Hilfe-Jetz.ch is an an umbrella organisation bringing together volunteers in these difficult times to support those most at risk in Zurich. We recently wrote about Einanderhelfen.ch (see article here) and many people have contacted ask us to what other organisations are helping people too. Here we have a list of some other Corona Support initiatives, which are all covered on Hilfe-Jetz’s website in German.
Tel Natalia: 077 463 54 96 (SMS, Whatsapp, Telegram)
Tel Simon: 079 706 95 74 (SMS, Whatsapp, Telegram) .
If you are in the Covid-19 Risk Group stay at home and they will do everything you need – shopping, going to the post, taking out the rubbish, dealing with authorities etc. Volunteers just need to register and will coordinate.
People who are not in the at risk group do weekend shopping for those who are in the “at risk” category. Only to be used by those who are really at risk.
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Klima-Sihltal Mittelleimbach bis Wolishoferberg 8002, 8038, 8041
Einanderhelfen – How To Help Others in Times of COVID-19
A new platform was launched last week in Switzerland to help the most vulnerable people to cope with everyday life with the threat of COVID-19. Called www.einanderhelfen.ch it was founded by four Swiss people as a platform where volunteers can advertise their services in a bid to help those in need. This initiative helps to ensure that people who are at risk are able to safely stay at home to avoid the risk of serious illness and any subsequent overload on the health system.
The four founders, Kevin Dick, Cyrill Tröndle and Adrian Thoma, realising the seriousness of the COVID-19 situation created the marketplace so that vulnerable people and volunteers can get in contact easily. The idea is that all those in “at risk” groups stay at home and do not become infected with the virus, thus not requiring any health care.
The Platform Bring Together Volunteers & Those In Need
The platform www.einanderhelfen.ch has now gone live and you can search for help by location and by topic. Volunteers offer their services, such as running errands, support with computer problems, gardening, caring for pets or waste disposal by registering on the platform and those seeking help can search though the offers.
An Example From the Home Page of einanderhelfen.ch:
All of this is done anonymously and to begin with only the request and an approximate location are visible. As soon as the selected request is clicked, a form goes to the person to be contacted and it can then be discussed individually.
The founders are urgently appealing to the people of Switzerland to show solidarity and be part of this community to overcome this crisis together. For those who don’t have access to the Internet, www.einanderhelfen.ch provides forms that can be filled in.
Both the use of the platform and the work done by the volunteers is free of charge. If you would like to volunteer or would just like more information visit www.einanderhelfen.ch here.
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Every two years the Swiss Red Cross holds a charity event in Zurich to raise much needed funds to support the valuable work they do all over the world. In 2017 the event was held at the Dolder Grand (see here) and this year the venue was Haus Am See, which is situated near Wollishofen, directly on Lake Zurich.
The Cause – Healthy Children Need Strong Mothers
The event was hosted by Christa Rigozzi, who as a mother of twins, was very happy to support this year’s cause which was entitled “Healthy Children Need Strong Mothers”.
Christa Rigozzi with DJ Antoine and Tanja Wegmann
Evelyn Gorgos and DJ Antoine
Annemarie Huber-Hotz
According to Annemarie Huber-Hotz, the President of the Swiss Red Cross, every day 15,000 children and 830 mothers die all over the world. The Red Cross is committed to helping those most in danger. In 2017 alone, 5.3 million children under the age of 5 died. The main causes are complications in childbirth and disease. The organisation is active in over 30 countries around the world to help the world’s poorest and most vulnerable. The aim of this event was to raise funds to support the Red Cross’s work in this area across the globe.
The Gala Evening
The event was very elegant affair and the gala consisted of a champagne reception, followed by a series of presentations and then the gala dinner.
The dinner was absolutely delicious and the young chefs Sandro Zinggeler, Sandro Dubach and Olivier Bur who did the catering, did a magnificent job.
Afterwards there was a tombola, a live auction and a silent auction.
The Jelmoli tombola prizes.
Christa Rigozzi and Atossa Meier of Elle Gallery where three of her gallery’s artworks were auctioned
Maria Savastano
Jan, Regula and Jaz Brucker
When the auctions ended and the dinner was over, guests enjoyed a live concert.
This was followed with more dancing, this time to DJ Antoine.
The Committee
The Committee who had helped organise this year’s event consisted of Nicole Kunz, Franziska Tschudi Sauber, Astrid von Stockar, Tanja Wegmann, Jan E. Brucker, Frank Bodin and Andreas Wyss along with the president Annemarie Huber-Hotz and director, Markus Mader.
