Swiss Board of Directors
FCTrelief is managed by a Swiss Board of Directors. The Board is constituted of three competent persons who provide efficient results in team work.
"A Heart for People"
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FCTrelief is helping people in practical and relevant ways in order to improve their quality of life and enable prospects for the future.
We advance education for children and teenagers coming from difficult backgrounds and are helping people in need.
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New President
As of 2026, Pietro Londino is the new president of FCTrelief. Born in Italy, he moved to Switzerland in his early childhood. His blindness since the age of four did not stop him to make his way and master life.
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Pietro works in the fields of Management and Consultancy. Since many years he has been the president of the Swiss Federation of a ball sport for blind people (STBV), in which Pietro with his wife Eva have been Swiss champions.
They have adopted two orphaned girls, by now young ladies, from Zambia.
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Pietro is motivated to bring his experience and energy
into the work of FCTrelief.
Heiner Merk
Heiner Merk ist founder and former president of FCTrelief, and remains vice-president. He is the main visionary and pioneer of both the charity and the farm. As a long-term business man, a world champion in equestrian sports and a rich variety of life experience, he is a genuine example, an impressive inspiration and a true father.
Chris Merk ist project manager, co-founder and visionary of FCTrelief. Chris grew up in England, but has been living in Switzerland for over 50 years. She has a big heart for people, valuable life experience and became a mother to many young people.
With Chris Bauer, the Board of Directors is well equipped with an additional competent member. Chris works in Finance and brings valuable experience to FCTrelief.
Irene Haltmeier has been serving faithfully since the beginning and was gratefully released when she stepped down from her duties.
Co-workers
Gordon Merk leads "Heart for Bulgaria" Association. He has 30 years of experience in this type of social work and developmental aid. Gordon with his South African wife Elvira are active administrators and co-project managers of the charity in Zambia. They also manage the branch Social Media.
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Erich Vracko serves in administrative and financial responsibilities
in Switzerland.
Julian and Miriam Fischbacher support the design and website branches.
