100 years of FreiLacke – 100 reasons to do good
FreiLacke looks back on 100 years of company history – characterised by innovation, development and success based on partnership.
This special anniversary is an occasion not only to look back, but also to consciously look ahead: with responsibility for the region and for the people who make it what it is.
In its anniversary year 2026, FreiLacke is sending a strong signal for social commitment. Over a period of twelve months, a total of twelve social projects will be supported and implemented under the campaign name “AKTION 100”.
Each project has a special connection to the number 100 – creative, surprising and with a clear message: solidarity and appreciation.
The details of each project will be revealed on a monthly basis. One thing is already certain: the focus will be on social initiatives, associations, institutions and people who deserve support or who can be made truly happy by a good deed. Regional relevance plays just as important a role as sustainable commitment.
Each month, the currently supported project is presented and made visible – as part of an anniversary year that has an impact far beyond the company itself.
100 food donations for the Donaueschingen animal shelter
At the Donaueschingen animal shelter, six full-time employees, one part-time employee and two trainees are currently working to ensure the welfare of the animals. Many of them have additional qualifications, e.g. as dog trainers, and are also active outside their working hours – for example, in rescue dog teams or in searching for African swine fever carcasses. This extraordinary commitment deserves great respect.
Currently, 66 animals are being cared for at the shelter, including 18 dogs and 48 cats. Small animals are also regularly part of the care programme.
As part of the first sub-project, “ACTION 100 – 100 good reasons to do good”, FreiLacke provided 100 animal feed donations for these animals – as a token of appreciation for the valuable work carried out by the entire team on a daily basis.
The donation was handed over by Thomas Vetter and Daniela Grätsch, members of our FreiLacke DO Team (Development & Orientation Programme), which organised the implementation of all 12 campaigns in close cooperation with the marketing department.
We hope that this campaign will also continue to draw attention to the important work done by the animal shelter. Support is always welcome – for example, we are currently looking for construction companies to rebuild the car park, but so far we have unfortunately received mostly negative responses.
Further information on the work of the animal shelter:
www.tierheim-donaueschingen.de
We wish all animal residents bon appétit and, above all, a safe, warm and loving home for the future.
February
Where care is part of everyday life
After donating 100 meals to the Donaueschingen animal shelter, this month we were able to deliver 100 meals to the residents of the Bräunlingen senior citizens’ centre.
The centre lives up to its motto, “We care for humanity,” every single day. We were particularly impressed by the dedication of the staff, who ensure a strong community with their heart, professionalism and genuine care.
With our donation, we wanted to send a message: you are a valuable and cherished part of our society. Because strong solidarity is crucial – both then and now.
And we’re continuing! The next project is already in the starting blocks. Stay tuned to see where the “100” takes us next.
Anyone who would like to support the valuable work in Bräunlingen can do so via the Caritasverband für den Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis e.V. (Caritas Association for the Schwarzwald-Baar District). Every contribution counts.
A new lease of life for the construction trailer at the nature nursery
Support for the construction trailer at the Donaueschingen Nature Kindergarten
At the Donaueschingen Nature Kindergarten, the site hut is due for renovation. To ensure that this important place for the children to retreat to and spend time in can continue to be used safely, the floor and roof need to be replaced.
Most of the necessary work is carried out by dedicated parents themselves. However, donations are needed to cover the cost of the required materials.
As part of the “Aktion100” campaign to mark the company’s 100th anniversary, Freilacke is supporting local clubs and organisations – including this project.
This way, the site hut can soon once again become a safe and cosy place for the children to enjoy many nature and learning adventures.
April
From Easter egg hunts to the joy of discovery
Just in time for Easter, things got particularly heart-warming here:
FreiLacke was able to present 100 lovingly put-together Easter gifts to the children at St. Marien Catholic Nursery School in Döggingen.
Even though the weather didn’t quite play along, plans were quickly changed – and with a real highlight: the children were able to explore the adjacent, almost completed new building!
Between the new premises and exciting discoveries, it was then time for an Easter egg hunt – with lots of sparkling eyes and plenty of joy.
Particular emphasis was placed on local produce and sustainability:
The hampers were put together and packed by Faller Butchers in Bräunlingen – featuring colourful Easter mugs and healthy (rather than sweet) treats. This allowed us not only to bring joy, but also to convey important values such as mindful eating and local produce in a fun way.
A big thank you to everyone involved who made this special day possible!
A picture is worth a thousand words
But what happens when children use colours to tell the story of their world?
As part of our ‘Campaign 100’ to mark FreiLacke’s 100th anniversary, we wanted to create something that perfectly reflects who we are: a project centred on colour.
And who still experiences colours with genuine curiosity, boundless imagination and wide-eyed wonder? Children.
That’s why, in May, we teamed up with a nursery school to launch the campaign ‘How colourful do you see the world?’. The task was very simple: draw your world as you see it.
No guidelines, no marking. Whether it was watercolours, crayons or other materials – every child was free to decide for themselves how to put their ideas down on paper. Because it was precisely this freedom that mattered to us.
The results moved us deeply.
The result was a wealth of artwork brimming with imagination, joy and personality. Every picture is unique. Every picture offers a glimpse into a world that is often far more colourful than that of adults.
In every single piece, you can sense the enthusiasm with which it was painted – and it is precisely this enthusiasm that drives us at FreiLacke every day.
Because, for us, paint is far more than just a product. Paint evokes emotions. Paint brings people together. Paint brings ideas to life.
As a thank you for their hard work, we presented the children with a selection of paints and brushes. We hope this will help their creativity to flourish and that they will continue to enjoy creating for many years to come.
For us, this project was one of the highlights of our centenary year. It reminded us why we have been working with colour for 100 years: because it moves people, inspires them and makes their eyes light up.
Thank you to all the young artists who have shown us just how colourful the world really can be.
© FreiLacke – Emil Frei GmbH & Co. KG, 2026
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