At this time of year when the active amongst us are waxing our snow equipment, I just wanted to suggest two organisations worth supporting

First is the Swiss Paraplegics Group who for an annual membership of CHF45 both help the research and support of the organisation and also receive CHF200 000 if - heaven forbid - serious spinal injury is suffered whilst up the mountains or elsewhere

The second is Rega which again is a non-profit organisation which for CHF30 per year will provide emergency medical support via the red helicopters you sometimes see up the mountains.

For CHF75 per year - the cost of a day skipass and a coffee with schnapps - you can have a more secure winter sports season and support two non-profit making organisations carry on their good work.

I have an interest in neither - but I'm glad somebody pointed these things out to me when I arrived in Switzerland and I'm just passing on the wisdom. Equally - I hope nobody here every needs to use the service and its merely a safety net for us all

REGA is a fantastic organisation and the best value Insurance ever. We pay 70 a year as a couple and they will come and pick us up if ever in medical trouble anywhere in the world. I'd urge anybody who lives in CH to join them. You pay as a 'donor' - my OH really thinks it is great that his membership card says 'goner' on it.

Thanks for the link re the paraplegic organisation- will look at it and see if we can help out as volunteers this season.

I suppose it depends what you mean by 'they' and 'medical trouble'. The idea that the REGA will, as a matter of course, come with one of their planes or helicopters to pick up a patient when called out in an emergency is simply not true. Same with emergencies within Switzerland. What they do do, and this is very comforting to know, is that they check out the best method of helping the patient and organise this - with one of their planes if deemed necessary. A couple of friends of ours have had to make use of this brilliant service so I'm all for it, but checking out the exact wording on their site and not just thinking that the more 'thrilling rescues' are the norm is not a bad idea.
REGA

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Longbyt

Rega does NOT replace travel Insurance- but is a fantastic complementary service. They went to fetch a friend in Tunis a couple of years back by plane, with a doctor and a nurse- as local treatment was deemed unsuitable for her condition. They have qualified representiatives who speak every possible language and will assess the situation with local staff and ensure local treatment is available and if not, will lift you out one way or the other. For us, that 70CHF a year, on top of our travel Insurance is really reassuring and the best value ever.

Maybe I should contact SPG, I spent last ski season working with Maine Handicap Skiing and will be doing the same this season, maybe I go and work with them next season.

I'll certainly be signing up for REGA.

Now that the snow finally arrived, bumping without apology

I have never viewed REGA as an "organisation worth supporting" but rather as "insurance worth buying". I bought a Swiss cell phone just to be able to call them should I, Heaven forbid, need them.

I know, I know ...

REGA does NOT sell insurance. It is an organization that you support, and as a sign of their appreciation of your support they will rescue you for free

But in my budget I itemize my REGA "contribution" as insurance

Errrrrr, OK. Thanks for clearing that up