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Christmas comes twice in Switzerland

Unwanted presents are handled by the post office Keystone

Instead of throwing out unwanted Christmas gifts, or leaving them to languish in cupboards, the Swiss are being asked to hand their presents over to the Post Office for re-distribution to needy people.

The “Twice Christmas” campaign is run in conjunction with the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation and the Red Cross from December 24 until January 6.

The campaign organisers are asking in particular for non-perishable foodstuffs, toiletries, toys and new children’s clothes and shoes.

The items received will be distributed to social institutions and needy individuals in Switzerland. Old people and large families in Belarus and Ukraine are also set to benefit.

Packaged gifts can be handed in at all post offices throughout Switzerland. From there they will be delivered free of charge to the Red Cross.

The “Twice Christmas” campaign is now entering its fourth year. Last year over 40,000 parcels containing unwanted gifts were handed over.

swissinfo with agencies




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