Our Past Events
2023
Christmas Party - December
It was a magical, snowy day filled with special treats, fun games, and gifts from Santa. We welcomed 267 children and their families, and with the help of our amazing volunteers, we had around 440 people in attendance. As a keepsake from the celebration, each child took home a photo from their visit with Santa, along with a gift bag valued at 60CHF! We are deeply thankful to everyone who contributed to making this day a magical and memorable experience for these families. It truly takes a village, and together, we brought smiles and joy to so many.
Zirkus SALTO in Kloten - December
On the magical afternoon of December 14th, 100 asylum seekers—36 families—embarked from Zug to Zurich for an special performance of 'Die Show der anderen Art,' thanks to the generosity of Zirkus Salto. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Saltoshow.ch, we were able to send these families on a journey filled with wonder and excitement.
The day started with bus rides and refreshments, graciously provided by our other sponsors: Capri Sun, Brauerei, Bimbosan, and Imbachcar. With drinks and snacks in hand, the families eagerly anticipated an afternoon of discovery at the circus. Upon arrival, they were treated to an array of breathtaking performances that captivated both young and old.
None of this would have been possible without the help of our dedicated volunteers: Kelly, PJ, Beth, Gwendolyn, Alina, Ksyusha, Martine, Lara, Nadia, and Tracey, whose hard work made the event run smoothly and joyfully.
Mystery Envelopes - January til December
We recently held an exciting fundraiser with a twist – our 'Mystery Envelope' campaign! With over 100 envelopes up for grabs, each contained at least one voucher for an amazing local adventure, including experiences at Technorama, Alpamare, Otto's, and Rigi, among others. The total prize value was an impressive CHF 3,000.
We’re grateful for the incredible support we received, and we’re thrilled to have made a difference together!
Zirkus Knie in Lucerne - January 4th
A group of asylum seekers, both young and old, embarked on an exciting journey from Zug to Lucerne to experience the magic of the famous Zirkus Knie. Thanks to generous support, the train journey and accompanying staff were fully provided, allowing everyone to come together for an unforgettable day of discovery at the renowned circus.
We are extremely grateful to Circus Knie for making it possible, with their generous donation of 100 places, for asylum seekeers and refugees children to discover the magical and enchanting world of the circus.
Families were mesmerised by the incredible performances, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The event was a beautiful reminder of the joy that shared experiences can bring, and we are grateful to all those who helped make this day possible!
2022
Christmas Party in Aegeri for 350 guests 200 children and Christmas Parties in 4 shelters with Ukrainians Families150 children- December
What a busy and exciting month of December we had! It all started with the annual Christmas Party with 350 guests. Thanks to our volunteers on the day, and the Santa helpers baking goodies and wrapping gifts beforehand, 220 children enjoyed a magical celebration with special treats, exciting games and gifts from Santa. Each child receiving a gift bag filled with gifts worth 60CHF.
Then the following week Santa and a bunch of Santa helpers embarked in a convoy to visit the 2 shelters in Menzingen, the shelter in Rish where Santa was welcome with songs and music prepared by the children, such a sweet attention, and eventually the shelter in the Alte Kantonspital in Zug. That day we met with all Ukrainians families and their children hosted in the shelters. Snacks and drinks along the distribution of Gifts bags (60CHF value) to more than 150 children, it was a very emotional and happy day for all volunteers and families involved.
Many thanks to Alina and Ksyusha for helping with translation in Ukrainian. A huge thank you to Santa and his precious little helper Patrick for this amazing work, taking the time to speak with each child and spreading the magical Christmas spirit!
None of this would have been possible without your generous support. Thank you!
Fundraiser at ISZL Xmas Market - December
CommunityLinks held a fundraiser at the ISZL Christmas Market. With the help of the generous donations of our volunteer bakers, delicious baked goods and fresh waffles were offered against a contribution to the sponsoring of gifts bags for the asylum seekers and refugees children attending our Christmas Party in Aegeri (200 children attending), as well as the 4 Christmas Parties set up in the 4 shelters for Ukrainians families (150 children).
We are grateful to everyone who contributed to making the event a success and spreading joy this holiday season! Enjoy below a few pics of our magnificent stand set up by Tracey, Kelly, Nadia, Lara and Maud!
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Fundraising Evening, Skylounge, Zug - May
We had a fabulous fun evening on 20 May at the Skylounge in Zug! With the generosity of donors and attendees, this event helped to raise over CHF1,300 with quizzes, and a silent auction. A raffle draw also drew lots of excitement from joyful attendees. The proceeds will be used to fund the school Backpack and the coffee morning for the Ukrainian families in the Cantons of Zurich, Zug and Lucerne
CommunityLinks is also starting projects to help support Ukrainian families arriving in the Canton of Zug, Zurich and Lucerne.
School Backpack Distribution for Ukrainian Children - April & June
To date, we have distributed 228 backpacks for children in Canton Zug and Lucerne. With help from coordinators at the refugee shelters, Lili Centre in Lucerne, and the Ukrainian School in Zug, we aim to provide each Ukrainian child a backpack filled with essential school supplies, lunch box and drink bottle. We hope that this provides the children more confidence as they navigate this new chapter in their lives. This project will be ongoing as long as there are children arriving from Ukraine. Many thanks to everyone who donated money, backpacks/supplies, or helped with the coordination of this cause. We could not do what we do without all your help!
Coffee Mornings in Canton Zurich, Affoltern am Albis, April - June
CommunityLinks, in coordination with Integration Hedingen and the Familienzentrum Affoltern am Albis, organized a coffee meet-up every Thursday from 9 to 11am for refugees of all ages residing in the Säuliamt region. The meetings aimed to provide an environment for dissemination of information, an exchange of ideas, and to let attendees come together to socialize. Thanks to the volunteers who took the time to prepare drinks and snacks for all. We are also grateful to the numerous guest speakers who had provided guidance on integration into Swiss society.
Anzeiger Newspaper - 21.04.2022
2021
Christmas Party - December
In 2021, more than 200 children enjoyed an outdoor celebration with Santa and his elves, dancing and taking pictures with Santa. Each child received a CHF 60 gift bag.
Have a little glimpse into the 2021 December gift distribution event:
Easter Baking Sales in Unterägeri - March
Thanks to Lara's dedication, 30 beautifully prepared Easter boxes were successfully sold, making the event a great success!
Yoga Session on the Beach with Olive Yoga, Standbad Brüggli - May
One peaceful morning, the shores of Lake Zug became the setting for a serene and exhilarating yoga session, hosted by Olive Yoga as a special fundraiser. With the gentle sound of the water and the calm morning breeze, participants were guided through a restorative practice that left everyone feeling refreshed and grounded.
The event not only offered a beautiful start to the day but also raised valuable funds for our community initiatives. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Olive Yoga for their generosity and for providing such a calming, unforgettable experience.
2020
Christmas Party - December
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the Christmas spirit of giving endured. Thanks to your generosity, 197 children received a 50 CHF gift card, allowing 99 families to provide their children with gifts and essential items!
