"Many Berliners are volunteering right now during the holidays to help people in need, the homeless, through telephone counselling services or simply in their neighbourhood," Wegner said in a video posted on social media. "This is humanity in action, this is solidarity in action," the CDU politician continued. "And that is exactly what makes our city special, that despite all our differences, we can be there for each other." Wegner also thanked police officers, firefighters, rescue workers, doctors and nurses, and local transport and emergency service employees. He wished them and everyone else a restful Christmas season.