Winterhilfe Switzerland: National Conference and Anniversary Celebration in Bern
19.03.2026 | from Winterhilfe Aargau
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Image rights: Winterhilfe Schweiz
19.03.2026, Around 65 representatives of the cantonal Winterhilfe organisations met on March 17 in Bern for the national Winterhilfe conference. The focus was on exchange, networking and joint projects in their commitment to fight poverty in Switzerland.
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
Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Winterhilfe Schweiz
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Winterhilfe Aargau
Winterhilfe Switzerland emerged in the context of the economic crisis of the 1930s.
The consequences of this global economic crisis reached their peak in Switzerland during the winter of 1935/36. Over 100,000 people were unemployed.
This economically dire situation for the population prompted the government to expand the already existing unemployment insurance. However, the benefits of the fund were not regulated nationally, but managed regionally and even at the municipal level with significant differences.
Especially in the winter months, the financial distress became apparent when additional expenses for heating fuel, sturdy shoes, winter clothing, or more expensive vegetables and fruits were necessary. For the affected people, it was a matter of survival: there was a great risk they could freeze or starve to death, and poor nutrition could lead to permanent damage.
The government, cantons, and welfare offices agreed that a 'comprehensive action to support the victims of the economic crisis' was urgently needed.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: Winterhilfe Aargau, Press release
Original article published on: Winterhilfe Schweiz: Nationale Konferenz und Jubiläumsfeier in Bern