PhASE - Community Service

The PhASE (Philanthropy and Social Engagement) committee of the AWCZ seeks to provide volunteer opportunities for members in the greater Zurich region and throughout Switzerland, by engaging with our club-sponsored charity, as well as providing information on other local volunteer opportunities and charitable organizations. Interested in helping out? Contact our PhASE leadership.

Club-sponsored Charity

A club-sponsored charity is chosen by the AWCZ to receive club-wide support for a select period of time. PhASE, working as the liaison, organizes fundraising events and hands-on volunteering opportunities aimed at creating a close working relationship between the charity and our members. This serves as a meaningful way for members to engage with their local community.

FIZ (Fachstelle Frauenhandel und frauenimmigration) 2022 - Present

FIZ (Fachstelle Frauenhandel and Frauenimmigration) is the current Club-sponsored charity. It provides advocacy, counseling and support for female migrants and victims of human trafficking. FIZ operates six shelters for around 35 women in the German-speaking part of Switzerland - and they counsel nearly 400 people per year.

For more information about FIZ and how you can get involved, contact Lisa at PhASE@awczurich.org or visit FIZ Fachstelle Frauenhandel und Frauenmigration.

Other PhASE Causes

Tischlein deck dich (TDD) 2014 - 2022

Did you know that there are approximately 615,000 people living at or below the poverty level in Switzerland? Tischlein deck dich (TDD), founded in 1999, is a service that annually distributes nearly 4.5 million kilograms of edible food and other groceries. This food would otherwise be thrown away, and instead is given to those living at or below the poverty level. Approximately 18,400 people are supported on a weekly basis. They operate in over 129 sites, many of which are located in and around Zurich.

The AWCZ supports TDD by encouraging members to volunteer at their local distribution sites in Zurich and by organizing specific fundraising events. Contact PhASE to see how you can get involved and/or take a closer look at TDD at www.tischlein.ch.

PhASE Toiletry Drive

PhASE normally conducts a toiletries drive from June through October for FIZ.

FIZ, Fachstelle fur Frauenhandel und Frauenimigration, provides crisis intervention for victims of trafficking and abuse for women ages 15 - 50. They maintain a shelter for approximately six women. Their offices are here in Zurich and they support women from 10 of the 26 cantons in Switzerland. With a staff of about 18, approximately 200 women are helped each year. Find out more at www.fiz-info.ch.

PhASE Food Drive

In November and December, PhASE usually conducts a food drive for the non-denominational food pantry at the English - speaking Catholic Mission in Zurich.

Terre des hommes (Tdh)

Terre des hommes is a Swiss NGO (ZEWO certified) and the largest international children's aid organization in Switzerland. Tdh provides support to children in 33 countries in the areas of health, social welfare, and children's rights. In Lausanne, Tdh's La Maison is a convalescence home for poor children from around the world who receive life-saving surgeries for free. In May and June, the AWCZ usually collects carry-on bags, children's clothing, and car seats for use at La Maison.

Other Local Volunteer Opportunities

PhASE also helps identify additional local philanthropic opportunities with a focus on women, children, food, and community. If you know of, or are an active member of, a local organization and would like to share it with our membership, please contact our PhASE committee.