Switzerland

Emmaus in Switzerland

Emmaus has had a presence in Switzerland since 1956 and the movement now has 11 member groups in the country. The groups in the country benefit from the support of their national organisation, Emmaus Switzerland, as well as the ARCE (the Romande Association of Emmaus Groups). The Swiss groups live from the fruit of their labours, with the items donated covering the costs of their initiatives. The groups in the country respect the principles of unconditional welcome and financial autonomy.

Origins

From an early age, Marcel Farine was actively involved in the political, social and religious spheres. He and his wife Thérèse went to Abbé Pierre’s conference, ‘Poverty judges the world’ in Bern in February 1956. They were moved by his message and two days later they organised a big collection of merchandise in Bern, founding the first Swiss group. Marcel Farine was elected the first chair of Emmaus Switzerland, created in June 1958, and of Emmaus International, in 1971.

Main Activities

• Welcome, providing accommodation, reintegration
• Collecting, reusing, recycling and selling on objects
• Political campaigning
• Local, european and international solidarity initiatives

Secondary Activities

• Home collection service
• Fixing objects
• Farming
• Solidarity café