President of l'Association Européenne des Commercants Forains, Roger Pelzer, and Alderman in charge of Festivities for the City of Luxembourg, Patrick Goldschmidt, today presented two of Luxembourg's non-profit organisations with a cheque for €10,000 each to contribute to the continuation of the good work down by the associations.
One of the recipients, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has been present in the Grand Duchy since 1986 - making it "not quite as old as the Schueberfouer" joked MSF Communications and Press Manager Christophe Hebting about the fair, which in 2015 is entering its 675th edition.
MSF's Luxembourgish headquarters serve to support field operations around the world through the search for human and financial resources, meaning the significant amount contributed will go a long way to ultimately providing much-needed aid in international humanitarian crises. As Hebting explained, "It is important to go where others will not. That is our principle," and reminding the public that whilst the Schueberfouer often represents a much-needed fun break for fair-goers, "for MSF there are unfortunately no holidays."
The association Ile aux Clowns also received a €10,000 donation towards its work in improving the quality of life and the living environment of the young and the elderly in hospitals and other facilities. Staff at the associations bring light relief to those in need, working as clowns in three paediatric hospital services and eleven centres of the elderly, with seven individual children with severe diseases and at the Caritas foster home.
Ile aux Clowns also aims to support personnel within these services, by creating a relaxing atmosphere and fostering partnerships between staff. No financial participation is required of the individuals, children and disadvantaged and isolated seniors who receive the association's help, indicating that donations such as that received today are all the more important in ensuring the continuation of the non-profit organisation.
This partnership between the Schueberfouer and the two charities serves to affirm the more serious message of the fair, as an important means of escapism for certain isolated groups. As President of the Association Européenne des Commerçants Forains, Roger Pelzer, today explained, the wide variety in attractions at the Schueberfouer establishes it as an inclusive fairground for all, allowing young and old, able-bodied and those of reduced mobility, to all experience the annual fair.
Roger Pelzer reported that the opening weekend of the Schueberfouer had been a great success, with the only setback to what he termed "a great start" being brought about by Sunday's storms. He continued by stating that the majority of rides and stalls received attention during this weekend, dependent on the time of day and subsequent demographic in attendance. Whilst the days offer a calmer fair for families to eat out and enjoy the tamer attractions, as the evening draws in adults and young thrill-seekers pursue an adrenaline rush on the wilder rides and roller-coasters.
2015 represents the second out of a designated three years in which the Schueberfouer will support both Médecins Sans Frontières and Ile aux Clowns. On Tuesday 1 September 2015, the fair will host 'Solidarity Day', marked by the presence of both associations at the fairground, where information will be distributed to the general public on the work done by the two non-profit organisations.
Photos by Sarah Graham (Top L-R: President of l'Association Européenne des Commerçants Forains, Roger Pelzer ; MSF Communications and Press Manager, Christophe Hebting. Bottom L-R: Alderman in charge of Festivities of the City of Luxembourg, Patrick Goldschmidt ; Director of the office des Foires, Fêtes et Marché de Luxembourg, Marc Weydert)
