PhASE - Community Service

The PhASE (Philanthropy and Social Engagement) committee of the AWCZ seeks to
raise funds and 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 volunteer opportunities and charitable
organizations.

Club-sponsored Charity

A club-sponsored charity is chosen by the AWCZ to receive club-wide support for a
select period. 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 in their local community.

Cancer Support Switzerland 2024-present

Since September 2024, CASS (Cancer Support Switzerland) has been the current
Club-Sponsored charity. Originally established in Geneva in 2000, Covid (and the
resulting online counseling) brought to light the need for English speaking support
services in Zurich, and other Swiss regions. CASS provides all services free of
charge to those who are more comfortable in English than the local Swiss language.
These services include counseling for cancer sufferers, accompanying patients to
health care appointments, supporting family members and friends and offering safe
places to talk and receive various therapies including art, yoga, gardening and
Pilates. For more information go to www.cancersupport.ch/contact

Other PhASE Causes

FIZ (Fachstelle Frauenhandel and Frauenimmigration) 2022-2024
FIZ provides advocacy, counseling and support for female migrants and victims of human
trafficking. 24 therapists counsel almost 500 women per year and FIZ provides 6 shelters
for over 30 vulnerable women. As the AWCZ’s most recent former club sponsored charity,
annual collections of toiletries and suitcases still take place at the clubhouse.
To learn more or get involved contact the PhASE Chair at PhASE@awczurich.org or
visit FIZ Fachstelle Frauenhandel und Frauenimmigration.

Tischlein deck dich (TDD) 2014 - 2022

In Switzerland, 2.8 million tons of edible food is thrown away every year. TDD saves
this food from being wasted and distributes it to people affected by poverty
throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein. In 2023 TDD provided rescued food to
1.8 million people in its 159 distribution points and indirectly through other food aid
organizations.
The AWCZ supports TDD by encouraging interested members to volunteer at their
local distribution sites in Zurich. Take a closer look at TDD at www.tischlein.ch

Other Volunteer Opportunities

The following charities and programs have been active in the past, but less so in
recent years. If they are of particular interest, please contact them directly.

FOOD DRIVE
The English-speaking Catholic Mission in Zurich runs a food drive for the non-
denominational food pantry

Terre Des Hommes (TDH)
Terre Des Hommes is a Swiss NGO (ZEWO certified) and the largest international
children’s aid organisation in Switzerland. Past collections have included carry-on
bags, children’s clothing and car seats.

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.