Hans and Gertrud Oetiker Foundation – an 18 year legacy of supporting the local community
The Hans and Gertrud Oetiker Foundation was created in 2000 as a way to support local charities and give back to the community where they successfully raised their families and started their business.
Over the years, the Foundation, which is annually funded with a fraction of the profits from the Oetiker business, has given its support to numerous charities and community projects.
One example of a long-standing beneficiary is ‘Humanitas,’ based in Horgen, Switzerland, the birthplace of the company. The 41-year old non-profit offers adults with disabilities a diverse range of jobs and educational opportunities, along with different levels of assisted living.
Hans and Gertrud were also interested in supporting children with engaging and fun activities. ‘Kadetten Horgen,’ another long-time grant recipient, offers playful activities, mainly in nature, just steps away from home. The community club was founded in 1835 as an integral part of Horgen’s youth and village life.
Another charitable organization that was close to Hans and Gertrud’s hearts is the Hermann Geiger Foundation (HGSt). The institution provides financial support for mountain and air rescue workers and their families who have fallen into distress and live in Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein or have worked in rescue services outside of these countries.
One of the guiding principles for the Oetiker foundation is to support local institutions that are not so well-known and therefore not so well-funded. The approach is to focus on smaller institutions that are not regularly in the spotlight.
This is in keeping with the philosophy that Hans and Gertrud had in mind when they took the steps to initiate the Foundation. They wanted to share their private successes with the greater community. Their belief that it’s the small things that make the world a better place lives on today and will continue for future generations.
Over the years, the Foundation, which is annually funded with a fraction of the profits from the Oetiker business, has given its support to numerous charities and community projects.
One example of a long-standing beneficiary is ‘Humanitas,’ based in Horgen, Switzerland, the birthplace of the company. The 41-year old non-profit offers adults with disabilities a diverse range of jobs and educational opportunities, along with different levels of assisted living.
Hans and Gertrud were also interested in supporting children with engaging and fun activities. ‘Kadetten Horgen,’ another long-time grant recipient, offers playful activities, mainly in nature, just steps away from home. The community club was founded in 1835 as an integral part of Horgen’s youth and village life.
Another charitable organization that was close to Hans and Gertrud’s hearts is the Hermann Geiger Foundation (HGSt). The institution provides financial support for mountain and air rescue workers and their families who have fallen into distress and live in Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein or have worked in rescue services outside of these countries.
One of the guiding principles for the Oetiker foundation is to support local institutions that are not so well-known and therefore not so well-funded. The approach is to focus on smaller institutions that are not regularly in the spotlight.
This is in keeping with the philosophy that Hans and Gertrud had in mind when they took the steps to initiate the Foundation. They wanted to share their private successes with the greater community. Their belief that it’s the small things that make the world a better place lives on today and will continue for future generations.