Swiss Volunteers would like to thank all volunteers for their loyal commitment.
Since 1986, the "International Volunteers Day" has been held on the 5th of December to honour the tireless and valuable work of volunteers for the benefit of society. The non-profit organisation Swiss Volunteers, which is active throughout Switzerland, uses this day as an opportunity to thank the thousands of volunteers for their commitment at sporting and cultural events and to draw attention to the importance of volunteering. In 2020, a year marked by Covid-19, the event organisers were once again able to rely on the active support of the volunteers.
Volunteers' commitment unbroken despite the Corona virus
Since 2005, the non-profit organisation Swiss Volunteers has been coordinating up to 100 events in the fields of sport and culture every year and promoting the value of volunteer work throughout Switzerland. The Corona crisis has made many people more aware of the importance of volunteering. The civic commitment of the Swiss* complements professional services and welfare state services during this difficult time. "The commitment of the Swiss people remains high, also in the event sector," notes Managing Director Mark Wirz. "However, we are observing that volunteers at sporting and cultural events are facing new challenges." Many procedures can only be implemented at short notice due to the lack of planning certainty. Hygiene measures have to be observed and a protection concept and attendance lists for the volunteers are required. Despite these difficult circumstances, the registered volunteers contributed many hours in 2020, making it possible to hold 25 events. As a thank-you, Swiss Volunteers, in cooperation with its long-standing partner gazenergie, is giving away attractive prizes to all active volunteers on the occasion of International Volunteers' Day. Andreas Mehr, Head of Sponsoring and Sustainability at gazenergie, explains the commitment: "On 5 December, volunteer work is given the appreciation and attention it deserves at an international level. The Swiss Gas Industry Association is a proud partner of Swiss Volunteers and supports volunteering with its members through various activities."
Appreciation, thanks and recognition for volunteers all year round
The 5th of December is a day for Swiss Volunteers to say thank you. But appreciating volunteers is a year-round endeavour. Swiss Volunteers focuses on various events and projects in this area. These include cantonal volunteer awards and the election of the "Swiss Volunteer of the Year". This year, Martha Hildebrandt, nominated by the Lenzerheide Biathlon Events, won the final online vote. She received more than half of all votes from the registered volunteers. This year, the honouring was carried out directly by the organisers in a Corona-compliant setting. Christian Barandun, head of volunteers at Biathlon Events, and Silvio Baselgia, managing director of the Biathlon Arena Lenzerheide, presented the trophy and the attractive gazenergie prize to the proud winner on behalf of Swiss Volunteers. The appreciation surrounding the "Swiss Volunteer of the Year" award also took place digitally. The numerous positive reactions across all channels underline the importance of this honour for all involved.
Swiss Volunteers is ready "now more than ever"
Sporting and cultural events are an integral part of our everyday lives and contribute to a functioning society. For this reason, Swiss Volunteers hopes that numerous events can take place again in 2021. One positive piece of news, for example, was the decision that the Winter Universiade could be postponed. It is expected to take place from 11 - 21 December 2021. Many other events, such as the International Lauberhorn Races in Wengen or various gymnastics festivals, are working flat out to be staged. Mark Wirz: "Our registered Volunteers and we are ready to start again next year according to the motto "Now more than ever".
We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Media enquiries to: Mark Wirz, Managing Director () Murielle Saxer, Communications ()