DJ Antoine, Siro Barino & Tanja Wegmann
The event was put on by Siro Barino of Barino Consulting. If you would like to get in touch to help support the Red Cross with the sponsoring of future events, the sponsorship manager is Marisa Schnurrenberger. For further information on the work of the Swiss Red Cross please see here.
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Bärenland Arosa – Bears Rescued by Vier Pfoten in Switzerland
Now Living Happily in Arosa
Meimo and Amelia the new Albanian bears at Arosa Bärenland
At the beginning of February two more rescued bears, Meimo and Amelia, joined Napa at Arosa Bear Sanctuary in the beautiful Swiss Alps. Napa is a former circus bear from Serbia and has been living at the Arosa Bear Sanctuary since July 2018.
Once again the Albanian bears had been rescued from dreadful conditions. Meimo and Amelia, both 13 years old had lived in a private mini zoo attached to a restaurant and had been accommodated in a small 60 square metre enclosure for most of their lives.
As with Napa the bears ascended the middle station at Arosa by gondola but instead of the warm Summer weather Napa was greeted with in July, the mountains in Arosa are covered right now with snow and the bears will be hibernating.
Napa at Arosa Bärenland
According to reports from the bear sanctuary, Amelia and Meimo’s initial reaction seems to be very positive and they have already shown interest in their new home, exploring their surroundings and making themselves comfortable.
Apparently Napa has appeared a little puzzled and very curious by the arrival of his new neighbours and the aim is to socialise the bears in the outdoor enclosure in the Spring. With three hectares of mountain space available to the bears at the sanctuary in Arosa offers plenty of space for each bear to retreat at any time.
We hope you’ve been enjoying the recent sunny weather in Zurich. The good news is that according to the forecast it’s set to be continuing for a while longer! 🙂 Check out the latest events and happenings in Zurich and Switzerland below and we wish you a great week ahead.
WHITE TURF ST MORITZ 17th FEBRUARY: The final glamorous White Turf event is taking place on Sunday 17th February on the frozen lake at St Moritz – the White Turf horse races. Find out all about White Turf here.
UK RESIDENTS IN SWITZERLAND & BREXIT – BRITISH EMBASSY ROADSHOWS: The British Embassy are running a series of roadshows all over Switzerland to inform UK residents in Switzerland about how they will be affected by Brexit. Read all about it here.
HOW GOOD IS YOUR GERMAN (honestly?): Then why not sign up for a free no obligation trial lesson with Yvonne from The German Language School in Egg? Yvonne has years of experience in helping expats reach their desired level of learning, for preparing students for the IB and for the Goethe Institute and lots more. What’s more she believes one of the most important things in learning a language is to make it fun. Find out more here.
SWISS MOTO EXHIBITION 21st – 24th FEB: If you’re a motorbike enthusiast you may wish to make your way to the Swiss Moto Exhibition taking place from 21st – 24th February at the Messe Zurich.Find out more here.
EINFACH ZÜRICH EXHIBITION AT THE SWISS NATIONAL EXHIBITION: Why not take a look at the “Simply Zurich” exhibition at the Landesmuseum, which is all about Zurich. Find out more here.
NEW LOOK HUBLOT BOUTIQUE ZURICH: The Hublot Boutique at 44 Bahnhofstrasse Zurich has undergone a facelift and now looks fresher, larger and brighter. Their new watch collection which was recently displayed at SIHH in Geneva is now available in store to be viewed. For more information why not pop over and take a look or find out all about it here.
AURORIUM ZURICH ON NOW UNTIL 10th MARCH: You may have seen our article about the Genesis illumination show as part of the LILU light festival in Lucerne. Well now “Aurorium”, a 30-minute illumination show is taking place in the Offene Kirche St Jakob in Stauffacherstrasse 8, 8004 Zurich until 15th March. Tickets CHF 10 and children CHF 5. See more here.
Tsewang in Zurich
THE INSPIRING STORY OF NEPALESE EXPAT TSEWANG & HOW YOU CAN HELP: Nepalese student Tsewang has grasped every opportunity that life has come her way and in her latest bid to get to university in the Netherlands, you may be able to help. Find out more about this brave and courageous young woman here.
WINE TASTING AT THE DOLDER GRAND 23rd & 24th FEBRUARY: The Matter of Taste wine tasting event is taking place at The Dolder Grand on 23rd & 24th February. For tickets and more information see here.
