MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Fifty-seven people handed in that little paper, and their anonymous answers didn't really surprise us. Forty ticked the ‘yes’ square to the first question, some ticked ‘no’, and others left both squares blank. I assume that the third category hardly know how to use a website, probably together with those who didn't fill in the questionnaire. 

It tells us that the main reason for SCCS to maintain a website is the general public, mostly Swiss, not so much our members. Therefore, as I think of what to write in this new ‘Message from the President’ it occurs to me that I should rather say something which is relevant to younger people and non-members. 

 So, if you are a young or youngish reader of this message, I’m asking you to read to the end. 

 At the recent Swiss Yodler’s National Day Picnic in Castle Hill, I kept myself very busy talking to passersby, especially - you guessed it - the younger ones. I encouraged these people to consider joining the Swiss Community Care Society for their own sake and satisfaction, and of course for the benefit of the society. For their own sake, because sometimes, people in the prime years of life start to feel that their life balance is just not quite right.

Their wheel of life is not turning evenly. Why? Because something is missing. Please have a look at the illustration below and ask yourself the questions in each of those eight areas. If your answers reach a similar distance from the rim or outer boundary, your wheel turns quite evenly, and your life is in fairly good balance. If you have low numbers, you are advised to do something in the relevant area to improve it.

For my purpose, I wonder how high you get in the Community Area. Do you give something back to society? I’m sure that many of you do, be it at the school of your kids, with Scouts, perhaps with your club - you name it. However, such an activity could be missing in your life. Or could you raise that number a bit more?

If so, why don’t you volunteer for SCCS? You could visit an elderly Swiss person from time to time, who hardly gets a chance to speak their mother tongue. You could help to distribute SCCS Christmas presents to a Swiss in their eighties. You might like to come to one of our functions and give an elderly person a lift, so that he or she can attend as well. Or you might even consider joining the committee, who are all volunteers too.

It would be nice to know that this society is going to live on for a long time to come. It can be very satisfying to volunteer in an organisation that tries to make life happier for others. Our events are geared towards the elderly, but we care for others too. For example we supported the Yodlers by paying for the Kid’s Zoo at the Castle Hill picnic. I heard that it was a very busy place this year. Quite often, a little petting zoo like this is the only opportunity for young children to get close to and enjoy contact with farm animals - thanks to SCCS. 

Another aspect of SCCS welfare is assistance to Swiss people, whatever their age, in dire circumstances. You can read more about occasions where we have helped under ASSISTANCE on this website. For a membership form go to MORE. Thank you for considering!