The Gift Box Project deadline is coming up soon. We caught up with Tyrrian Livesley who continues to make a difference in children's lives for the last 28 years. We write an article each year and are happy to bring this cause to our readers' attention.
The gift box project is simple: You prepare presents, and they are taken to children in Eastern Europe who are enduring difficult times. "Our common goal is to make them happy", Tyrrian tells us. You can hear her radio interview with Mark on World Radio Switzerland here. She goes on to explain more:
This year we would like to help 1,000 children smile as they open their gift box full of joy and happiness.
The situation in Ukraine and Moldova is no better than last year. For many, it is even worse than before, causing families to split up into safe homes in other areas of the country; becoming refugees in their own country! Many have suffered the loss of family members due to the war and so many children are sadly forced to live through the unrest and its horrors.
“One more box = one more happy child.”
Gift Box Project Collection 2024
last drop off date is Monday, 18 November 2024
Has it already been 13 years since knowitall published an article about the Swedish International School of Geneva (SISOG) at this link?
Well now they are celebrating their 50th anniversary with several exciting changes! Known for its unique blend of play-based learning and academic rigor since 1974, SISOG has been nurturing young minds in Geneva since.
Now offering a bilingual curriculum in two streams: English/French and Swedish/French, it is located in the new Les Vergers neighborhood of Meyrin. The school provides a safe, dynamic environment where students age 1-12 are encouraged to grow both academically and personally.
With a play-based learning philosophy rooted in Swedish educational values, SISOG offers a holistic educational experience that prepares children for the future. From the first days of preschool to the end of primary school, students benefit from an engaging and nurturing environment that balances structured learning with creative exploration.
Full-Day Consistent Care
SISOG understands the needs of modern families. It provides full-day consistent care from 8h-18h20 each day. This schedule ensures that parents have peace of mind, knowing their children are in a secure, stimulating environment even after the school day ends. From early morning activities to after-school programs, SISOG supports children’s learning, development, and well-being throughout the entire day.
When I met Helder da Silva by chance one day, he told me of his illustrations for a collection of seven children's tales that's very close to his heart. The aim of these books is to introduce youngsters to cultures with different ways of life, and each ethno tale is being produced alongside a scientific publication by anthropologists and financed by Geneva's La fondation culturelle Musée Barbier-Mueller.
What was the inspiration?
Before working on a story, I do the layout of the scientific book with the anthropologist, his photos and documents and the anedotes are a great source of inspiration.
Helder da Silva, Laurence Mattet, and author Jean-Marie Hosatte (Tooksipa and Tarara) at the vernissage of the exhibition of drawings from Tooksipa et le tabouret d'or at the Natural History Museum in 2017
When did you start working on this series?
It's been about ten years since Mrs. Laurence Mattet, Director of the Fondation Culturelle Musée Barbier-Mueller, came up with the concept and together we've produced 7 children's stories based on 7 studies.
The Gift Box project started to get involved with the clothes collection over 20 years ago after receiving requests from its generous supporters asking if it would be possible to do so. Since then they have been collecting clothes approximately 4 times a year, which are delivered through trusted partners to those most in need. The next clothes drive takes place between 19-25 June 2024.
A large proportion of the population in Eastern Europe live in very precarious conditions especially those in Ukraine.
Everyone, the old, handicapped, and families, are deeply grateful for the help that your donations of good quality clothing are to them. You may leave your unneeded clothes and shoes with our team who will pass them onto the Mission so they are sent to these countries. The dedicated volunteers and local staff will ensure that they are distributed to those most in need.
Please donate your surplus clothes to our collection. See our list of acceptable items.
We want to treat people with dignity: donations must be freshly washed and in very good condition.
Have you ever tried to play soccer/football wearing crocs? We were contacted by Lizzie Crudgington who is looking to raise money for a charity that supports sports education for disadvantaged youth in Nairobi, including contributing sports materials. There are many ways to contribute, including donating any spare, gently-used football shoes. Please read on for more info.
This summer, the Crudgington family (from the Nyon area) will travel to Nairobi to work with disadvantaged 9 to 16 year-olds, supporting a local community organization, National Volunteer Services Kenya, in providing education for good health and well-being, whilst sharing their passion for sports.
Before heading to Kenya, they are raising funds that will go directly to the local community, as well as taking with them sportswear donated by institutions and individuals, and money to purchase (from Nairobi markets) additional sports equipment that is prioritised by the community.
Visit Sports4Kenya for more information about NVS Kenya and the Sports Education Programme, as well as opportunities to get involved.
These are just some of the ways you can support sports education for underprivileged youth in Nairobi Kenya:
** BLUE MIND ART: SILENT AUCTION FOR CHARITY
Wednesday, 29 May 2024
19h-21h
Eysins, VD
Lizzie Crudgington is selling some of her artwork (mostly of Lac Leman over the last 20 years) during an evening with wine, cheese and crudités. The event is to raise money for National Volunteer Services Kenya.
** FAMILY SPORTS DAY EVENT
Sunday, 2 June 2024
9h-13h
Prangins, VD
In addition to the above auction, Lizzie is also looking to reach her fundraising goal of CHF 2,000 by organising - with her sports coach husband - a fun morning of sport and games for all the family this Father's Day. Work up an appetite before Father's Day lunch! And during the event, please donate any of your used football shoes in good condition so the family can contribute them on your behalf to these children.
** SPONSOR SPORTS CHALLENGES
Click here to sponsor Lizzie and/or Ona to raise money for their trip to Kenya.
Rowing back to fitness
Following rotator cuff surgery in 2023 to fix a long-term shoulder injury, Lizzie is now aiming to get fit and strong again in 2024, and is taking to the rowing machine. Starting in February with short 1 and 2km rowing sessions, she will be ramping up the distance and speed, and has set herself an ambitious target: 400km on the rower by 30 June 2024!
Cycling Lake Geneva
As practice for her Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition, Ona (age 14) will take to her bike with fellow DofE'ers for a three-day trip around Lake Geneva in June. A total of 180km, each day will be on average 60km.