PHOTOBASTEI PUNK & BANKSY EXHIBITION UNTIL 3rd MAR: The Photobastei is holding a series of exhibitions until 3rd March under the theme “Punk”. One of the exhibitions it all about Banksy the famous graffiti artist. Find out more (in German) here.
ZÜRICARNEVAL 8th – 11th MARCH: Zurich’s Fasnacht experience takes place in the city from the 8th – 11th March with the parade taking place on Sunday 10th March at 2.30pm.
BASLER FASNACHT 11th – 13th MARCH: The famous Basler Fasnacht takes place in Basel from 11th – 13th March and begins on the Monday at 4am with Morgenstrich. Find out more here.
RIGHT TO PLAY EDUCATIONAL LUNCH (CHARITY) 26th MARCH: Gain first-hand insight into the work of charity “Right To Play” with children in areas where conflict, disease and poverty make life and development extremely challenging. They are hosting an Educational Lunch on Tuesday 26th March from 12 noon to 2pm at Rahn+Bodmer Co., Talstrasse 15, 8022 Zurich. Please click here for the Educational Lunch online registration
THE ICE SKATING RINKS IN ZURICH: Check out or guide to the ice skating rinks which in operation in and around Zurich. Take a look here.
7 GREAT REASONS TO VISIT LEYSIN: Ever visited to Leysin in Switzerland? No, we hadn’t before either but we had great fun in this beautiful mountain village in the French speaking part of Switzerland. We went riding donuts down the toboggan runs, skiing in the mountains, lunching in the revolving Kuklos revolving restaurant and dining in Igloos. Find out all about it here.
SWISS LUXURY BIJOU HOTEL IN SWISS MOUNTAINS: Fancy a trip to an exclusive luxury hotel in the Swiss mountains ? The Boutique Hotel Chandolin fits the bill perfectly. With a fabulous location, superb food and a beautiful little spa with outdoor jacuzzi set against a snowy backdrop, this is a perfect bijou retreat. Find out all about it here.
SKIING IN ST LUC-CHANDOLIN REGION OF SWITZERLAND: Whilst staying at the Boutique Hotel Chandolin we discovered the beautiful skiing area of ST Luc-Chandolin. Find out all about this skiing area here.
SUNSHINE AT THE MÖVENPICK KARON BEACH PHUKET THAILAND: Fancy an escape from Winter to experience some sunshine and relaxation? How about a trip to the Mövenpick Karon Beach in Thailand. We went when it was cold and grey in November and enjoyed a wonderful sunny break – find out more here.
SKIING IN RATSCHINGS SOUTH TYROL: We recently visited South Tyrol and enjoyed some wonderful skiing at Ratschings Resort. Find out more here.
SKIING IN LENZERHEIDE – AROSA: Ever since the gondola was installed linking the ski resorts of Lenzerheide and Arosa a great ski opportunity was opened up offering 225km of prepared pistes. We visited the resort over Christmas so find out more about the resort here.
SKIING IN FLUMSERBERG: A great ski resort not from Zurich is Flumserberg. If you fancy going skiing not too far from home take a look here.
SPAS AND HAMMAMS CLOSE TO ZURICH: Beat the cold in Zurich by warming up in a spa or hammam. Find out more here.
DERMAFORA – A NEW AFFORDABLE BRAND OF SWISS SKINCARE FROM 1st FEB: There’s a new Swiss Skincare brand which launched in Switzerland on 1st February called Dermafora. Not tested on animals and using top research and pure ingredients the range starts at just CHF 9. Find out more here.
GET TO GRIPS WITH GREY HAIR WITH Phyto RE30: Battling grey hair, why not try Phyto RE30 which gradually returns up to nearly 40% of grey hair to its original colour without harmful chemicals. Find out more here.
FOOD AND DRINK
FONDUE AND RACLETTE IN ZURICH: Check out our guide to great Fondue and Raclette Restaurants in Zurich. Take a look here.
MÖVENPICK 20/20 RESTAURANT AWARDED FIRST MICHELIN STAR: We raved about this restaurant after we first ate at it (see our article here) and so it’s great news to hear that the Mövenpick 20/20 Wine Restaurant in Zurich under the direction of David Klocksin has been awarded its first Michelin star. Congratulations!
MONDAINE M+ WATCH COLLECTION: ST Valentine’s day may well be over but if you’re in need of an affordable, quality Swiss watch why not take a look at the new watches from Mondaine. Find out more here.
CHEZ VRONY POP UP AT WIDDER HOTEL UNTIL 14th FEB: Enjoy your raclette in style with Ruinart Champagne at the new Chez Vrony pop up at the Widder Hotel from 9th November 2018 till 14th February 2019. Find out all about it here.
