Dear Rotarians
Dear Rotaractors
The tragic event in Crans-Montana has significantly increased
Rotary activity throughout Switzerland. Many clubs and Rotarians are asking how
they can assist the victims, their families, the firefighters and other people
affected.
The first initiative undertaken by Rotary Switzerland was to help
find accommodation for the families of victims close to the hospitals where
their children are being treated. Several Rotarians offered apartments in major
hospital cities in Switzerland, such as Zurich and St. Gallen. We should be
proud of how quickly this action was put in place.
We have also launched a fundraising effort for the Swiss Rotary
Foundation. The collection has begun well, and we hope that clubs and
individual Rotarians will continue to contribute. I would like to clarify two
points: all donations to this Fund will be used 100% for actions related to
Crans-Montana. In addition, any private individual or company donating more
than CHF 200.-- will
receive the documentation needed for tax deductions.
These funds will be allocated to cases for which neither insurance,
nor the Confederation, nor other public authorities will contribute. Decisions
will be taken on a case-by-case basis by a committee composed of the three
District Governors, the President of the Swiss Rotary Foundation and the
President of RC Crans-Montana. We are strictly following the procedures and
rules of our Foundation.
To identify cases eligible for support, we are working closely with
the local authorities, particularly in the canton of Valais. This does not mean
that funds will only be used in Valais; the simple reason is that the Valais
authorities are coordinating the response.
However, there is much more we can do — and not everything requires
financial resources. During my visit to RC Chablais.ch, I learned that the club is
collecting ideas on how it could support the victims. I particularly
appreciated their view that Rotary should also help in the long term, once the
victims return closer to their homes or are discharged from hospital. The need
for support may last for more than a year. We should also not forget the
firefighters, who may require support as well.
Inspired by this approach, I decided to extend this idea-collection
process to all Rotary Clubs in our District. For that purpose, we have opened a
dedicated email address (ideas-howto-help-crans-montana@rotary.ch) where
any Rotary Club or Rotarian may submit proposals on how Rotary could help the
victims of Crans-Montana. I warmly invite all of you to participate — no idea
is a bad idea.
Best regards.
Jouni K. Heinonen
Governor 2025-2026
