«Parents can't always be in hospital»

Mrs Bootz, who is the Aladdin Foundation's offer aimed at?

We support families with sick and disabled children. For example, there is our relief programme for parents whose children have to go to hospital. This brings with it enormous organisational challenges for mothers and fathers, in addition to worries about the child: they have to juggle hospital visits, looking after siblings, household chores and a job.

Especially when children are in hospital for longer, it is difficult for parents to always be there - many cannot afford it financially. In addition, the time pressure on carers has increased and they only have limited opportunities to give patients their undivided attention. In collaboration with the nursing staff, we arrange and coordinate volunteers to visit the child in hospital - to read to them , play with them or simply be there so that the wait for the family doesn't take too long.

Many parents find the exchange with families in a similar situation relieving and enriching.

Who are your volunteers?

People - from students to senior citizens - who have a positive attitude, love children and are willing to spend two hours twice a month visiting the Children's Hospital Zurich or Lucerne or the Swiss Children's Rehab Centre.

It is very important to us that people who are interested in this commitment are suitable for it. We therefore conduct a preliminary interview with interested people and prepare them for their tasks - although our volunteers do not take on any medical or nursing activities. They must also provide a special private extract. Around 160 people are currently involved.

How else do you support affected families?

We run two holiday weeks each autumn to give them a break. Families should be able to leave their demanding everyday lives behind and enjoy carefree moments without having to worry about organisational matters.

Our volunteer teams put together a varied programme of activities for parents, sick and healthy children, with something for everyone. Many parents find it relieving and enriching to socialise with families in a similar situation.