Reach Out

The new volunteering initiative for ZIWA members got off to a lively start last week when the newly-formed team, led by chairlady Liliana Winkelmann, met together at the Zürich children's hospital. Our purpose was to see what possibilities exist for volunteering and to start spreading the word about ZIWA's ReachOut initiative in the city of Zürich. Our guide was Frau Eva Lindemann, who gave us a tour of some of the wards and facilities at one of the largest but oldest hospitals in Switzerland and explained something of the history and functions of the place, which is in urgent need of renovation.

The hospital is currently undergoing renovation, and temporary accommodation is being equipped prior to the anticipated move to Zürich Balgrist in eight years' time. The hospital provides a day clinic, an emergency room and long-stay facilities for children up to the age of 18 and sometimes older. In the wards, children share four to a room with beds provided for the parents, so this can be very stressful. The children in long-term care are often bored and the play facilities are very limited in size and scope. A new operating theatre is being equipped in a portakabin until the new permanent one can be built on the new site at Balgrist.

There has been a hospital on the site for 135 years, and it is supported increasingly by donations from firms and private individuals, as new regulations now require. Facilities are provided for oncology, kidney transplant and dialysis, heart surgery and other chronic conditions such as diabetes and eating disorders. The hospital's foundation is in need of CHF1.5 million for the current refurbishment, of which CHF 400,000 has so far been raised. So she would be delighted, Frau Lindemann explained, if ZIWA members were to help raising awareness of their existing fundraising events or to make contact with potential sponsors.

At the same time, both volunteers and funding for special projects are needed at the Kinderspital. Currently the hospital has 40 ladies volunteering, who support parents, bring them to the ward and act as messengers. Therapists are also employed, but Frau Lindemann stressed that continuity of patient care is vital and volunteers must commit to a regular weekly attendance, as well as being able to speak German. If you would like to find out whether there are volunteering opportunities currently available fitting your exact interests and time schedule, Frau Susanne Dettwiler at Kispi will be glad to hear from you.

If you want simply to learn more about this and other projects in the ReachOut program or would like us to help you raise awareness about your own charity project in the broader community, contact Liliana at this link: reachout@ziwa.com. Or fill in the questionnaire in the June/July issue of the ZIWA News and ReachOut Team will get back to you.