Switzerland: +41 800 24 7 365 Abroad: +41 58 465 33 33 helpline@eda.admin.ch Skype: helpline-eda The Société Helvétique de Bienfaisance (SHB) has just celebrated its bicentenary. It was created in 1821 by four young Swiss citizens, newly arrived in Paris. Its goal, then and now, was to help underprivileged Swiss citizens living in France. The first few years were tumultuous: in just 50 years, the young organisation was faced with the Revolution of 1830, followed by cholera, the insurrection of 1848, and finally the war of 1870 and the siege of Paris. The organisation was able to survive these events thanks to federal assistance and the exemplary dedication and generosity of the Swiss in Paris. The organisation was no more spared by the following centuries, which saw two world wars, the Spanish flu and the current pandemic. Through all these painful periods, the SHB has proven its efficiency and continues to act as a vital support for Swiss in difficulty in France. Swiss Benevolent Foundation in Manila Federal votes The Federal Council determines voting proposals at least four months before the voting date. Everything you need to know about voting proposals (voting pamphlets, committees, recommendations by Parliament and the Federal Council etc.) is available at www.admin.ch/votes or via the Federal Chancellery’s VoteInfo app. Popular initiatives The following federal popular initiatives have already been launched at the time of going to press (deadline for the collection of signatures in brackets): ■ Federal Popular Initiative ‘For good and affordable supplementary childcare services for all’ (08.09.2023) ■ Federal Popular Initiative ‘For regulated financial support in the event of epidemics’ (Financial Support Initiative) (29.09.2023) The list of pending popular initiatives is available in German, French and Italian at www.bk.admin.ch > Politische Rechte > Volksinitiativen > Hängige Volksinitiativen In 1925, members of the Swiss Club Philippines set up the Swiss Benevolent Foundation (SBF). The objective was to relieve the urgent needs of deserving Swiss citizens. The SBF is managed by a board of trustees composed of members of the Swiss Club Philippines. It mainly relies on voluntary donations from members of the Swiss Club. The board of trustees decides which Swiss citizens and other people with close connections to Switzerland are deserving of help. SBF services include one-off financial support, loans, donations, and assistance in the event of illness or loss of livelihood. Giving Christmas donations to destitute and imprisoned Swiss citizens, covering medical and hospital expenses, and subsidising school fees for the orphaned dependants of Swiss citizens are just some of the successful projects supported by the SBF since its inception. SWISS EMBASSY, MANILA revue.link/manila On a daily basis, an assistant manages the aid requests that arrive at the embassy or on its website, whilst a dozen volunteers visit elderly and isolated individuals. The Swiss who receive this assistance suffer from all kinds of difficulties: trouble making ends meet, unpaid bills, a need for medical or dental care, and administrative or psychological support. The SHB analyses each case, takes action and pays the bills. Twice per year, it provides financial support for the most underprivileged individuals. The organisation also supports young people and allocates two study grants per year to Swiss students at the Cité Universitaire and three grants for trainees participating in apprenticeships at the École Suisse de Paris. The organisation is today able to manage all of these costs thanks to the generosity of a Swiss foundation, with the help of a federal subsidy and the legacies and donations of its members. It also organises charity concerts and a tombola during our General Assembly. A huge thank you to everyone! But maintaining this support is a challenge and the SHB hopes to have convinced readers to join them. SHB Travel Admin – the FDFA travel app Travel Admin – the travel app of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) – helps you to plan trips abroad and provides you with useful functions and information while you are travelling. Create a profile and register your trip abroad. The Travel Admin app is for free in the iOS and in the Andoid App Shop. FDFA Helpline – your central contact point The Helpline of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is your central contact point for all matters relating to consular services. The FDFA Helpline is also ready to assist you in emergencies. Worldwide, 365 days a year, around the clock – by phone, email or Skype. The example of the Société Helvétique de Bienfaisance 27
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