Activities in Switzerland

Fritada

On 30 September and 1 October 2023, we had an exceptional Team of Volunteers who worked very hard to offer each of our Guests an authentic tasting experience with our typical Ecuadorian Dish in the Grande Salle de Oulens-Sur-Échallens. The meal ended with Renate’s homemade cake. For mores pictures, click here.

A big thank you to the municipality of Oulens-sous-Échallens for providing the venue, allowing us to hold our annual support dinner in the best possible conditions.

Our guests enjoyed the entertainment provided by Denis and his enchanting flute, as well as the magic of the Little Nicolas Ball. They also showcased their artistic talents during a memorable karaoké session (here, here, here and there).

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the volunteers who helped make this day possible. Ana, Anthony, Carlos, Denis, Gaël, Hugo, Irina, Jean-Bernard, José, Le Petit Nicolas, Laura, Vincent, Zhiyu et Zoé.

To see behind the scenes photos click here.

Thanks to the generous donations of Constance, Eric, Philippe and many other benefactors, our Trésor à Petit Prix was put on display in various places this year. This enabled a large number of people to pick up some wonderful items that will be given a second life.

Their invaluable support has truly enriched this initiative, and we are infinitely grateful to you.

13 May 13 in Renens

3 June in Vevey

At the Vevey stand, we had a flute concert by Denis, to see the video click here.

On 11 June in Villars le Terroir

On 17 June in Yverdon les Bains

1st July in Vevey – Place de Robin

On July 22 in Champéry – Rue du village

On July 30 in Nyon[:]

On 1st August in La Cibourg, Clermont 157, 2616 Renan, Berne

On August 5 in the Cour du vieux collège, in Monthey

On October 7 in Cossonay

On 28 October in Villars le Terroir

Our sincere thanks to Aline, Annette and Joël, Ariane, Céline, Cécile, David, Doris and Gérard for allowing us to take part in their garage sales. It was a great opportunity to build links with the local community and raise awareness of our work. Thank you for your generosity and warm welcome!

“That’s what love is, giving and sacrificing everything with no hope of return”
Albert Camus

Stands

The stands offer a unique opportunity to discover the remarkable work of Ecuadorian artisans from different regions of the country. They also provide an opportunity to raise awareness and share our association’s valuable work in Ecuador. Your visit allows us to highlight not only the talent of local craftspeople, but also the positive impact of our community involvement.

On 11 and 12 August for the AEYAEL Festival, in the Bellerive Parking Bellerive-Lausanne.

For more pictures, you can see here.

On 20 August in the Place de la Riponne organised by Swiss Latino FM radio

On 21 October in Migros-Etoy

On 27 and 28 October in Migros-Vevey

On November 4 in Migros-Tour de Peilz

On November 18 in Migros-Rolles

On November 11, 12, 25 and 26 in Bavois

On December 2nd in Migros-Cossonay

On December 10 – Domaine de Maison Blanche, Mont-sur-Rolle

Many thanks to the Aeyael association and Radio Swiss Latina, who are giving us the opportunity to take part in their events for the first time. We would also like to express our gratitude to Migros, the Bavois motorway, Domaine de la Maison Blanche, M. Salvatore Rizzello and the shopping centres that generously welcome us every year. Thanks to their support, we are able to forge links with the Swiss population and raise awareness of our work.

Many thanks to Abigaël, Adam, Ana, Alexia, Eric, Jean-Bernard, Laura, Nathanael, Nicolas, Olivier, and Vincent, for their collaboration, time and energy spent throughout the year on our stands.

If you’re inspired by the beaming smiles of our volunteers, join our team! It’s the best therapy for depression, and treatment is guaranteed! There will always be a place for you.

“Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, they have the heart…”
Elizabeth Andrew

The travellers of 2023

We know that saying goodbye to those cuddly toys that have been our faithful companions from childhood until, well, even when we should be able to cook without help…. it’s hard! But if you can share them with a little one who will adopt, care for and love them, the goodbye becomes a little softer! So don’t worry, if you have cuddly toys looking for a new home, we’re here all year round, ready to make the perfect match, give us a call and give your cuddly toy a new adventure!

Thanks to Jocelyne, Alessio and all those who donate stuffed animals throughout the year.

The winners of the 2023 Christmas Raffle

This year, thanks to Stefan Baumann’s generosity, we were able to offer a Panoramic Flight over the Swiss Alps as our First Prize!

