April 26th, 2026 - posted in News and Events.
Some partnerships cross borders not just on paper, but in the most tangible way possible – with a fully loaded truck. That is precisely what happened in the spring of 2026, when Rotary Club Stege from Denmark sent a major shipment of medical equipment to the Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment “St. Petka” in Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s most underserved healthcare regions.
The project, coordinated under the MED-Bul Vidin initiative and carried out between March and April 2026, brought together Rotary Club Stege, Rotary Club Vidin, and Rotary Club Sofia International in a joint effort to address a long-standing problem: the hospital’s reliance on outdated, insufficient, or difficult-to-access medical equipment, which had been hindering quality diagnostics, treatment, and patient care.
The donation was remarkable in both its scale and breadth. Among the items delivered were an ultrasound machine, syringe and infusion pumps, portable aspirators, vital signs monitors, SpO₂, ECG and blood pressure equipment, an otoscope and ophthalmoscope, a spirometer, medical refrigerators, hospital beds and bedside cabinets, wheelchairs, walkers, infusion stands, lead X-ray aprons, laboratory clothing, autoclave pouches, syringes, catheters, and more. The estimated value of the donation stands between €50,000 and €100,000 – contributed entirely by Rotary Club Stege and supported by local partners.
The beneficiaries are many. The medical staff – doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, and support personnel – will work more effectively and safely with access to modern tools. And the true measure of success will be felt by the thousands of patients from the Vidin region who, year after year, will receive faster, more accurate, and better-quality care – without needing to travel to another city to get it.
The effort on the ground involved five members from Rotary Club Stege, two from Rotary Club Vidin, and one member from Rotary Club Sofia International, who collectively gave their time to make the logistics possible.
This is Rotary at its most direct – identifying a real need, building the right partnerships, and delivering something that truly matters.
For more information, contact us at info@rc-si.org.
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April 20th, 2026 - posted in News and Events.
Our ‘more youthful’ partner club Rotaract Club Sofia International just turned 17 years of age! This was quite an achievement, and quite a party too.
On the last 19th of April, most if not all the Rotaractors of the Sofia International Club gathered to celebrate together with at least 50 guests other Rotaractors and friends, for a memorable party, comprised of a welcome cocktail (or two glasses of nice wine), a warm welcome speech by the President of the Club, and raffle.
In due time like Cinderella before midnight came the Birthday Cake, a wonderful personalized logo sweet treat. Clearly a nice conclusion, not for all but at least for a slightly older visitor like me, from the ‘senior’ Rotary Club Sofia International (RCSI) – nonetheless feeling absolutely at home and welcomed as a former Rotaractor and President of the Rotaract Club of Gorizia (district 2060), feeling proud as an exception to wear beside the Rotary pin, also an old Rotaract one (the one with the big R in the center, that the President still uses on his collar today). The time passed pleasantly fast, with the very educated and smart Rotaractors of RCSI, something to be proud of at their 17th anniversary.
An old-time Rotaractor always appreciates the vibes and the energy of RotarAct – as in the name, Action is the very essence of sharing our Rotary wheel logo of movement, by putting into action the ‘rotary engine’ in motion, of course in their own way, that can only be a good thing to add to the Rotarian family in general, and to RCSI in particular. This is why, in my humble opinion, our Rotarian family should be united to serve as one, no matter the logo to be purely gold and blue or with a red background. Blue and red are actually synergic like water and fire, similarly to the energies that the more mature and experienced can join with the vibrant initiatives and energy of younger generation – now either students or young professionals and tomorrow potentially leaders of ethically and morally strong businesses – that hopefully one day may join our RCSI, as a natural continuation of their life in the Rotarian family that extends in the World from East to West, like the path from the youthful dawn to the maturity of sunset of a full circle of a Rotarian’s life.
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March 26th, 2026 - posted in News and Events.
