Our thoughts are with those affected by the fire disaster in Crans-Montana.
The tragic events of New Year’s Eve in Crans-Montana have deeply shaken many people. Lives were lost, families torn apart, and future plans abruptly brought to an end. Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those directly affected by this tragedy—in Crans-Montana, in the Canton of Valais, and beyond.
Especially in moments like these, the true meaning of solidarity becomes clear. Rotary stands for responsibility, compassion, and practical support. Local assistance is being coordinated by the Rotary Club Crans-Montana, with a particular focus on situations where public aid or insurance coverage is insufficient and personal support is needed.
Rotarians throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein are invited to remain attentive and to offer help wherever it is meaningful and possible—through their time, professional expertise, translation services, or other forms of practical assistance.
We will provide updates on specific needs and further steps here as they become available.
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Update: Monday, 5 January, 5:45 p.m.
Coordination, initial orientation, and identified needs
At the governor level, Rotary’s involvement is currently being further consolidated and coordinated. The aim is to provide assistance that is effective, well-coordinated, and respectful of existing structures. Coordination is taking place in close cooperation with the Rotary Switzerland crisis management team and the Rotary Club of Crans-Montana.
We are still in the early stages. The approaches developed so far are intended as a snapshot and will be continuously reviewed, refined, and further developed in collaboration with social services, local authorities, hospitals, and other relevant agencies.
To provide guidance, an initial overview of the currently identified support needs has been prepared. This list is explicitly dynamic and will be continuously updated. It includes, among other things:
- Coordination and support for those affected
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Psychological, human, and spiritual support
- Medical, legal, and administrative assistance
- Material and logistical support
- Targeted financial assistance in cases of hardship
- Support for children and school-related matters
- Information, communication, and long-term follow-up care
The situation has an international dimension, as those affected are receiving medical care in several European countries. Accordingly, direct lines of communication are being established with the hospitals involved in Switzerland and abroad.
For clubs, the respective district governor remains the central point of contact. This channel can be used to share offers of support, expertise, and willingness to help, ensuring coordinated and effective assistance. The focus is particularly on situations where government assistance or insurance benefits do not apply and individual support is required.
A comprehensive overview of the currently identified needs is available as a separate document and serves as a guide for further Rotary involvement.
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Update: Sunday, 4 January, 5:30 pm
Rotary support: skills matter
Many Rotary members have contacted us asking how they can provide concrete help. At this stage, one thing is clear: at present, practical assistance and personal support are more important than financial contributions.
Many of those affected come from abroad, are injured or in a state of shock. Relatives are arriving at short notice and must find their way in an unfamiliar environment, communicate with authorities, hospitals and insurance companies, or organise extended stays. This is precisely where Rotary engagement can make a meaningful difference.
The following forms of support are particularly needed:
language support (interpreting, translation),
guidance and accompaniment for those affected and their families,
professional expertise, where specific skills are helpful,
time and presence, where personal care and attention are essential.
The coordination of Rotary support on site is being handled by Yves Duc, President of the Rotary Club Crans-Montana.
+41 27 483 41 23
+41 79 435 22 22
yves.duc@sunrise.ch
The focus is deliberately on situations not covered by public authorities or insurance providers, where individual and personal support is required.
Rotary understands help not only as financial assistance, but as service to people – through what we know, what we can do, and who we are. We invite Rotary Clubs throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein to remain attentive and to take initiative wherever their skills are concretely needed.
