Poverty remains a reality for one in every twelve people in Switzerland today. Winterhilfe provides targeted assistance to alleviate acute hardship.
The conference was led by President Prof. Dr. Thierry Carrel and Managing Director Valérie Grüter. The main focus was on advancing cooperation between the headquarters and fostering exchange among the participants. Valérie Grüter emphasized: 'Behind each of our services stand individuals who are excluded from the usual welfare in Switzerland and therefore cannot participate in social activities.'
Concrete assistance enabling participation
A highlight of the event was the contributions from the offices that presented their own projects. Two examples: 'Bio buono' by Winterhilfe Ticino offers those affected by poverty access to organic vegetables, as there is little money left in a tight budget for healthy food. Winterhilfe Uri also introduced its project 'Christmas all year round,' allowing the working poor to fulfill small and larger wishes, such as a family day trip.
90 years of Winterhilfe. 90 years of solidarity.
With a celebration at the Bern Town Hall, Winterhilfe looked back on its 90-year history on March 18, 2026. Around 200 guests from politics, business, and social sectors attended and discussed current challenges of poverty in Switzerland.
Speakers included:
- Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Federal Councilor
- Pierre-Alain Schnegg, Member of the Cantonal Council
- Prof. Dr. Thierry Carrel, President of Winterhilfe Switzerland
- Valérie Grüter, Managing Director of Winterhilfe Switzerland
- Paola Eicher-Pellegrini, Managing Director of Winterhilfe Ticino
Thierry Carrel thanked everyone present, especially the ambassadors from the Winterhilfe offices who had traveled from all over Switzerland: 'You all make it possible for Winterhilfe to be THE organization that provides individual assistance throughout Switzerland today.'
Press contact:
Winterhilfe Switzerland, Esther Güdel, Tel. 044 269 40 51, esther.guedel@winterhilfe.ch