Serving the Community

The AIC Civic Concerns Committee is dedicated to making a difference and enriching people’s lives. Committee members like to get out in the community, make connections with grass roots charities and volunteer at fundraising events to give back to society and network with other club members. Serving as a conduit between companies and charities, we also connect our corporate members to charities in Geneva helping them build employee volunteerism and philanthropic programs.

2023

The AICs new Civic Concerns Charity for the next two years (from 1 July 2023 until 30 June 2025):  Youth Underground (www.youth-underground.com).

Youth Underground is a Geneva-based Swiss nonprofit association whose mission is to prevent human trafficking through youth education, awareness-building and advocacy.  The approach of Youth Underground is to focus on education by encouraging youth voices to share what they learn, be aware of what this illicit trade is all about, and generate an “echo” worldwide. 

Youth Underground has over 20 years of experience with humanitarian associations, a large network of key associations, companies, and the media along with a strong social media expertise and reach.  In addition, Youth Underground collaborates with  schools and universities in the Geneva region to educate and raise awareness among students. 

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need additional information about AIC’s Civic Concerns activities.

We are truly excited to begin our two-year collaboration with Youth Underground and hope that you share our excitement in supporting the Club’s official Civic Concerns Charity by participating at our events!

This year we will be selling AIC/Youth Underground t-shirts, contact us if you would like to buy one!

2021/2022

Throughout the year AIC members donated at every opportunity, from our regular speaker`s lunches to the tennis and golf tournaments and culminating at our annual Thanksgiving charity gala. On November 26 2021, 100 festive members gathered together to share a Thanksgiving meal, open their hearts and wallets in support of Foyer Arabelle for a lively and fun auction and then dance the night away with our band Funk Mountain. Then we turned up to do it all again for the AIWC Spring Garden Party.

Our donations have already been put to good use this summer providing a much needed outing to the mountains for the women and children of the Foyer Arabelle shelter offering them a rare and precious moment in time to be rejuvenated by the country air, open space, and related nature activities. A Second outing during the winter is already being planned, much to the delight of the children dreaming of playing in the snow.

The American International Club of Geneva has a strong history of fundraising for local charities and for 2021 and 2022 we chose Foyer Arabelle, a local women`s shelter with crèche facilities. For over half a century, the Association Foyer et crèche has been helping women in difficulty who are experiencing domestic violence. It offers accommodation and integrated care in a safe place. Its main goals are assessment, support of parenthood and prevention of generational violence.

In 2022 we continued with the Fundraising, and were delighted to present another cheque for a further 5000chf, with the money going towards improving the outside area at the Foyer.

 

2020

Due to the Covid crisis we were unable to organise our usual Thanksgiving event. Instead, in conjunction with Serve The City, we organized a PIE BAKE-OFF for the needy. We received over 40 pies that were served to less-fortunate families and 200 homeless people. It was very heartwarming.

2019

In 2019 the AIC raised funds for the Salvation Army in Geneva, specifically for the homeless population in our city. The  “Salvation Army” has a strong presence in Geneva with programs helping the poor, the disabled, the elderly, the marginalized and the homeless. 

The “Accueil de Nuit” (Night Reception) is an emergency shelter that is open 365 days a year for homeless people. They can accommodate 38 people each night. They also offer an evening meal and breakfast as well as a shower for these needy people.

Salvation Army also trains volunteers to work in their special programmes, like the Accueil de Nuit night shelter.

During the Thanksgiving celebration over 3000chfs were raised for this worthwhile charity. 

2018

Our beneficiary in 2018 was Serve The City Geneva (STC). Based in Geneve, their mission is to provide volunteer resources to organisations alread serving the poor and marginalized in the greater Geneva area.

Since 2011, they partner with homeless shelters, refugee centers, orphanages and other associations. They invite volunteers to show kindness through practical help and tangible support.

Club members raised 2255chf in donations for Serve the City Geneva at our Thanksgiving Dinner. If you would like to know more about STC or get involved:

www.servethecitygeneva.ch

 

2017/18

Mary Bernasconi and Ron Banks give AIC check to Vanessa von Richter for CHF 6,000 at our 28 Feb 2018 luncheon

 

The AIC Civic Concerns Committee is dedicated to making a difference and enriching people’s lives. We like to go out into the community, make connections with grass roots charities and volunteer at fundraising events to give back to society and network with other Club members and organizations. As part of its annual Civic Concerns program, the AIC identifies a local charity to support.

 

Our beneficiary in 2017 was Anouk Foundation in Geneva.  In this freezing cold weather, we’re so fortunate for people like Vanessa von Richter who works hard to warm hearts and brighten lives of young and old . . . by using Music and Art Therapy in orphanages, hospitals, nursing homes and special institutions.

 

Please look at the Anouk website www.anouk.org/en/home for more information and learn how you can support Anouk Foundation and brighten lives. 

 

 

Past Donations