A Swiss Post special stamp commemorates the first mission of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) 50 years ago. In 1974, a group of volunteers travelled to drought-stricken Chad. The corps’ first disaster relief effort involved renovating 15 hospitals and clinics and distributing 260 tonnes of local cereals in the Lake Chad region. The corps is made up of 550 people who provide support in the event of a crisis with projects run by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and United Nations partners on the ground. The SHA is the operational arm of Switzerland’s humanitarian aid efforts and a symbol for humanitarian work.

Designs for boat and chess enthusiasts

In 1824, the “Wilhelm” – the first steamboat on Lake Constance – undertook its maiden voyage between Romanshorn and Friedrichshafen. After immortalizing Switzerland’s first steamship on a stamp last year, the “Guillaume Tell” on Lake Geneva, Swiss Post is now issuing another stamp to honour boat trips on Lake Constance. Chess enthusiasts won’t be left out either: Swiss Post is issuing a special stamp to mark the 100th anniversary of the International Chess Federation. This offers an eye-catching design with the inscription “120 Helvetia” highlighted in silver. Two special stamps are also planned to mark Swiss Post’s 175th anniversary. However, collectors will have to wait until 21 March 2024 before they are unveiled. 

There are moments in life that call for a letter. A new series of stamps sets the tone for your emotional messages before their reader has even opened the envelope. Swiss Post is issuing three stamps – one each for “Congratulations”, “Comfort” and “Thanks”.

Information

Swiss Post Media Unit, Stefan Dauner, +41 58 341 19 22, presse@swisspost.ch