“Life should be about engagement”

We always enjoy meeting our supporters – supporters like Jean-Claude, 76, and his wife Vivianne, 73, who have been faithful donors for years. We had the privilege to sit down and chat with Jean-Claude in his home and learn about his personal journey and what motivates him to support the most vulnerable people in this world.

We always enjoy meeting our supporters – supporters like Jean-Claude, 76, and his wife Vivianne, 73, who have been faithful donors for years. Married for more than 50 years, Jean-Claude and Vivianne have two adopted children from India, Prakash and Anandi, and live in St. Sulpice, VD. We had the privilege to sit down and chat with Jean-Claude in his home, where we learned about his personal journey and what motivates him to support the most vulnerable people in this world.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’ve been married for more than 50 years to my lovely wife, Vivianne. We desired to have kids early into our marriage and met a couple from Geneva who inspired us to adopt. To us, adopting our two children who were abandoned and then lived in orphanages in India, was our ministry – much like Medair is a ministry.

I studied business and then worked for 40 years in a variety of commercial jobs. Sadly, I realised that this kind of work did not satisfy me. However, since retirement I have become involved in voluntary work for my church and neighbourhood. This is more the life I want to live because, for me, life should be about engagement. Of course, I also enjoy staying active through swimming, biking, and walking in nature.


How did you get to know Medair?

I saw some of Medair’s videos and spoke with some team members and realised that Medair’s mission deeply connected with my values. I admire Medair’s commitment to responding quickly in emergencies and their willingness to do whatever it takes to reach people in need. If I could solve today’s problems like hunger and war, I would. However, I’m grateful for organisations like Medair who are out there, being the hands and feet.

Why do you choose to support Medair?

I am fortunate to live in this beautiful country. I have money to spend, food to eat, and the freedom to make my own choices – choices that many people in this world don’t have because they live to survive. To have choice is extraordinary! So for me, it is simple. I cannot bear to close my eyes to the suffering of others if I can do something to relieve it.

We all have experienced or know someone who has been affected by a personal emergency – whether a life-threatening illness, death of a family member, divorce, or professional setbacks. It can be devastating. So I believe that when you receive much, you also have the responsibility to share with others, both next door and in other parts of the world.

Why did you decide to leave a legacy gift?

I’m not special or unique, I just believe that I have a responsibility to steward well what has been given to me. There are people around the world who have not eaten anything for days or who live in countries that are at war, and they did not choose to live that way. I simply cannot close my eyes to their suffering. I do not have much to give, I only have my house, but I feel I have a responsibility to do what I can with it for the good of others.

Are you interested in learning how you can leave a legacy gift in your will? Our advisers are here to help. For more information, please contact david.sauter@medair.org, tel. 021.694.35.32 or visit: medair.org/legacy

CHECK OUR LATEST STORIES