Editorial
2024 was a year marked by a number of crises that have added to the instability and vulnerability of our environment. Year after year, wars, extreme climatic events and economic uncertainties add instability, anxiety and precariousness to our environment. In this fragile global context, many people in Switzerland today are in need of help, support and a sympathetic ear. At Fondation Groupe Mutuel, we are acutely aware of this. It is our social responsibility to do everything in our power not to abandon these persons, to help them and to assist them as best we can in their health needs. The three values upheld by Groupe Mutuel – caring, responsibility and proactivity – serve as a reminder of the important role that the business world can play in Switzerland and in the Valais canton. It was in this spirit of responsibility and solidarity that Fondation Groupe Mutuel was created in 2018. In addition to being a foundation owned by Groupe Mutuel Holding SA, its aim is to make a tangible commitment for the benefit of those in need.
In 2024, Fondation Groupe Mutuel supported a large number of projects and associations, as well as people in need. It also pursued studies and research into the healthcare system, with a view to finding ways of improving the way it operates.
Fondation Groupe Mutuel supported more than 30 associations in German-speaking Switzerland, French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino over the past year. These associations and foundations are bearers of hope, with sustainable, ambitious and concrete projects in the fields of health, care, support, rehabilitation and prevention. In particular, Fondation Groupe Mutuel supported Fondation IdéeSport and Kinderspital Zürich through the “Groupe Mutuel Bouge” challenge, thanks to the commitment of Groupe Mutuel employees. Around 800 employees accumulated 1,289,201 minutes of physical activity (equivalent to 21,487 hours or around 900 days) during the month of May. For each 250,000-minute milestone reached, CHF 1,000 was donated to these associations, which were supported up to a maximum of CHF 5,000 each.
In December, Fondation Groupe Mutuel joined forces once again with the Swiss Television channel RTS to support the Cœur à Cœur campaign, donating CHF 27,000 to the Chaîne du Bonheur. This amount will be used to help associations and institutions fighting child abuse. Part of the amount raised was the promise of CHF 3,000 per successful challenge (one daily challenge per Christmas market visited). The second part came from the sale of “pain d’épice” in the cafeterias of the various Groupe Mutuel service centres. Finally, thanks to our colleagues in the agencies, we were able to raise awareness of the campaign among our customers, and a sweets distribution also raised donations, which were sent directly to the Chaîne du Bonheur.
Unexpected costs, due to a serious illness or accident, can rapidly jeopardise a household’s financial situation. Similarly, innovative treatments that are not yet recognised in Switzerland may prove difficult to finance for some people. Fondation Groupe Mutuel has also come to the aid of individuals who have contacted us for occasional support in financing medical treatment.
Support for studies and research relating to the health system focused on two priority areas in 2024: over-medicalisation and inappropriate treatments. The aim was to put the patient at the centre of our concerns. With the following question in mind: what added value can we bring to the overall process of care and recovery?
In this annual report, you will find a summary of our activities and support we provided in 2024. I am delighted to see that Fondation Groupe Mutuel is actively helping those who are suffering and who are in need. This is the very meaning of its action, its ambition and its mission.
On behalf of the Foundation Board
Karin Perraudin
President
