More than two years ago, the three regional directors, all of whom have been working for Baloise for over 25 years, started planning their hike across the Alps. On 1 July 2020, they finally set off from Oberstdorf, with a total of 150 kilometres and 19,000 metres of elevation gain ahead of them. The route led right across the Alps, from the Lech Valley to the Inn Valley, then on to the Ötztal glacier and from there to the Merano region.

Although they were there to enjoy a truly memorable experience, the three colleagues also had a more official reason for going on the hike: they were launching a fundraising campaign, under the motto “Basler First – We run for children”. Each of the three regional directors donated EUR 500 to the cause themselves, and when the Basler Board of Directors heard about the campaign, they agreed to double the final amount of all donations received.

Over 50 Baloise employees participated and donated over EUR 6,000. As promised, the amount was doubled by the Board of Directors, and increased still further with a grant to a final figure of EUR 13,000. This was divided equally between the Chinderlache, Tigerherz and Aschaffenburger Kinderträume organisations. 

Baloise is delighted to support campaigns such as this as part of our sustainable management drive. Michael Gilmer, Roland Lais and Markus Messmer have generated positive added value that not only benefits them as employees but also society as a whole. This is a prime example of how we can all take responsibility and show solidarity even in difficult times. The "Baloise Challenge" is another example of a fundraising campaign supported by employees throughout Baloise which also promoted their health.