Candles were lit in public squares and on buildings all over Switzerland as it grew dark on Saturday, as a sign of solidarity with people living in poverty.
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The action, entitled “one million stars” was organised by regional Caritas organisations and their project partners. It took place in more than 100 towns and villages.
One of the biggest events was held in front of the parliament buildings in Bern, where various local personalities took part.
People were invited to make a contribution to have a candle lit on their behalf.
About 200,000 people are reported to have gone to see the candles.
The money is to be used to help children of poor families, who find themselves disadvantaged in many areas of life, including education and health.
Caritas says that offering help where it is needed, regardless of nationality and ideology, is an important contribution to social integration.
According to the organisation’s website, about 260,000 children in the Switzerland are currently living in poverty.
The “one million stars” event has been held every year in the weekend before Christmas for the last seven years.
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