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Success stories

Doing good feels good.

• Experience running with other senses

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  The Association «Blind-Jogging» trains volunteers to be guides for the blind and help them to do sports in the fresh air. After completing a one-day training, they accompany visually impaired and blind people on a run once or twice a week.

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• Switzerland's first Snoezelen bus is a success

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  Social issues

  Volunteers spent a day converting an old van into a mobile Snoezelen station for children with autism. Everyone involved put their heart and soul into this project, and did so with plenty of love, kindness and good spirits. This is reflected by the fruit of their efforts: Thanks to the hard work of the entire team, what was once an old yellow bus is now a special place full of lights, sounds, scents and shapes. It will help children and young people with autism to relax, dream and experience all of their senses.

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Other projects already implemented

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  Volunteering in the reeds of Neeracherried

  On this nature outing, volunteers uprooted small willows and reed shoots in a restored area in order to keep a newly designed pond landscape from becoming overgrown again. The volunteers saw many rare plant species, dragonflies and birds, and enjoyed stimulating conversation. They were rewarded for their efforts with a guided tour of the nature reserve that included bird watching.

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  850 kg of food for people affected by poverty

  On 1 and 2 September, UBS Helpetica collected food on behalf of «Tischlein deck dich». A total of 850 kg of food was donated in front of UBS branches in Grenchen, Winterthur, Zug and Bellinzona for people in Switzerland affected by poverty. Bettina Vetsch, head of collection points and a member of the management at «Tischlein deck dich», adds: «On behalf of Tischlein deck dich, I would like to thank you very much for this great campaign. Not only was around 850 kg of food collected, but the campaign also prompted some enriching encounters and discussions about food waste, about people affected by poverty in Switzerland, and about why UBS is committed to helping the community.» Thanks to generous donations from passers-by and the efforts of the volunteers who signed up for the collection via UBS Helpetica, countless items of perfect, unrefrigerated, unopened food were received at the four locations. The food items will now be distributed by the «Tischlein deck dich» association to people affected by poverty throughout Switzerland.

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  Erecting wildlife fences in protective forests

  The UBS Helpetica assignment “Erecting wildlife fences in protective forests” in Ferrera was a resounding success. 10 intrepid volunteers rolled up their sleeves and pitched in to help erect three large wildlife fences to protect young trees. The forestry company Ferrera was very pleased with the work carried out.

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  Handling trash the smart way

  An afternoon of collecting and disposing of trash correctly. This year at the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park, the theme of the week from 12 to 18 April was “Handling trash the smart way.” Several volunteers, including UBS employees from the region, rolled up their sleeves to provide a cleaner environment for all. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the staff at Pfyn-Finges were very grateful. And who knows? More volunteers may be needed for other projects, such as helping to remove non-native plant species.

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  Field work on Alp Suretta

  Seven highly motivated volunteers pitched in on Alp Suretta under a clear blue sky. They worked together with farmers to clear fields and remove emerging green growth, fallen timber and avalanche debris. The volunteers spent the night in a tent on scenic Alp Suretta. Lastly, the group built a gate to welcome hikers, farmers and cattle in the future. The volunteers were enthusiastic and the farmers were grateful for their hard work. After refreshments featuring local products, the volunteers said goodbye with a smile on their face!

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  Conservation work at the Neeracherried Nature Reserve

  Volunteers spent a productive day at the Neeracherried Nature Reserve Center operated by BirdLife Switzerland. After a short welcome and introductory session about exactly which invasive plants needed to be removed, the diverse group of volunteers received the necessary tools. They enjoyed some stimulating discussions as they identified and removed the relevant plants. Following a short break, the volunteers were thanked for their efforts with a guided tour and bird watching session. As Stefan Hersberger, an employee at the Neeracherried center, commented: “Despite the wet, muggy weather, we were able to remove invasive plant species from an entire field. The atmosphere was really good and we had some really interesting conversations.”