“Security is a fundamental need and an essential prerequisite for economic and social prosperity. Generally speaking, Switzerland’s model of success makes it a safe country, but it is being severely tested by global political instability, the negative consequences of which we do not always dare to face up to.
Many countries are not fortunate enough to develop within a stable and democratic social context. Raw materials, territorial claims and religious tensions are sources of armed conflict and war. People suffer in the face of grave uncertainty and great danger.
The Canton of Bern alleviates this suffering to some extent by allocating a portion of the gambling revenue from its Lottery Fund to projects that mitigate major humanitarian crises, both in Switzerland and abroad. The Digger Foundation, a Bern-based charitable organisation, is the only one in Switzerland to manufacture humanitarian demining machines. This is a noble cause which the Bernese government is now subsidising to the tune of up to one million francs per year. The foundation’s exceptional commitment deserves our heartfelt gratitude, but also, and above all, the essential financial support.”
