A donation instead of (unnecessary) gifts: You can help here

What are you giving your loved ones this Christmas? Or what did you wish? Let’s be honest: we in Switzerland already have everything – and way too much.

That’s why Christmas is the ideal time to give something to those who don’t have much. We have a number of donation organizations here that we take into account. Which ones are yours? Write them in the comments!

We are starting very regionally: in Zurich, Schwyz and Chur, food is distributed to people who need financial and material support. If you run out of money to donate, you can also sign up for a helper service (without making any further commitments or having to do so regularly).

Here you will find more information.

The Swiss aid organization HEKS combines sustainable gifts with donations. You receive the gift voucher, someone in need in the world receives the real gift. Think of traditional seeds, a donkey for small farmers or access to clean drinking water.

Here you will find more information.

In Niger, one of the driest countries in the world, the Eden Foundation tests which plants grow here without help. If a tree or shrub can survive here naturally, the seeds – if they are interested – are given to the farmers. It’s about helping yourself. This can solve long-term hunger problems and increase food security.

Here you will find more information.

A Swiss man founded the association Township Help during the pandemic in South Africa. This has now resulted in a registered NGO. Sponsorship is arranged, an orphanage is set up and help is provided in every nook and cranny of the slums.

Here you will find more information.

Sea Shepherd is a global ocean conservation organization. There are national organizations in several countries, including Switzerland. You will also receive a gift voucher here and you can place something under the tree for the recipient.

Here you will find more information.

The Sonnenschein Foundation supports children with cancer and their families in Switzerland. This varies from support in the Kispi to help in daily life, to parent exchanges and help after therapy.

Here you will find more information.

The war in Ukraine has been somewhat forgotten in recent weeks due to the conflict in the Middle East. The people there still need support. You can help Ukraine directly here and choose what the money should be used for: defense and demining, medical aid or reconstruction of Ukraine.

Here you will find more information.

There are paperless contact points in Switzerland in several major cities such as Bern, Basel and Zurich. Here, refugees and people without regular residence status in Switzerland receive help and advice.

Here you will find more information about the contact points in Basel, Bern and Zurich.