List of associations in the Charity programme

This is the list of associations that are part of the Charity Programme of the StraLugano.
When registering for Run4Charity, choose to whom you donate your entire participation fee.

Ankur For The World Association

Ankur For The World was founded in memory of Ankur Singhal by his friends and family. Ankur's life was tragically cut short by an incurable cancer. The mission and motivation of the association is inspired by the historical events of her life: to create an impact by connecting different worlds, to use education as a tool to open up the world of opportunities and to help others see the world in a positive way despite the difficulties. Ankur For The World helps children understand the importance of education and supports them in their learning journey.

Ankur For The World Association
Via Aldesago 17 B
6962 Viganello

Associazione Culture Ticino Network

The Culture Ticino Network Association in Lugano, founded in 2011, is a non-profit, apolitical and non-religious association. It promotes the culture of peace, human and environmental well-being with various initiatives and activities, both national and international.
Never as in these difficult times, there is a need to spread the culture of peace, solidarity with the poorest and the importance of human rights among all generations, from the youngest to the decision-making authorities. The Association has already done this in the past with its traditional solidarity events, including the “Round Tables”, the after-school activities “Petals of Peace” and the “Village of Peace” which involves, for over 10 years, schools from Ticino and Italy through workshops focusing on humanitarian issues, peace and respect for human beings, animals and the environment.
In addition, 6 years ago the Association began supporting several projects in the Philippines, including the restructuring of an orphanage and helping malnourished, poor children through a feeding program. In 2022, the Culture Ticino Network founded the sister association “Culture Ticino Network and Philippines Association” in Paombong (Philippines).
From 2020 to 2021 the Culture Ticino Network Association, with the collaboration of its local partners, distributed more than 4’000 food packages, medical and school supplies to the poorest families in Paombong and in the Bulacan region of the Philippines.
In 2022, the Association launched, in cooperation with the historic Bignasca SA bakery in Sonvico, a special fund-raising campaign, through the sale of the cake “Gioia Esotica”, to support “scholarships (Tesda programmes) and start-ups” in the pastry and bakery sector in the Bulacan region of the Philippines.
The funds raised by the 4Charity Run will finance our Association's projects in Ticino! A heartfelt thanks to you for your support!!

Associazione Culture Ticino Network
Via Cortivallo 3a
6900 Lugano

Associazione Down Universe

The aim of the Association is to bring together people with trisomy 21, more commonly known as Down's Syndrome, their parents, friends and interested legal persons or institutions to pool their individual experiences for mutual help.In particular, the Association aims to:
> To contribute to the development of the human personality of people with Down's syndrome in all its expressions and to the removal of obstacles that prevent the implementation of the principles of freedom, equality, equal social dignity, equal opportunities, by promoting the exercise of the right to health, social protection, education, culture, training, work and the enhancement of personal attitudes and skills.
> To be a point of reference for information on the specific problems of trisomy 21 and any technological, medical, educational, professional and other solutions that may improve the quality of life of people with this syndrome and their families.
> Ensuring that parents, the public and the authorities are better informed about the problems inherent in the social integration of people with this genetic anomaly.

Associazione Down Universe (Universo Down)
Piazza della Comunità 4
6912 Lugano Pazzallo

Associazione SwissABILITY

SwissABILITY is a non-profit association from Ticino founded in Lugano in 2022. The association provides comprehensive support for people with disabilities and offers opportunities to live a life of dignity, in Africa and around the world. Its mission is to bring ABILITY to people in countries of the Global South through physical rehabilitation, creation of infrastructure and provision of means to ensure that each person can live a self-sufficient life. The association's commitment is to bring ABILITY to three vital sectors of the person and his environment:
» Ability in physical rehabilitation
» Ability in infrastructure
» Ability in self-sufficiency

Associazione SwissABILITY
Via alle Vigne 4
6963 Pregassona-Lugano

Atgabbes – association of parents and friends of children in need of special education

The main objective of Atgabbes is to create opportunities for meetings and exchanges between parents of children with disabilities, with a view to school, professional and social integration. By focusing on new needs, the aim is to contribute to the search for solutions at local and cantonal level. In addition, the Association is a partner among the different components of society interested in the issue of disability in order to ensure that parents, the public and the authorities are well informed on the issue of education, vocational training and social integration of people with disabilities. The activities offered by the Association have developed over the years and are offered both by the regional groups and at the cantonal level by the secretariat: integrated camps and colonies. 280 volunteers for more than 300 participants, children, young people and adults with disabilities, culture and training courses for adults (54 courses for 380 enrolled), two integrated kindergartens for early integration, word groups for parents, thematic evenings and much more.