NOBIS COATS ON THE ROOFTOPS OF THE HOTEL AMBASSADOR HOTEL: We recently visited the beautiful rooftop terrace of the Hotel Ambassador (called The View) near the Opera to admire the spectacular views and enjoy a wonderful fondue whilst testing out the latest collection of Nobis Winter Coats. Made of quality products designed to withstand cold temperatures, yet light, practical and stylish at the same time, these beautiful coats keep you warm and toasty. You can find out more about them here.
TOP CAFÉS IN ZURICH: check out our guide to great cafés in Zurich – see here.
GREAT BRUNCHES IN ZURICH: take a look here at out Brunch Guide.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK – LIME & LEMON SOUFFLE PUDDING : A recipe for a delicious and easy to make lemon and lime soufflé’s pudding. See recipe here.
HUGH JACKMAN AT HALLENSTADION ZURICH 19th MAY: Heart throb Hugh Jackman is performing in Zurich on 19th May at the Hallenstadion for his World Tour “The Man. The Music. The Show.” Find out all about it here.
FÊTE DES VIGNERONS JULY -AUGUST 2019: You may wonder why we’re posting about this wine event now as it takes place in Vevey in July and August 2019. However, the tickets went on sale in September and this very special event only takes place about once every 25 years! If you’d like to find out more take a look here.
FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT SWITZERLAND: Check out these facts about Switzerland and see how many you knew already! Take a look here.
MODE SUISSE EDITION 15 ZURICH: Mode Suisse Edition 15 took take place recently in Zurich and showcased the latest designs according to Swiss fashion designers. Take a look here to find out more.
PROFESSIONAL LINKED IN PHOTO SHOOT: Want to get a professional LinkedIn Profile photo with out breaking the bank? Then why not contact Carmen here for more information.
For more information about Events in Zurich and beyond please see our What’s On Page or our News Articles or for regular updates subscribe to our blog.
Do check back on this page as we may update it during the week
She was a young teen, a football player, born in a tiny Nepali village with no access to school, electricity, running water, phones, or healthcare. Yet there she stood, dressed in a hoodie and sport pants, speaking to a group of affluent expat moms from all over the world, in Zumikon, Switzerland. We were attending an international baccalaureate school luncheon.
Tsewang in Zurich
Tsewang captivated the audience as she spoke of her love for sports, and her desire to excel so that she could continue to “give back.” She described her uncle who decided that he would help her pursue her dreams by paying for her to attend a small boarding school in Kathmandu called Shree Mangal Dvip Boarding School.
“My parents thought it was strange,” she said of her love for sports and learning. “Especially since I’m a girl.” But at her school in Kathmandu, a four day walk and one day bus ride from her remote village of Ripchet, Tsewang again defied the odds — she was selected to represent the Tibetan national football team in a championship against India and Canada. Boarding the plane for the tournament, she gazed out the window of the first plane she’d ever boarded and watched her country disappear into the clouds.
But still, there was more excitement ahead for Tsewang. That same month, while touring with the soccer team, she learned that she was chosen to receive a scholarship for an upper school IB education at the International Community School in Zumikon, Switzerland. Ecstatic for the opportunity, Tsewang again packed her bags, left friends, family, and everything familiar, and journeyed alone to study at ICS, make new friends, integrate into a new host family, and play football.
In Switzerland, Tsewang has developed extremely close ties to her host family whose mother described Tsewang, while suppressing tears, as an “incredible and unexpected blessing.” While in Switzerland, Tsewang has worked relentlessly as a football coach, dedicated her time to her studies, and has educated other kids and mothers like me about female empowerment, defying enormous odds, and the invaluable gift of education.
But Tsewang isn’t finished. She has more hurdles to climb. Recently she was accepted to study sports management at Amsterdam University of Applied Science; however she needs funding to attend. At University, she plans to prepare herself for more work that will empower other girls, all over the world, through sport involvement.
Tsewang’s story changed a part of me, and so I relish the opportunity to share it with others. She has revealed a glimpse of the kind of courage I rarely get to see. And she’s demonstrated a tangible way to improve the future for not just one girl, but for the millions of other girls, without access to school or sports, who need a role model like Tsewang.
Amy Aves Challenger is an American expat and writer of essays, poetry, and and a novel forthcoming. She leads creative writing workshops in Zurich. Visit Amy’s website here.
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For more information about Zurich and beyond please see our Home Page or for regular updates subscribe to the blog.
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