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The 30th March of Hope: Swiss charity, Terre des Hommes, calls for support from Geneva companies
This year marks the 30th edition of the Marche de l'espoir (March of Hope). Terre des Hommes Suisse has taken steps to ask Geneva's companies and international organisations for support this autumn. It has asked them to encourage their employees to raise funds for children's rights. The idea is simple: companies will sponsor Marche de l'espoir walkers and donate a certain amount. This event will take place from 17 October to 20 November 2021.
The project is a response to urgent needs. It is up and running thanks to funding from Fondation Lombard Odier, the technological expertise of the Alaya platform and the backing of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services.
The pandemic is causing a lot of damage. And the first victims have too often been children. They are missing out on their education and are much more exposed to the dangers of violence and exploitation than before. Thus, we see that the needs of vulnerable children are on the rise but the Covid-19 crisis is making it difficult to support them. This is why Terre des Hommes Suisse is calling on organisations in Geneva, regardless of their size, to assist vulnerable children in Switzerland, Africa, Latin America and Asia. This project will help create a more sustainable world that is more respectful of children’s rights. Any companies or organisations that are interested can contact Terre des Hommes Suisse here: https://terredeshommessuisse.ch/marche-de-lespoir-des-entreprises/
"The Marche de l'espoir is a great intergenerational, collaborative and unifying event. By launching this project with Terre des Hommes Suisse, we want to encourage economic players to take ambitious steps towards a more united and fairer society," states Patrick Odier, President of the Fondation Lombard Odier and Senior Managing Partner at Lombard Odier Group. "Our corporate foundation aims to co-create new approaches based on technology and entrepreneurship for the well-being of all," adds Dr Maximilian Martin, Secretary General of the Fondation Lombard Odier and Head of Philanthropy at the Lombard Odier Group.
The Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services (CCIG) has also joined the movement and supports the initiative. "By adapting the concept of the Marche de l'espoir for businesses, Terre des Hommes is fostering teamwork in the name of solidarity," explains Vincent Subilia, Director General of the CCIG. "The pandemic has not only weakened social ties in our country, but it has also deprived children of access to school in many countries. The Marche de l'espoir des entreprises (Corporate March of Hope) is a healthy and intelligent way to help solve both of these issues. This is why the CCIG is particularly happy to be associated with it."
The initiative is suitable for all kinds of companies and all types of commitment. Its success will depend entirely on the number of companies and employees who become involved. When asked about the project's ambitions, Christophe Roduit, Secretary General of Terre des Hommes Suisse, underlined that "The Marche de l'espoir is the biggest campaign of its kind in supporting children in our canton. In view of the event's 30th anniversary and the Covid-19 crisis, we are opting for a new approach with Geneva's businesses. We are digitising the project and expanding its scope, so that employees can also demonstrate their solidarity. This is the first edition of a newly enlarged Marche de l'espoir."
Every year for the past 30 years, more than 12,000 people have participated in the Marche de l'espoir. It takes place in Geneva in mid-October and is the largest children’s charitable event in Switzerland.The full 2021 programme will be available soon on www.marchedelespoir.ch. The first Marche de l'espoir des entreprises will be held from 17 October to 20 November. This is the date on which the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.
An inspiring digital platform
The Marche de l'espoir des entreprises is also a sporting activity that encourages team-building and physical exercise. It is a joint charitable effort that brings employees together, as well as being socially responsible.
Thanks to the support of Fondation Lombard Odier, participants will have access to a platform developed by Alaya. For more than four years now, this platform has encouraged companies and their employees to make a contribution to society (www.alayagood.com). It motivates walkers and allows them to track the number of kilometres walked within their organisation's dedicated, secure space. This is an ideal tool to launch this inter and intra-company challenge, to ensure that it will bear fruit, to share experiences, and to foster commitment.
Important information
This document is issued by Bank Lombard Odier & Co Ltd or an entity of the Group (hereinafter “Lombard Odier”). It is not intended for distribution, publication, or use in any jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, or use would be unlawful, nor is it aimed at any person or entity to whom it would be unlawful to address such a document. This document was not prepared by the Financial Research Department of Lombard Odier.
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