Atgabbes – associazione ticinese di genitori ed amici dei bambini bisognosi di educazione speciale
Via Canevascini 4
6900 Lugano

City Angels Svizzera

We are a voluntary association founded in 1994 in Milan on the initiative of Mario Furlan. You can recognise us by our blue beret, the symbol of the UN peacekeeping forces, and our red jacket, the colour of the emergency. We help the most vulnerable: homeless people, migrants, drug addicts, alcoholics, victims of crime. We are a safe point of reference for citizens and a deterrent for criminals: if we see someone committing a crime, we don't look the other way, we intervene!
The history of our association began in 1994, when Mario Furlan founded it in Milan. In the most problematic area of the city: the Central Station. The aim: to assist the marginalised and protect citizens who are victims of delinquency. The first meeting place was the Chiesa del Carmine, in Brera; the first place of social commitment was the hostel for homeless people run by Fratel Ettore, in via Sammartini, next to the station.
The official inauguration of the Association, after months of semi-clandestine activity, took place on 8 February 1995 in the Chiesa del Carmine. After initial mistrust - and at times open hostility - on the part of the authorities, recognition from the institutions arrived. It took the form of registration in the register of non-profit organisations and, in 1999, the highest honour in Milan: the Ambrogino d'Oro, which was awarded to the Association for the second time in 2008. Over the years, new Angels offices were opened in Rome, Turin, Varese, Parma and Brescia. Today there are 17. All united by the same humanitarian spirit.

City Angels Svizzera
Via Cassarinetta 27
6900 Lugano

Croce Rossa Svizzera, Sezione del Sottoceneri (Swiss Red Cross Sottoceneri Section)

The Swiss Red Cross Sottoceneri Section has been active in the region since 1917 with a variety of services from the world of children to the world of the elderly. It operates according to the 7 Fundamental Principles: humanity, independence, unity, voluntary service, impartiality, neutrality, universality. It helps people in need in different areas of health, integration and migration. Many activities rely on the valuable support of volunteers. Donors and partners are a great support thanks to their contributions, initiatives and services in line with the needs of the population in the region are developed and implemented. Some services in short: Mini Club - Socialising Centre for children (2-4 years), Mamy Help and Baby Help (home childcare service), Centro Insieme (study aid), Café Croix-Rouge (social inclusion and cohesion programme for migrant women), Second-hand goods shops, Transport Service, Social Service, Ergotherapy Centre, Library, Visitor Service, Blood pressure measurement service, Therapeutic Day Centre for the elderly, and also manage reception centres and foyers for migrants under cantonal mandate.

Croce Rossa Svizzera, Sezione del Sottoceneri
Via alla Campagna 9, CP 393
6906 Lugano

Dico NO alla Droga (a World without Drugs)

The association has been active in the field of drug prevention since 2002. It regularly publishes brochures and audiovisual materials to inform and educate young people about the risks and consequences of drug use. Since 2007, it distributes, among others, brochures published by the "Foundation for a Drug-Free World".

Dico NO alla Droga

Fondazione ASPI (Aid, Support and Child Protection)

ASPI is a non-profit foundation in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland whose mission is the prevention of all forms of violence, maltreatment and sexual abuse against children. Thanks to its specific prevention programmes in schools, its training and awareness-raising activities and its expertise services, ASPI is the main reference organisation in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland for the respect, rights and good treatment of children aged 0 to 18.

Fondazione ASPI (Aiuto, Sostegno e Protezione dell’Infanzia)
Via Povrò 16
6932 Breganzona (Massagno)

Fondazione IdéeSport 

The IdéeSport Foundation unites people, is committed to physical and mental health and strengthens individual resources for a self-determined life. Its projects are accessible to one and all, regardless of origin, socio-economic status or ability. They enable participants to take their health into their own hands and develop positive life habits. IdéeSport strives with passion and dedication to ensure that health and social belonging are and remain accessible to all and everyone.
In Ticino, IdéeSport is present with the following projects:
• MidnightSports: movement and social interaction on Saturday evenings in the gym, for young people aged 12 to 17, in 20 locations.
• OpenSunday: movement, games, and social interaction on Sunday afternoons in the gym, for children aged 6 to 10, in 3 locations.
• MiniMove: games, social interaction, and integration on Sunday afternoons in the gym, for children aged 0 to 5 accompanied by an adult family member, in 3 locations.
• EverFresh: a project for the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and similar product consumption, with two traveling teams.
• PeerPower: a new project based on peer education, promoting psychosocial skills and mental health, with one traveling team.
Participation in the projects is free, and pre-registration is not required.

