“To believe in generosity should start doing it” – this thought was chosen for the motto of our Christmas charity campaign 2013. So we believed in good and it was not only us who did.
A range of events, experiences and many people created lots of miracles, and the happiest of all, of course, were the children that we work with in the Social Service Complex. But first things first!
Our Christmas campaign for 2013 started on November 27th with the Ruse launch of the visiting photo exhibition named “Charity through the camera lens” in the new office of Equilibrium – 5 “Dobrudzha” Str. Over 30 award-winning pictures from a competition of Foundation “Help for Bulgarian charity” and the Bulgarian Charity Forum were arranged in the reception area, visualizing and promoting the different sides of charity and the changes that it leads to. The exhibition provoked a lot of public and media interest in how the art of photography could convey the idea of philanthropy in a variety of ways.
The end of the photo exhibition coincided with start of our fourth Charity Bazaar – it is a unique formula and one our trademark events. Every year, the number of volunteers and contributors grows- local companies, working partners and friends. The office took on the appearance of Aladdin’s cave and was filled with display stands and tables covered with hand-made gifts provided by makers of jewelry from the Regional History Museum and other designers;, the works of two artists – Ognian Balkanjiev and Irina Staneva; numerous examples of quilling and origami, knitting and cooking. EQ volunteers from the Ruse School of Fashion Design also took part, as well as two volunteers from Gabrovo, the Christmas Casino had numerous prizes generously provided by local businesses – a cake from our partner “DS Catering”, who provide free meals for the children at the Pink House, vouchers for beauty treatment from our new friend and neighbour of the office -“Winter Rose” beauty salon, pocket calendars from “Vip style” advertising studio, and many other prizes. The list of contributors is endless and we are hugely grateful for their generosity that helped us raise 836 leva between 5th to the 7th of December.
But the miracles continue: the young clients of the complex received gifts – brand new clothes, trainers, school equipment and other items from the teams of “Procredit bank” Ruse and “Credit BG”.
The children in foster attended a wonderful Christmas celebration that included a from Santa Claus and many gifts. Thanks to the strong partnership between the complex and the young members of the Red Cross the party was great fun!
The children from the Centre for Street Children, also enjoyed a wonderful party – games, songs, dancing and… of course – presents, thanks to “Parallel World” Plovdiv.
But no, the miracles don’t end here!
At the Pink House the good news was continuing: Just before Christmas our beloved Serenita, who we came to us from a specialized residential institution a year ago, left to join her new family in America. She really enjoyed the party that we organized for her and her new mum and dad have written to say she has settled happily into her new home and big family!
Just as Serenita left us, two new additions were made to the family at the Pink House transferred from the children’s home in Shoumen.
Many kind gestures were made for the children of the Pink House but we are especially touched by the generosity and effort of local school children who raised money and bought equipment and toys for the Pink House, They asked for nothing in return and asked not to be named.
To help get ready for their Christmas party, the children of the Pink House got haircuts from the young stylists studying at the Ruse School of Fashion and Design. A remarkable bond has formed between the children in our career and our young friends from the school who are able to turn an experience that the children usually find frightening and stressful into an excuse for fun and games.
Santa Claus also brought presents to our children thanks to Mr. Chakmakov from “Sophia 5”, who also helps us through the National Food Bank. We were once again supported by the Friendship Church who had prepared gift boxes for the children of the Small Group Home.
Our participation in the city’s Christmas Bazaar has become a tradition thanks to the generosity of the municipal authority who provide the sales kiosk free of charge. We managed to raise 923 leva for our clients at the complex. Many of the towns-folk make a point of visiting us so they can buy cards and mall items for their friends and family members and also contribute to a good cause. Their generosity and support make Christmas the best of times for Equilibrium.