Winter can be a difficult season for many families in rural Bulgaria. For the students of Nikola Vaptsarov Secondary School in the village of Ruzhintsi, snowy days sometimes meant something no child should face – having to stay home from school simply because they did not have the right shoes to walk in.
It was school principal Venislav Kostov who first brought this reality to the attention of members of Rotary Club Sofia International. His message was simple and honest: many of the children, from grades 1 to 11, lacked proper winter footwear. What followed was a quiet but meaningful mobilization.
Club members reached out to friends, relatives, and the community, organizing a collection of second-hand shoes in good condition. A private student center in Sofia’s Oborishte district also lent its support, helping gather pairs that families could no longer use but that still had much life left in them. In total, ten pairs were collected – among them a set of well-preserved summer skates that brought an unexpected smile to the effort.
But the response did not stop there. Fellow Rotarian Ivan Dyakov stepped forward and sent 19 pairs of brand-new shoes directly to the school – a generous gesture that more than doubled the impact of the initiative.
In the end, approximately 30 children received footwear, ensuring they can attend school throughout the winter months without interruption. The school expressed its heartfelt gratitude – and, with hope in its voice, also asked whether summer shoes might be possible in the season ahead.
Beyond the shoes themselves, the project carried something more lasting: parents and children at the student center learned about Rotary and its charitable mission, planting the seeds of awareness in a community that may one day give back in its own way.
The project, carried out between January and March 2026 entirely through donations and approximately 30 hours of volunteer work, is not considered finished. Rotary Club Sofia International has committed to continuing the initiative until the need for footwear at the school is fully met.
Because sometimes, Service Above Self begins with making sure a child can simply walk to school.
For more information, please contact us at info@rc-si.org.
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March 22nd, 2026 - posted in News and Events.
On 22 March, marking World Water Day, Rotary Club Sofia International, together with Rotaract Club Sofia International and Interact Club Sofia International, successfully carried out the environmental initiative “No Butts – Let’s Keep Nature Clean” in Sofia’s South Park. The event was part of the wider #NoButts campaign of the Rotary Danube Alliance, aiming to raise awareness about one of the most widespread yet underestimated forms of pollution – cigarette butts.
Cigarette filters are among the most common pollutants in urban environments. They contain toxic chemicals and microplastics that often end up in rivers and water systems, posing a serious threat to ecosystems and public health. Through this initiative, the participants sought not only to clean a public space but also to educate and inspire more responsible environmental behavior.
The campaign brought together Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, and volunteers, who dedicated two hours to collecting cigarette waste in one of Sofia’s busiest parks. Thanks to their enthusiasm and commitment, the team collected over 9,000 cigarette butts, preventing the contamination of approximately 4.5 million liters of water.
At the end Stamen Tassev gave presents – nice winter hats – one for the youngest and one for the eldest participant at the action.
Beyond the clean-up activity, the initiative also included informal awareness efforts, engaging passersby and explaining the environmental impact of improperly disposed cigarette waste. The collected data will contribute to the broader efforts of the Rotary Danube Alliance in tracking and addressing pollution across the region.
The event demonstrated the power of collaboration between different generations within the Rotary family, as well as the importance of community involvement in tackling environmental challenges. Special recognition goes to all volunteers for their energy and dedication, as well as to the organizers and supporters who made the initiative possible. With actions like these, Rotary continues to show that meaningful change starts locally – but its impact can reach far beyond.
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February 16th, 2026 - posted in News and Events.
How truly wonderful it is for each of us to be at home – no matter how much we travel around the world.
This is what our Vice President shared with us after her visit to her hometown of Haskovo.
Ms. Hristova was warmly welcomed by the President of Rotary Club Haskovo-Aida, Mr. Plamen Petkov. Together with the members of the club, he greeted her with genuine smiles and heartfelt hospitality, creating an atmosphere of openness and friendship from the very beginning.
The meeting was officially opened by President Petkov, who first gave the floor to our Vice President. She spoke about herself and briefly presented the activities and spirit of our club.
