On behalf of social sustainability
When we speak of sustainability, we mean first and foremost ecological sustainability. But the second pillar of sustainability is equally important: social sustainability. In Saanenland, this is primarily embodied by one organisation: The Saanen Women's Association. For more than 100 years, this association has been committed to social issues and education in Saanenland and has helped out where the need is greatest. With almost 1,000 members, the Saanen Women's Association is one of the largest women's associations in Switzerland and is therefore firmly anchored in the population.
Giving a second life
The Women's Association's flagship project is the Brockenstube, a second-hand shop opposite the football pitch in Saanen. It combines social and ecological sustainability. Since 1934, the "Brocki" has enabled financially disadvantaged people to buy things they could not otherwise afford. At the same time, supposedly discarded items are given a second life instead of ending up in the trash. Over the years, this concept has made the Brockenstube probably the most popular meeting place for the local population in Saanen and the most important line of business for the Women's Association. With the income, the association can support charitable institutions and the promotion of young people in the local associations, as well as maintain its emergency aid services. The employees themselves all work on a voluntary basis.
