Commitment that connects: volunteers for humanity
Social issues
At the Swiss Red Cross Baselland, volunteers support people in different life situations and in various ways. The following three examples show how enriching and meaningful their work is.
Combatting loneliness in old age
Maria Pauli, a remedial teacher who took early retirement, was looking for something meaningful to do, and came across the Swiss Red Cross Baselland: every week, she visits 76-year-old Margarete Haag, accompanied by her dog Mila. What began as a formal arrangement has developed into a close friendship. Together they cook, go for walks and help each other with everyday problems – and her dog Mila always puts them in a good mood. Margarete says gratefully: “She’s like an angel to me”. The Swiss Red Cross Baselland coordinates many such encounters, but they lack volunteers willing to spend time with the elderly and keep them company. Get involved in Combatting loneliness in old age.
Integration through friendship
With its Salute program, the Swiss Red Cross Baselland brings together refugees and volunteers. Alireza Husseini, who comes from Afghanistan, has lived in the Basel region for seven years and is trying to integrate. He is supported in this by Hans Gysin, a retired teacher, who helps him with administrative procedures, learning German and in everyday life. The relationship is enriching for both of them: Hans learns a lot about other cultures and lifestyles, Alireza finds support and new hope. “Hans is like an older brother”, Alireza says. Currently, many refugees are waiting for this kind of support. You too could get actively involved with the Salute program.
Sponsorships for children and young people
Volunteers in the “mitten unter uns” program accompany children and young people who need support. Salome Wertli has been 13-year-old Mariam’s sponsor for five years. They meet regularly, do homework, play, learn and simply spend quality time together. For Mariam, this means relief and new perspectives; for Salome it’s an opportunity to share her happiness and learn a lot herself. “Even brief meetups can be very positive”, emphasizes Swiss Red Cross Baselland. You too could volunteer to help children and young people in the mitten unter uns program and spread some happiness.
These examples show how volunteering with the Swiss Red Cross Baselland not only provides help, but also joy, new perspectives and real connections. With UBS Helpetica, you can easily register for these projects and make a difference by volunteering – for others and for yourself.
Impressions
Das Rote Kreuz Baselland ist einer der 24 Kantonalverbände unter dem Dach des Schweizerischen Roten Kreuz. Wir sind ein eigenständiger, gemeinnütziger Verein, der finanziell unabhänigig vom Dachverband ist. Mit unseren Dienstleistungen in den Bereichen Entlastung, Gesundheit und Beratung sowie Soziales und lntegration ermöglichen wir Menschen und ihren Angehörigen in unserem Kanton Basel-Landschaft mehr Selbständigkeit, Sicherheit und Teilhaben am sozialen Leben.