Following this, Mr. Petkov introduced the agenda of the meeting and highlighted the key initiatives carried out by Rotary Club Haskovo-Aida.
The club is currently actively involved in three major initiatives:
• Eye examinations for children in kindergartens in Haskovo, aimed at the prevention of a rare eye condition. When diagnosed at an early age, this condition can be completely prevented from causing long-term damage to children’s eyesight.
• Prostate health prevention and examinations for men, offered entirely free of charge and conducted at a medical center owned by a club member.
• The installation of a table tennis table, which will be purchased and assembled by the club and placed at a modern outdoor sports playground located in Kenana Park, equipped with contemporary fitness and recreational facilities.
A cherished tradition of Rotary Club Haskovo-Aida is that each member, following alphabetical order, introduces themselves and their profession. During this meeting, the floor was given to Ms. Nikoleta Kavakova – a wonderful young lady with a radiant smile, intelligent and curious eyes, and remarkable passion.
Ms. Kavakova is a Private Enforcement Agent.
In Bulgaria, a Private Enforcement Agent is a legal professional entrusted by the state with the compulsory enforcement of court decisions and other enforceable legal acts. Although operating as independent professionals, they are an integral part of the justice system and act under delegated state authority. Their work includes enforcing court judgments, collecting debts, and executing official legal documents.
Private Enforcement Agents operate under the supervision of the Minister of Justice, and their territorial jurisdiction corresponds to that of the relevant regional court. They primarily collect private claims, which distinguishes them from state enforcement officers. The profession is regulated by the Law on Private Enforcement Agents.
The profession was established approximately 20 years ago, and currently there are exactly 179 practicing Private Enforcement Agents in Bulgaria. It is a highly dynamic and, in the truest sense of the word, a challenging and sometimes dangerous profession. Ms. Kavakova shared that she and her colleagues are occasionally exposed to threats from debtors.
Despite the seriousness and difficulty of her work, Ms. Kavakova presented her profession with remarkable ease, confidence, and – most impressively – with a warm smile. She shared several striking real-life cases from her daily practice, showing not only professional competence but also personal grace and strength. She left a lasting impression as a very kind, positive, and inspiring person, who manages to bring humanity and dignity to a demanding profession.
In her capacity as Chair of the Rotary Friendship Exchange Subcommittee, Ms. Hristova also presented the Rotary Friendship Exchange Program, emphasizing the incredible opportunities it offers for cultural exchange, international understanding, and personal connections. She warmly invited Rotary Club Haskovo-Aida to participate in upcoming exchanges.
The meeting took place in the true spirit of Rotary – friendship, respect, and shared values.
Rotary Club Sofia International extends its sincere gratitude to Rotary Club Haskovo-Aida for the wonderful hospitality shown to Ms. Ani Hristova, Vice President of our club.
Until our next meetings, dear friends!
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December 10th, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
On 10 December 2025, the 9th official meeting of Rotary Club Sofia International took place, marked by a truly special highlight – the visit of District Governor of District 2482, Bulgaria, Mr. Plamen Tsvetkov.
We were honored to welcome Mr. Tsvetkov and his spouse, Mrs. Galya Pencheva, as our distinguished guests. Also in attendance were Mr. Teodor Totev (Candidate Member) and Mr. Georgi Nedyalkov from Rotary Club Cairo Cosmopolitan, District 2451.
The meeting was further enriched by the presence of Rotaract Club Sofia International and Interact Club Sofia International, who shared their inspiring activities and upcoming projects. Our young Rotarians continue to impress with their energy, dedication, and vision. Mr. Tsvetkov himself expressed admiration for their enthusiasm, calling them the “motors of Rotary” – a sentiment that beautifully reflects the promise of the next generation.
A moment of particular pride for our club was the announcement of the successful completion of the Global Grant project “Paradise for Kids”, supporting the Rehabilitation Center for Children with Oncohematological Diseases.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all Rotary clubs and members who contributed to this important initiative, whose impact will be felt for years to come.
