{"id":11114,"date":"2024-10-21T14:20:54","date_gmt":"2024-10-21T12:20:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tdh-valais.ch\/article\/les-convoyeurs-benevoles\/"},"modified":"2024-12-12T10:38:37","modified_gmt":"2024-12-12T09:38:37","slug":"volunteer-conveyors","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.tdh-valais.ch\/en\/article\/volunteer-conveyors\/","title":{"rendered":"Volunteer conveyors: essential links in the healing chain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the light of dawn, before the rest of the world awakes, the first volunteer conveyors from La Maison de Terre des hommes Valais set off. Their mission: to accompany sick children to hospital for essential treatment, or to take a cured child to the airport for the journey home. Discover the testimonies of these men and women, whose remarkable dedication and benevolence contribute so significantly to offering hope and healing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018I’ve realised that I’m filled with happiness when I accompany a cured child to the airport, and they go home smiling.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>Guy Lugon-Moulin, volunteer conveyor for 2 years<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Conveyors, a job done with heart and soul<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The conveyors play a crucial role in the smooth running of La Maison<\/a>. They are essential links in the chain of solidarity that helps children recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every day, they provide transport between La Maison, the health institutions and Geneva airport<\/a>. \u2018Some 200 volunteers take it in turns. In 2023, 152,000 km were covered for 848 transports, or 16 to 17 transports per week. That’s almost half the life of a conventional vehicle. It’s incredible! We’re very grateful to all the people who give up their time and make these journeys at their own expense. Their contribution makes a real difference to a child’s life,\u2019 enthuses Zihret Hasanovic, Head of the Child Transfer Coordination and Monitoring Sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

‘For the conveyors, there is immense personal satisfaction and a sense of fulfilment in helping in this way. They give a lot and often receive a lot in return from the children,\u2019 he adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Volunteer
Volunteer conveyor Michel Hehlen accompanies Mouhammad to Geneva airport for his return home.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u2018I have no regrets about daring to say \u201cyes\u201d\u2019<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the eve of receiving his AVS pension and leaving his working life, Guy Lugon-Moulin went to La Maison de Terre des hommes Valais to offer his services as a handyman. \u2018After working for 48 years in the construction industry, in the wood sector, I felt comfortable offering my skills in building maintenance\u2019, he explains. But fate had other plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During this visit, Doris Mottiez greeted him kindly and offered him a job as a conveyor. \u2018After some hesitation, I agreed to accompany experienced couriers on a few occasions,\u2019 he says. It was a decision that changed his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through his travels, he discovers a humanity that touches him deeply. \u2018The resilience of these children, whose health is seriously impaired and who are unable to receive the appropriate care at home – even though they can be cured – really struck a chord with me,\u2019 he says. \u2018Suffering, having left their parents, their culture and their living environment, they offer us their most delightful smile. What better gift could there be?\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guy has been sharing this adventure for two years now. \u2018I’ve carried out just over 60 magnificent convoys, even if sometimes I have to wake up at 4 am,\u2019 he adds. \u2018Exceptionally, the returns are late, at 11 pm, when the child must be taken back to La Maison following a cancelled flight.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He makes these journeys, mainly in Geneva, by car to the HUG<\/a>, and by train to the airport. \u2018Thanks to these trips, I’ve discovered that the people in hospitals are welcoming, caring and very attentive to the needs of patients,\u2019 he adds. \u2018But above all, I’ve realised that I’m filled with happiness when I accompany a cured child to the airport, and they go home smiling.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guy insists that he has the freedom to accept or reject the escorts offered. \u2018There’s a great deal of respect between La Maison and the volunteers, and we talk and listen to each other. I have no regrets about daring to say \u2018yes\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He would like to thank everyone he has met for the humanity they radiate. \u2018This chain of friendship helps us discover that life is worth living\u2019. To conclude, he refers to the philosopher Jean D’Ormesson, quoting a passage that is dear to him: \u2018Happiness is not a goal, still less a career or an obligation, but a gift, a surprise or the reward of those who do not spend their time cultivating it. Happiness is not a narcissistic, solitary exercise. It falls, as if by chance, on the heads and in the hearts of those who, far from looking after themselves, look after something else instead – and others.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Guy
Guy Lugon-Moulin Moulin accompanies Isma\u00efla for a check-up at the HUG.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"In
In the infirmary at La Maison, Chlo\u00e9 Biselx passes on important information to Guy Lugon-Moulin for his volunteer drive.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n