General Manager and Vice-President of the HIFA it is very important to me that the administration and organization of the projects is done efficiently and that donations are handled diligently and in a timely manner.

Uwe Kraus, born 1949

Communications Engineer? and Abschluss der Techn. Physik, after several years of industry praxis became a teacher (electronics) at a technical high school for 25 years in Vienna, also serving as a Student Career Adviser

Took part in the ARGE meeting in October 2008 and was co-opted into the HIFA board in 2009.

Why do I work for the HIFA?

Martha Paster, born 1931

Founding member, has worked at the HIFA since its inception. Treasurer and bookkeeper, she has worked without a salary since 1974.

Why do I work for the HIFA?