Binoculars4charity is an association based in Zurich, Switzerland. It was founded in April 2017.
In much of the world, binoculars and other ornithological equipment are luxury goods. At the same time, many people in Switzerland own fully functional optical devices that they rarely use. At Binoculars4charity, we aim to give such devices a meaningful second life. We pass them on to organisations and institutions worldwide that are committed to nature conservation and ornithological training, but do not have the means to obtain binoculars, spotting scopes, guidebooks, etc.
The story of Binoculars4charity can be read in our first blog post
The statutes of Binoculars4charity may be downloaded here (in German only).
If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Our board members
Juanita Olano Marín
President, project coordinator for German-speaking Switzerland
During my time as a biology student and the years after, I was involved in various ornithological projects in my home country Colombia and in other Latin American countries. I then moved to Germany, where I completed a doctoral thesis on bird genetics at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology. I worked for several years as a research assistant at the Swiss Ornithological Institute and am interested in nature conservation, sustainable tourism and international cooperation.
Mathias Ritschard
Vice president, webmaster, project coordinator for German-speaking Switzerland
I have been watching birds since my childhood – first in the Bernese "Seeland", where I grew up, and later on all over the world. I studied biology at the University of Bern and afterwards did a doctorate on bird song in Germany. Currently, I am working as a project leader at Orniplan AG in Zurich.
Sophie Jaquier
Project coordinator for French-speaking Switzerland
I first came into contact with birds in my early youth in western Switzerland. I studied biology in Germany and worked in various ornithological projects at home and abroad. I worked for several years as a media spokesperson at the Swiss Ornithological Institute and am currently involved in fundraising.
Fabienne Di Gennaro
Actuary, project coordinator for Italian-speaking Switzerland
As a biologist, I am concerned about the protection of biodiversity. During and after my studies, I was involved in various social and nature conservation projects. Today I am working in medical technology and I dedicate my free time to meaningful projects.
Martina Müller
Accountant
My interest in birds started during my studies as an environmental engineer. In my thesis, I investigated the diet of the Litte Owl. I worked in an environmental consultancy office for several years and am now employed in the education sector. In addition, I am also active as a board member and project coordinator for the local BirdLife partner in the Canton of Zug.
Tobias Lötscher
Material keeper, project coordinator for German-speaking Switzerland
I have been fascinated by nature for many years. With the exception of rainy and snowy days, I can be found looking for birds in every season. With my wheelchair I can discover many ornithologically exciting places. My passion for birds has taken me as far as Texas or Georgia. I have been working as a secretary for the Swiss Ornithological Station in Sempach for 10 years.