Swiss show solidarity in relief fundraising
The Swiss donated around SFr23.7 million ($20.5 million) to Swiss Solidarity in 2009 for the victims of disasters in countries across the world.
The fundraising charity, led by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, swissinfo.ch’s parent company, said on Friday that SFr13.2 million alone came from an official fundraising day for Asia.
Last year was marked by fundraising campaigns for Gaza, the earthquake in Italy and the floods in Africa .
The national fundraising day for Asia, which took place in October, was to help those in typhoon-ravished regions of Southeast Asia, earthquake survivors in Sumatra and flood victims in India.
The last day of this kind took place in August 2005 for the victims of floods in Switzerland.
In all, SFr33.4 million was used for relief projects in 2009 and 133 new programmes were approved in 30 countries.
Swiss Solidarity also helps needy children around the world as well as individuals facing financial difficulties in Switzerland.
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