Mac 3000 offered us a men’s and a women’s cup, a superb Second Prize, which will delight the lucky winner.

Migros Pour-cent culturel has donated a basket filled with products for the Third Prize.

The draw for the Tombola took place on our stand at the Christmas market on the Maison Blanche estate, at the end of the day on 10 December 2023. So, who will be the lucky winner? To see the video of the draw, click here.

**First prize:** Nathanaël BERTOLI No. 961236

**Second prize:** Béatrice ROULIN No. 67131532

**Third prize:** Laura ABUITO No. 572610

Volunteers’ raffle

Throughout the year, the volunteers help to ensure that the activities are successful and that many families benefit at Christmas. In appreciation of this effort, some prizes were raffled off.

thanks to Stefan Baumann’s generosity, we were able to offer a Panoramic Flight over the Swiss Alps as our First Prize!

Carmen has donated a haircut[ for our Second Price

The winners of the 2023 Volunteers’ Raffle

Hugo won the first prize: flight over the Swiss Alps.

Olivier won the second prize: a haircut at Carmen Américas Salon

Zoé won the third prize: a bottle of wine.

Laura won the fourth prize: A surprise dinner.

Sharing our Christmas meal with our volunteers

We enjoyed delicious food and drink, and also shared some good times playing games. Congratulations to the winners and all the best for 2024!

“When you learn to give without expecting anything in return, you will receive without having to reciprocate.”
Augusto Branco

Yes…It was for me!

Once upon a time, there was a little boy called Nathanaël who, with a radiant smile, decided to lend a hand at the AEYAEL festival, where the association Un Panier Pour Noël had a stand.

with his parents, Nathanaël came up with a brilliant idea: set up a games stand right next door to raise money!

The money went straight into the collection’s piggy bank every time someone played.

For two days, he worked with great enthusiasm, encouraging everyone to have fun and help without expecting anything in return.

At the end of the festival, for his tireless efforts, Nathanaël received a ticket for the Christmas raffle.

The Christmas dinner arrived for the volunteers, and everyone was excited about the raffle.

what a surprise when they announced that the first prize, a flight over the Swiss Alps in a light aircraft, had been won by Nathanaël!

But there’s a small problem… Nathanaël was a minor! Unfortunately, the prize was withdrawn, and Nathanaël received a small consolation prize.

Time passes, and at the last Christmas stand of the Association, the Christmas raffle is held, and to everyone’s surprise, Nathanaël wins the first prize again: a flight over the Swiss Alps.

The association’s board meets and, after careful consideration, decides to contact the pilot. ‘Can Nathanaël take the flight if accompanied by an adult?’ they ask. The pilot, with a big smile, kindly agreed.

This is how Nathanaël was finally able to fly over the Swiss Alps, accompanied by his mom, and enjoy a view he would never forget.

That day, Nathanaël understood that when we help others from the bottom of our hearts and without expecting anything in return, life rewards us in unexpected and wonderful ways.

Ecuador Activities

Babahoyo

Babahoyo is the capital of the Province of los Ríos, located 62 km north-east of Guayaquil. It lies at the confluence of the San Pablo and Caracol rivers, forming the Babahoyo River. The region enjoys a warm, humid climate. As the economic centre of the province, Babahoyo’s main source of income is agriculture, particularly rice, sugar cane and fruit.

This year we were able to fulfil our desire to share with the families of Babahoyo, and were pleasantly surprised to find a magnificent city with wide, lively streets and vibrant shops. Its market in the city centre, together with a magnificent Cathedral that preserves its history, reflect the cultural richness of the place. In addition, we were welcomed by a welcoming, humble, generous and, above all, well-mannered population. The bridges that cross the city add even more beauty to Babahoyo’s urban landscape.

Ticket distribution

As the number of baskets distributed was limited, as every year, our main objective was to help families living in extreme poverty, with a particular focus on elderly people living alone, single mothers, people with disabilities and orphans, regardless of religion or skin colour.

To achieve this objective, we visited the city, the markets, and several sensitive or remote neighbourhoods, such as La Ventura, El Mamey, La Chorrera, Santa Rosa, El Salto, La Unión, Caracol, Puerta Negra, 24 de Mayo, Baba, etc. We carried out house-by-house visits to check the real situation of the families. After this assessment, they were given a ticket so that they could come to the Babahoyo Educational Unit on 24 December, where we organised the Christmas party.

