Veles, 22 February 2024 (MIA) - People with disabilities alongside EU Ambassador David Geer and other ambassadors from EU member-states took part in a donation ceremony at the Europe House Veles on Thursday, as the final event of the Charity Bazaar organized by the "Dobredojde” Macedonia Welcome Centre in December last year.

Three organizations received a total of Mden 500,000, including the Association of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities in Veles and the Centre for Youth Activism KRIK in Skopje which received Mden 125,000 each, while the Public institution for rehabilitation of children and youth in Skopje received Mden 250,000. In addition, Mden 30,000 were used to buy gifts which were distributed among those present at Thursday's event.

Daliborka Zlateva from the Association of people with cerebral palsy hosting the event, said the funds were used to purchase equipment and household products necessary for the four small group homes for people with disabilities. The homes are located in Veles and Bashino Selo near Veles, and two in the village of Gradsko, which houses 20 people with disabilities who were previously housed in an institution, and now have been living in the group homes for three years. These individuals are taken care of by personal assistants. The associations in Veles and Skopje are supported by the Employment Agency and the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.

Ambassador Geer said thanks to the final event of the Charity Bazaar, the "Dobredojde” Macedonia Welcome Centre, Team Europe and other international partners, the Christmas spirit continues into the month of February.

"How wonderful it is that the Christmas spirit continues in February. I am happy that we have gathered here today at the Europe House in Veles. I want to thank everyone who took part inthe event, especially Mrs. Emilija, the president of the "Dobredojde" Macedonia Welcome Centre, and all ambassadors from EU member-states. And also for your kindness and contribution to today's donation being given to people with disabilities in Veles and Skopje," Geer noted.

"Dobredojde" Macedonia Welcome Centre president Emilija Miladinova Avramcheva said she is very happy with the implementation of the charitable mission.

“We worked together doing our best in order to support the vulnerable and invisible people in this country who deserve to live a dignified life. I want to thank Ambassador Geer for his humanity and commitment to work, as well as all ambassadors who took part in the bazaar. Our partners and associations have proven that they work with love and dedication, and those working with people with disabilities deserve our full support," Miladinova Avramcheva stressed.

Members of the three associations performed a recital and two musical numbers for event attendees.

As a sign of gratitude, the people with disabilities gave ambassadors handmade decorations and natural products with lavender that they produce from the fields in Veles. ssh/nn/

Photo: MIA