The visit held special meaning for Mr. Plamen Tsvetkov, who was deeply impressed by the passion, commitment, and warmth of our members.
He personally presented our President, Mr. Badan, with the Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) recognition and pin, making the occasion even more memorable and significant for our club.
It was a truly inspiring and joyful meeting. We left the gathering with smiles and hearts full of Rotary spirit, strengthened by friendship, collaboration, and shared purpose.
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December 3rd, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
On 3 December, Rotary Club Sofia International held the elections for club officers, Presidents, and the General Assembly during its 8th regular meeting.
The election results are as follows:
Presidents
- President 2026–2027:Ms. Ani Hristova
- President 2027–2028:Mr. Serkan Halil
Board 2026–2027:
- Mrs. Hristina Malchevska
- Mrs. Svetlana Bozhilova
- Mr. Domagoj Stefan
- Mr. Greg Sharpe
- Mr. Konstantin Yordanov
Club Leadership:
- President: Ms. Ani Hristova
- Past President: Mr. Claude Badan
- President-Elect: Mr. Serkan Halil
Congratulations to all newly elected officers! We are confident that under their leadership, the Rotary theme “Unite for Good” will guide and inspire their meaningful contribution to Rotary.
During the meeting, our Past President Mrs. Hristina Malchevska addressed the club and shared the wonderful news that the Global Grant project “Paradise for Kids” has reached its final stage. She expressed heartfelt thanks to all club members, friends, districts, and Rotary clubs whose support made this important project possible.
She also presented another successful initiative, made possible with the support of a member of our club, through which more than 170 computers were delivered to Vidin.
They will be donated to kids in Vidin area via Rotary Club Vidin.
Ms. Ani Hristova provided information about the Rotary Friendship Exchange, announcing that all participants from the exchange with Canada are invited to take part in upcoming exchanges and visits in Egypt and Sri Lanka. She also shared the dates of the visits of Rotarians from these countries to Bulgaria. Members interested in participating in the exchange are encouraged to contact Ms. Hristova. Rotary Friendship Exchange is a wonderful opportunity to connect, share ideas, and build lasting friendships with Rotarians from around the world.
Following the elections and announcements, the official meeting was closed, and the evening continued in the true Rotary spirit – filled with fellowship, laughter, and smiles.
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November 27th, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
On 27 November, Rotary Club Sofia International celebrated its Christmas party at the Carnivale Restaurant, located at 190 Vitosha Blvd.
The venue was absolutely wonderful – featuring a cozy and elegant atmosphere, exceptional cuisine, and a truly professional and attentive team. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff and especially to the restaurant manager, Yannis, who took care of every detail and ensured that our evening was perfect. Thank you for the outstanding organization, the warm hospitality, and the exquisite menus prepared especially for us.
During the evening, we celebrated the achievements of our club members, who successfully delivered numerous projects throughout the year.
We are especially proud that the Global Grant Project “Paradise for Kids” is now in its final stage-thanks largely to the dedicated efforts of Mrs. Hristina Malchevska.
More details here
The Christmas spirit was truly alive! Our special guest, Kaka (Big Sister) Christmas from Haskovolandia, surprised us with a joyful visit. She brought smiles, warmth, and laughter to all Rotarians and guests, and of course, there was a gift exchange. For a few magical moments, everyone became a child again-singing songs, reciting poems, laughing, and celebrating the joy of Christmas together.
It was a truly wonderful evening, filled with warmth, friendship, and festive cheer. Once again, we extend our sincere thanks to Yannis and the entire Carnivale Restaurant team for making this night unforgettable and we highly recommend the restaurant!
