About 90 mountain families need help, Caritas said on Wednesday. They are struggling because of factors including illness, accidents, pregnancy, bad weather or urgent need for construction work. It says the number of volunteers is lower this year because foreign travel is possible once again.
The relief organisation is looking for mentally and physically healthy people aged 17-70 who can lend a hand and appreciate an insight into a new world. It says this volunteer work often leads to lifelong friendships.
Caritas often intervenes to help farmers in need. Volunteers, often from abroad, can opt to work on farms with particularly low incomes. There’s a lot to do, such as milking cows, making hay, raking stones, chopping wood and fixing fences. The farmers offer a rich learning experience against a backdrop of Alpine scenery.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
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Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
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Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
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St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
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The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
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The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
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In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
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As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
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After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
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Trying not to slip while walking across a muddy slope, I wondered why farmers hadn’t sold out long ago and moved to towns for a more comfortable life.
Why urbanites in Switzerland give generously to mountain farmers
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Identity and patriotism play a big role in motivating people in the cities to come to the aid of struggling Alpine farmers.
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Swiss Mountain Aid last year funded over 500 livelihood projects in the Swiss Alps to the tune of SFr20 million ($18.9 million) to help people carve out an existence in the tough alpine environment. “Huge solidarity is essential to keep the mountain regions alive,” Hugo Höhn, director of Swiss Mountain Aid, told a media conference…
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