Fondazione IdéeSport
Via Girella 33
6814 Lamone

Fondazione Liceo Diocesano

The Diocesan High School of Lugano-Breganzona provides its students with a four-year course that prepares them to take the Swiss Maturity (Federal Maturity), a diploma that grants access to all university and polytechnic faculties in Switzerland and abroad.
In addition to the traditional academic tracks (classical, literary, linguistic, scientific and economic), musical and artistic programs have been introduced in recent years. A special pathway is also available for elite athletes.
As a Catholic school, the Diocesan High School offers a solid education combined with critical thinking skills, aiming to help each student discover their talents and inclinations.

Liceo Diocesano
Via Lucino 79
6932 Breganzona

Fondazione Provvida Madre - A living Space

Located in the Mendrisiotto region (Southern part of Tessin), Provvida Madre has been promoting a culture of inclusion and care for over 50 years by supporting individuals with disabilities.
The Foundation operates various facilities, including homes, apartments, day centres, and classes, across Balerna, Coldrerio, Mendrisio, and Novazzano.
It accommodates 150 users with different characteristics and degrees of disability.
To operate effectively and meet regional needs, Provvida Madre employs nearly 300 staff members.
Over the years, the Foundation has expanded its services and facilities, consistently focusing on specific needs, care, and striving to enhance inclusion and quality of life for the individuals it supports.
The goal is to maintain a high level of well-being and promote self-fulfillment in a family-like environment, offering diverse proposals throughout the life cycle-from early childhood to old age.

Fondazione Provvida Madre
Via Carlo Silva 3
6828 Balerna

Fondazione Telethon Azione Svizzera

Telethon is a major solidarity action to raise funds for people, resident in our country, affected by rare genetic diseases. All the net funds raised are used, without exception, in Switzerland to support research projects (50%) and social aid projects (50%): this distribution key may vary, depending on the year, by 5%. Thousands of volunteers, fire brigades, civil defence, Lions Clubs, service clubs, various associations, sports clubs, music groups, leisure groups, etc. are mobilised throughout Switzerland in support of Telethon!

Fondazione Telethon Azione Svizzera
Segretariato della Svizzera Italiana
Casella Postale 4518
6904 Lugano

Genitori e Amici Scuole San Benedetto GASSB

The aim of the Parents and Friends of San Benedetto Schools Association (GASSB), founded in 2004, is to support the San Benedetto Foundation Schools by promoting initiatives aimed at making the educational project of the Schools known and experienced, and keeping in touch with all the parents of our pupils and all the families and friends who are close to the Association.
There are many projects that are close to our hearts, some of which are: promoting the meeting of parents and educators with educational experts through organised events, raising funds for scholarships for deserving pupils whose families are unable to bear all or part of the cost of the annual fees, publication of the magazine ScuolaViva, preparation of Christmas baskets, the end-of-year party at the SB Schools, support for the school library.

Genitori e Amici Scuole San Benedetto GASSB
Via Chiosso 8, zona Resega
6948 Porza

GPT - InSuperAbili

Getting back on track after a serious injury or illness can be physically and morally demanding. The benefits of regular physical activity are unquestionable, but practising physical activity in unfavourable psycho-physical conditions can prove to be an extraordinary path to personal recovery and social integration. The InSuperAbili association is an official branch of the Swiss Paraplegic Association in Nottwil (www.spv.ch) and offers its members a wide range of sporting activities, as well as cultural and leisure activities such as trips, wine and food dinners, visits to museums...Among the various sports, the most important is certainly handcycling, which is also practised at a competitive level in international competitions. The association currently has 280 members, 75 of whom are disabled. Activities are carried out with qualified monitors.
The mission of the association is:
• To promote sport practised by people with disabilities the promotion of social, cultural and sporting activities among its members
• To protect the interests of people with disabilities towards the public and authorities
• To encourage and develop friendship and solidarity among members
• Promote equal opportunities for myeloma patients in society
• To cooperate with other public or private bodies with similar aims
• Break down architectural barriers

