11.10.2010
Living up to his reputation as a true champion of the poor and downtrodden, our folk hero showed himself strong again on behalf of orphans and other socially disadvantaged kids in dire need of a helping hand…
C4C’s Robin Hood team returned to base recently, after an extremely successful one week aid trip to Slovakia, bringing up the total of aid C4C rendered to this country in 2010 to 6.8 million CZK!
The Robin Hood team focused this time on orphanages in the north-eastern Region of Banská Bystrica. Children benefitting from this trip were in institutions in Jesenské, Valaská, Polomka, Tŕnie, Hnúšta, Banská Bystrica , Tornala, Nova Bana, Kremnica, Mostenica and Lucenec.
Goods distributed this time were mainly brand new seasonal clothing and apparel items of manufacturers like H&M, Bruno Banani and other major brands. Quality apparel boosts children’s self-esteem and helps destigmatize them in the eyes of their peers in school. It‘s hard to be „equal“ and „cool“ when dressed in rags and hand-me-downs.
„Even though the Robin Hood team, much like our hero of old, sometimes runs afoul of the Sheriff of Nottingham, which in our case is often red tape at borders or uncooperative government agencies – we’re happy to report that quite the contrary was true this time“, quips broadly smiling Vasek Cermak, C4C’s project manager, who was accompanied by Rafal Wojas, C4C’s director of operations. „Julius Telek, director of social services for the region, was extremely cooperative and appreciative of our efforts“, continues Vasek.
„We’re just amazed at the help received from the Robin Hood team“, responds an obviously elated Julius Telek. „The savings for the institutions are huge and will help them to invest more resources into educational initiatives and the infrastructure of the homes“, Mr. Telek continues. „Thank you, C4C!“
In appreciation of the help received, the region even arranged a cultural event for the C4C team, featuring performances from all of the orphanages mentioned above. In a venue sponsored especially for this purpose by the mayor of Banska Bystrica, Mgr. Ivan Saktor, children dazzled the attending Robin Hood team with an estonishing display of talent, dancing, acting and singing themselves right into the hearts of their captive audience.
We’d like to thank all of our patrons and partners who have helped to make this trip possible, but also extend special thanks to Darina Diosiova of Nadacia Profesora Jana Korcmarosa, the trips logistics partner, providing food and beverages and accommodations for the team, and Dorsvet Plus s.r.o., taking care of all transport needs and aid distribution along the way.