The children also received a ticket for their personal gift, with special attention paid to disabled children and those under the age of 12.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Mr. Fredy Mera Villamar, Director of the Education District, and Ms. Patzy Campuzano, Principal of the Babahoyo Educational Unit, for their support and permission to use the school grounds for this event. Thanks to their permission, we were able to hold the party in an appropriate location, providing a festive and welcoming setting for the families.

2023 D-Day

The day offered these families a unique opportunity to get away from their difficult daily lives, put on their best costumes, and celebrate Christmas with joy.

On 24 December 2023, the vulnerable families of Babahoyo experienced a Christmas like no other. Despite the many difficulties they face on a daily basis, these families received a basket filled with all the ingredients needed for a proper Christmas meal.

Children’s Christmas

For the children, it was also an opportunity to receive an ideal companion, who would bring them comfort during moments of sadness.

The children, their faces lit up with smiles, hugged cuddly toys, symbols of affection and generosity donated by Swiss families. This act of solidarity was a powerful reminder that, even thousands of miles away, compassion transcends borders. To see the video click here.[:]

This event was made possible thanks to the collaboration of: Cuerpo de Pastores, Grupo de Danza Baba, Grupo de Fuerzas Especiales No. 26 Cenepa, Hermanas Marianitas, Movimiento Juan XXIII, Parroquia Vargas de Fátima, and Policia Nacional.

DANCE BABA GROUP

The Baba dance group performed a traditional dance for us; you can watch the video here

To ensure that beneficiary families receive all the help they need, we rely on the invaluable support of our volunteers every year. Some of them are regulars among the regulars, returning year after year and becoming essential pillars of our team. Others join us with enthusiasm, providing invaluable support for each new edition. Thanks to their commitment, we are able to avoid any administrative costs; should such costs arise, the Roulin family will cover them. In this way, all the donations we receive go directly to the beneficiary families.

I would especially like to single out Mechita and José, who made a commitment and fulfilled it with exceptional dedication and gratitude.

The support of the military in logistics is invaluable for the success of our activities, and the assistance of the police is essential in maintaining order and ensuring control of the entire audience. We deeply appreciate the collaboration of both forces, which is indispensable for the smooth execution of our work.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the musicians, singers and production crew Byron, Carlos, Josue, Miguel, Santiago, Santy, etc. who, despite not knowing each other beforehand, formed a musical group that greatly enriched the event.

We cannot forget the group of young people who took care of the children, providing them with refreshments and organising activities while the adults received their gifts – an excellent job! You are heroes!

Special thanks to Verito from the Hotel Los Andes, who, without knowing us, generously opened the doors of his establishment, proving to be a person worthy of admiration.

In addition, we would like to thank all those who worked hard to provide meals for the volunteers, allowing us to enjoy the delicious specialties of Babahoyo. And, of course, a very special thanks to the wonderful families we visited who shared with us mangos, empanadas, fruits and much more. A thousand thanks to all!

Distribution of baskets on the streets

After fulfilling our mission with families, we devote ourselves to bringing joy to those who ask for help on the streets or who do odd jobs. We approach elderly people, those facing disabilities, and seeing their sadness transformed into a sincere smile fills our hearts with deep emotion. It’s at times like these that we realise that all our hard work and the tireless efforts of our volunteers throughout the year are of immense value. Every smile is proof that, together, we are making a real difference to the lives of those who need it most.

The shadow magicians.

Alexia BERTOLI – ABExpert Fiduciare Sàrl

Thierry Jaccard – CoFIRev

If our association moves forward smoothly, it is largely thanks to them, our everyday heroes, even though they work in the shadows. With their talents as accountants, auditors, website maintainers, proofreaders, and online store creators, they make our project shine without ever seeking the spotlight.

Eric GIROD

Laura COLLOT

Gilles SCHERLÉ Stylographe.ch

A heartfelt thank you to Alexia, Angela, Eric, Gilles, Laura, and Thierry for all the time, energy, and skills they bring to us. They are the magic that keeps this association running. With all our gratitude and much admiration, THANK YOU!!!

A big thank you to all the sponsors who support our families in Ecuador every year, as well as to those who visit us at our booths, garage sales, and flea markets! Thanks to your generosity, we have the privilege of delivering your aid directly to the families. You not only provide them with material support but also share your Christmas dinner with them, filling their tables and hearts with joy and hope. Thank you for being the heroes of this wonderful adventure!