Skip to content

How a Simple Meal Sparked a Citywide Kindness Movement in Giessen

A year ago, Bayram Dalkilic turned spare change into a lifeline. Now, his *Pay It Forward* campaign is feeding thousands—and proving kindness is contagious.

In the middle of this image, there is a Christmas tree arranged on the road, on which there are...
In the middle of this image, there is a Christmas tree arranged on the road, on which there are persons. On the left side, there is a flag attached to a pole. On the right side, there is another flag attached to a another pole. In the background, there are buildings which are having lights.

Initiator: Great Success for Action "I Pay for Two" - How a Simple Meal Sparked a Citywide Kindness Movement in Giessen

A simple act of kindness in Giessen has grown into a citywide movement. Bayram Dalkilic launched the Pay It Forward campaign a year ago, and its success has surprised even him. What began as a way to help those struggling to afford food has now earned widespread recognition—and a few unexpected perks for its founder.

The idea struck Dalkilic after he repeatedly met people asking for food on the streets. He wanted to create a system where generosity could spread effortlessly. The campaign works like this: when customers buy a meal, they can leave extra money to pay for another meal for someone in need. Over time, thousands of meals have been funded this way.

The Pay It Forward campaign has already covered thousands of meals for those in need. With more businesses joining and public events like the rose giveaway, its reach continues to grow. For Dalkilic, the focus remains on turning small acts of kindness into lasting change for Giessen.

Read also:

Latest