Rotary Club Sofia International wishes you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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November 26th, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
On 26 November 2025, two Past Presidents of Rotary Club Sofia International – Ms. Ani Hristova and Mr. Plamen Lazarov – visited the Rehabilitation Center for Children with Oncohematological Diseases in the village of Opitsvet. They participated in a water-blessing ceremony held on the occasion of the feast day of the center’s patron saint, Saint Stiliyan, protector of children.
During the visit, they reviewed the progress of the Global Grant project “Paradise for Kids,” organized and partially funded by Rotary Club Sofia International, Rotary District 2482, and partner Rotary Districts and Clubs abroad. The project continues to support the long-term development and sustainability of the rehabilitation center.
A major component of the initiative is the construction of a 100-megawatt photovoltaic power plant, designed to meet approximately 85% of the center’s energy needs. According to information provided by our dear friend Mr. Plamen Belchev, the photovoltaic installation is expected to be fully completed by the end of the current year.
Rotary Club Sofia International has maintained consistent and meaningful support for the center over the years. Below are links to some of our previous completed projects:
We will be there for you, dear friends!
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November 25th, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
On Tuesday, 25 November 2025, the Rotary clubs in Sofia gathered for their 20th monthly joint meeting. The event took place at Hotel Downtown at 19:00, with Rotary Club Sofia Capital serving as the symbolic host. Prior to the main gathering, a Presidents’ meeting was held, where Rotary Club Sofia International was represented by Ms. Hristova. The meeting was described as pleasant, productive, and constructive, setting a positive tone for the evening ahead.
The joint meeting was a special occasion due to the presence of distinguished guest speakers from the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. Mr. Mladen Aleksiev, Head of the International Activities and Projects Department, and Mrs. Ekaterina Mihaylova from the theatre’s public relations team, were invited to present a topic of great cultural significance. Their presentation, titled “A Stage Without Borders,” focused on the National Theatre’s international programme and its role as a foundation for the creation of a representative international theatre festival in Sofia.
Mr. Aleksiev shared insights into his work in developing and overseeing the theatre’s international initiatives. His role involves building global partnerships, supporting visiting productions, and expanding Sofia’s cultural presence beyond national borders. A key part of this vision is making theatre more accessible to international audiences through multilingual performances, including an increasing number of productions available in English. These efforts have opened the Ivan Vazov National Theatre to a broader global public and strengthened its position on the international cultural stage.
The presentation also offered a brief historical overview of the theatre, whose origins date back to 1904. That year, a private drama troupe known as Salza i Smyah, meaning Tear and Laughter, was transformed into Bulgaria’s first state-run national theatre. Construction of a dedicated theatre building began the same year on the site of a former wooden playhouse called Osnova. The design was entrusted to renowned Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer, who were responsible for many iconic theatre buildings across Europe.
The building was completed in 1906 and officially opened on 3 January 1907. The opening repertoire included notable Bulgarian works, and the evening featured a prologue written especially for the occasion by Ivan Vazov himself. Shortly thereafter, the theatre was named in his honour, recognizing his lasting contribution to Bulgarian literature and drama.
The theatre’s history has not been without hardship. In 1923, a devastating fire broke out during an anniversary celebration, destroying the stage, auditorium, and cloakroom. For several years, the theatre company was forced to relocate, touring the country and performing in alternative venues. Further destruction followed during World War II, when bombing raids on Sofia in January 1944 damaged parts of the auditorium and the south wing of the building. Once again, the troupe had to evacuate and perform elsewhere. Despite these challenges, the theatre was restored after the war, and by 1945 performances had resumed in Sofia.
Today, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre stands as both a cultural and architectural landmark. Its neoclassical façade, with six columns supporting a pediment adorned with mythological figures, makes it one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. For more than a century, it has served as the cradle of Bulgarian dramatic art and has been home to generations of prominent playwrights, actors, and directors.
The evening concluded with enthusiasm and inspiration, particularly upon learning that the theatre now offers performances and guided tours in English. As a result, some of the upcoming Rotary meetings will include a visit to the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, continuing the dialogue between culture, community, and international exchange.
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