The Zirl Parent and Child Centre (EKIZ) is facing a decisive change:

The existing lease expires on 31 August 2025 and will not be extended due to the landlord's own requirements.

Over the past 15 years, the EKIZ has established itself as an important contact point for families and offers a wide range of programmes for early childhood development and social interaction.

For a new location, additional funding is urgently needed to relocate, furnish and finance the premises.

Together we can ensure that the EKIZ remains a place of encounter and support in the future. Every contribution counts!

Association activities - The EKIZ Zirl introduces itself!

The EKIZ Zirl has been supporting families in different life situations for over 15 years. It is a place of encounter and education for (expectant) parents, single parents, grandparents and children of all ages, offering a space for encounters and exchange that promotes free, self-determined play, early childhood development from birth to school age and parental education.

Our wide range of services extends from pregnancy courses to an advice centre for parents and special programmes for grandparents.

Our managing director Martina Sterner heads the organisation, coordinates activities with her team - mostly on a voluntary basis - and promotes cooperation between parents, children and course leaders to ensure that all courses, workshops, lectures and open meetings run smoothly.

The association's board, led by chairman Martin Pardeller and treasurer Agnes Preishuber, represents the association externally, takes care of financial matters and makes strategic decisions in line with the purpose of the association.

The EKIZ's services are primarily aimed at (expectant) parents, children and families, but are also increasingly attracting the attention of senior citizens, especially grandparents. This means that it covers almost the entire age structure from 0 to 99 years and appeals to people of all income levels and educational backgrounds. In terms of marital status, our target group is diverse: it includes married couples and partnerships with one or more children, as well as single mothers and fathers. Both women and men use the programmes, although women are currently still in the majority.

A new club location is urgently needed

After more than ten years, our existing lease will expire on 31 August 2025 and will not be extended due to our own requirements. The EKIZ has not had to pay rent so far, only operating and consumption costs (electricity, water, etc.). The search for a new location has proved extremely difficult.

The properties currently available are either in serious need of refurbishment, unsuitable due to their size or facilities, or too expensive. We have now found a suitable location that fulfils our requirements and the requirements of the authorities. It would also be easily accessible with direct links to public transport and parking facilities. The premises offer a good room height for games and exercise classes, have sufficient sanitary facilities and a kitchen and are barrier-free. Unfortunately, we do not receive any funding from the municipality or the state for the relocation or the premises, which is why we are asking for support in this way.