GPT - InSuperAbili
Casella postale 5682
6901 Lugano

inclusione andicap ticino

inclusione andicap ticino is a non-profit public utility association that defends the rights of people with disabilities in Ticino. It is financed by public contributions, private donations and by the sale of goods and services it is able to offer.
Founded in 1973, since then it helps to develop a society more respectful of the needs of persons with disabilities. It also promotes and encourages their inclusion in Ticino by fighting against marginalization, promoting accessible environments and by improving their social, cultural and economic conditions.
Over the years initiatives and projects in favor of people with disabilities have multiplied, to offer them more job and socialization opportunities, to manage structures and activities and to spread the concept of equality by actively defending their rights.

inclusione andicap ticino
Via Linoleum 7
Casella Postale 572
6512 Giubiasco

La mensa e il gregge

La mensa e il gregge is a non-governmental organization (NGO) member of the Federation of NGOs of Southern Switzerland (FOSIT). It was founded in 2004 with the aim of helping young nomadic herders in Mongolia by making them self-reliant. The first project, which continues to this day, involves the loan, free of charge, of a herd of animals, mainly sheep and cattle, for three to four years to needy families. During this time, the flock has time to reproduce. The new animals become the full property of the nomadic family. At the end of the loan, the mother flock is instead given to other shepherds. Over the years, "La mensa e il gregge" has also been involved on other fronts: we have built two primary schools, three kindergartens, with annexed dormitories and canteens, supported handicraft activities with micro-credits and cultural activities, such as a travelling bus turned into a library, helped young students through scholarships, built a drinking water well, constructed two urban waste dumps and a small ecocentre. We have people on the ground who monitor the smooth running of all projects.

La mensa e il gregge
Via Sasso Grande 32
6512 Giubiasco

Lega Cancro Ticino (Cancer League Ticino)

“A welcoming place where you can find people to listen and offer help and advice”. Our organisation offers, “help here and now” . Comfort, financial help, administrative accompaniment and psychological and social support for cancer patients and their relatives. It promotes prevention aimed at the early detection of cancer diseases and awareness-raising to adopt healthier lifestyles that reduce the risk of disease and/or relapse. It also promotes scientific research in the oncological field carried out in Ticino or linked to Ticino researchers. Since 1936, the Cancer League Ticino,  in its 4 locations, with its 20 professionals and more than 100 volunteers working in 5 regional groups, has been offering its services free of charge to the entire resident population. It is able to carry out its activities thanks to the support of its members, donations from the population and contributions from private and public organisations.

Lega Cancro Ticino
Direzione e sede principale
Piazza Nosetto 3
6500 Bellinzona

Médecins Sans Frontières

For 50 years, MSF has been providing medical assistance to populations facing life-threatening crises: mainly armed conflicts, but also epidemics, pandemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. All these situations require appropriate medical and logistical resources. Independent of all political, religious or military powers, MSF acts impartially, based on an assessment of medical needs. The association's independence is ensured by a large majority of private donations. MSF teams are made up of medical, logistical and administrative staff from every continent. Whether they are international or locally employed, these teams provide relief while respecting the principles of humanitarian action and medical ethics.

Médecins Sans Frontières
140, Rte de Ferney, Case Postale 1224
1211 Genève 1

Opera Don Bosco nel Mondo

The Opera Don Bosco nel Mondo foundation, inspired by the educational thought of Saint John Bosco, was founded on 24 June 1965 to support socio-educational projects and to help populations affected by natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies. Its presence supports the work of the Salesians where help is most needed in numerous countries around the world, supporting projects in the field of education and training, in favor of minors in vulnerable situations, inherent to basic schooling courses, professional training courses, recreational activities and much more, in the numerous Salesian Missions. In addition to the various projects, Opera Don Bosco promotes a distance support program to help children and young people who reach out to the Salesian missions: each of them will be able to participate in the educational programs offered to them by the Salesian Works, continuing to live in the community they belong to , with their families and in the social context of reference.

Opera Don Bosco nel Mondo
Via Canonica 15
6900 Lugano

Oratorio San Rocco di Lugano

In the heart of Lugano there is a welcoming structure for families, young people and children. A place to meet and share many activities prepared as well as moments of free and spontaneous play. After the recent works, today the city oratory looks like a magical place. Colourful. From the synthetic grass football pitch to the storytelling room, with themed classrooms: pirates, the sweet studio, the 500, the cinema room and many others. Currently directed by Don Emanuele di Marco.

