In the summer, devastating storms hit the cantons of Graubünden, Ticino and Valais. Several people lost their lives and hundreds were left homeless. With the support of the SRG, Swiss Solidarity collected around CHF 13 million in donations and was able to provide emergency aid in the first few days after the storms, in collaboration with the authorities. The foundation’s emergency aid covered the most urgent needs of private individuals. Among other things, Swiss Solidarity covered the costs of emergency accommodation, transport, new clothes or furniture that had been destroyed by the storms. In this now completed phase, Swiss Solidarity provided support to over 250 affected households, contributing around one million francs.
One resident of the Sous-Géronde neighbourhood in Sierre said of this support: ‘We really felt the solidarity. Many people were affected and it did us good to know that people as far away as Zurich and Geneva and other parts of Switzerland, as well as the Swiss Solidarity, were thinking of us.’ Another local resident mentioned that he was able to find temporary accommodation thanks to the support. He was also able to buy clothes and other essential items. This support was an “incredible help”.
Now that the immediate aid phase is over, Swiss Solidarity is concentrating on covering longer-term additional costs and other uncovered costs. These include higher rents, transport costs and the remaining costs of damage to houses, furniture and cars. In addition, Swiss Solidarity supports small businesses and charitable projects and, to a limited extent, affected communities, for example in processing applications from victims.
The Foundation’s support is always subsidiary, i.e. in addition to the aid provided by the public sector and insurance companies. Swiss Solidarity covers the costs that remain after insurance companies, the public sector or other actors have been reimbursed.
I was deeply shocked by the extent of the destruction on the ground. Thanks to the great solidarity of the Swiss people, we have been able to help those affected by the storms both in the immediate aftermath and in the long term. It is important for us to work together with the communities and the donation committees to ensure that our aid reaches the people who need it most.Stefanie Werder, Responsible for projects in Switzerland
Swiss Solidarity, 1211 Geneva 8
Your donation is tax deductible in Switzerland.