Oratorio San Rocco di Lugano
Piazza San Rocco 3
6900 Lugano

Procap Ticino

Procap Ticino is the leading Swiss organisation for people with disabilities. Founded in 1930 as the Swiss Disability Association, it currently has more than 20,000 members in 45 regional sections, including Procap Ticino. Switzerland has more than half a million people with disabilities, who should be able to live as independently and fairly as possible despite their disability. This is at least the point of view of Procap, which is strongly attached to it at all political levels. Procap Ticino assists and advises people with disabilities on all questions and issues related to disability, in particular social security issues (DI, AVS, IPG, sickness and 2nd pillar), providing legal advice or simply meeting people.

Procap Ticino
Via Luigi Taddei 4B
6962 Viganello

Soccorso d'inverno Ticino (Winter Aid Ticino)

Soccorso d'inverno Ticino alleviates the consequences of poverty in the Canton of Ticino by relieving the finances of the needy and solving emergency situations with targeted aid.

Soccorso d'inverno Ticino
Via Ceresio 40
6963 Pregassona

SOS Ticino - Soccorso Operaio Svizzero (Swiss Workers' Relief)


SOS Ticino - Soccorso Operaio Svizzero
Via Zurigo 17
6900 Lugano

Squadra Cyber Falcons GPT (Cyber Falcons GPT team)

The Cyber Falcons are an innovative and inclusive project that demonstrates how sports can break down barriers and create opportunities for everyone, regardless of physical limitations.
Founded in March 2021 thanks to the Paraplegic Group of Ticino, the team introduced Powerchair Hockey to the canton, becoming the first local team in this sport. Inspired by unihockey and governed by international rules, it is played 5 versus 5, using an unihockey ball and specific sticks, sometimes attached to the wheelchairs. Powerchair Hockey offers people of all ages and genders, who use electric wheelchairs, a tactical, dynamic, and team-oriented activity. This sport helps build friendships, experience teamwork, and participate in national and international tournaments.
The team consists of 9 boys and girls aged between 6 and 30, who train every Thursday at the Parsifal Middle School in Porza, supported by a team of volunteers.
Their goal? To grow, have fun, and bring the title of Swiss champions to Ticino!

Squadra Cyber Falcons GPT
Casella Postale 572
6512 Giubiasco

Swisstransplant

Swisstransplant is the Swiss National Foundation for Organ Donation and Transplantation. The foundation aims to promote, develop and coordinate the transplantation of organs, tissues and cells nationwide. As the national allocation service, Swisstransplant is responsible, on behalf of the Confederation, for the allocation of donated organs in accordance with the applicable laws. It organises and coordinates all organ allocation activities at national level and cooperates with foreign allocation organisations.
The Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC) has been involved in the organ donation campaign for years with information campaigns. Donating an organ can help a seriously ill person to survive and substantially improve their quality of life.
An organ donor can save up to seven lives. Every year, around 60 patients die as a result of not being allocated a suitable organ. These are good reasons to decide to save other lives after your own death.

Swisstransplant
Effingerstrasse 1
Postfach
3011 Bern
Donazione organi Ticino

Telefono Amico Ticino e Grigioni Italiano (Friendly phone)

Tel 143- Telefono Amico is reachable 24 hours a day and offers help to anyone in need of support. Tel 143- Telefono Amico is an emergency number intended not only for those who find themselves in a moment of acute crisis, but also for women and men of all ages with more or less complex everyday problems. Telefono Amico Switzerland guarantees anonymity to all callers. The listening service is also a chat service.

Telefono Amico Ticino e Grigioni Italiano
Casella postale 4118
6904 Lugano

Terre des hommes Suisse

The Terre des hommes Foundation (Tdh) is Switzerland's largest children's aid organisation. It is present in more than 30 countries with emergency and development projects, defending children's rights and promoting equitable development, without any ethnic, religious, political, cultural or gender discrimination. Every year, Terre des hommes improves the living conditions of about 3 million children and their families. TDH Ticino was officially founded on 15 May 1985 by a dozen people, most of whom had been able to become adoptive parents thanks to Terre des hommes, which at the time was one of the few organisations offering this possibility south of the Alps.

Terre des hommes (Gruppo Ticino)
Via alla Campagna 9
6900 Lugano