Changing the Status Quо presentation at a regular meeting, which was held in Hilton Sofia on 20 October 2021. As it has already become a norm, the meeting was a hybrid one – in person and online. The official part, as usual was opened by the President Mrs. Hristina Malchevska.
After the introduction of the guests, the President inducted two new members of Mr. Nikola Bilandzhija and Mr. Plamen Latev. Mrs. Malchevska shared with them the Rotary values and the Four Way Test. She also explained to them what a privilege it is to become a Rotary member. She then welcomed them in Rotary officially by presenting them with the Rotary pin.
A brief update of the ongoing projects of the club followed. Mrs. Malchevska was happy to announce that the MED-Bul Project 2021 is nearing its successful realization thanks to all the sponsors who with their contributions covered the cost of the transportation. and the logistics company will pickup the equipment worth 46,000 EUR from Germany on 4 November 2021.
The meeting continued with Changing the Status Quо presentation by Mr. Abhilash Ali.
Simply put, the status quo is the tendency for people to resist change. It is based on the psychological principle that people like what is familiar and “safe” instead of what is new and “dangerous.” The reality in business and life, however, is that doing nothing can often be more disastrous than trying something new. Competitors’ products and tactics change. Customers’ wants and needs change. Government policies change. Companies and people who stay the same will inevitably fall behind.
Mr. Ali Abhilash explained that creating an environment to challenge the status quo is the way to ensure to succeed. Real change starts with yourself. You must give yourself permission to question the status quo and invite the others to join you.
After the presentation the President gave Mr. Abhilash Ali a Rotary Club Sofia International branded mug as a token of our appreciation and an object to remind him the visit to our the club. After the official part all the physically present at the meeting people took a photo together.
Regular meeting and a presentation of the Salvation Army activities in Bulgaria was held on 12 October 2021. The third Rotarian meeting for the year 2021/2022 was again a hybrid one. It was conducted online via the Jitsi platform and physically in our home base Hilton Sofia. The meeting was opened by the President Mrs Hristina Malchevska. 11 people were present physically and 3 persons joined online. After the official opening, the President introduced the guests and the announced the apologies of the members who could not attend the meeting.
This evening we welcomed two new guests from The Salvation Army – Mr. David Darchiashvili from Georgia and Ms. Kathleen Johansson from Australia.
The Salvation Army is a Christian Church and an international charitable organization. It reports a worldwide membership of over 1.7 million, consisting of soldiers, officers and adherents collectively known as Salvationists. Its founders sought to bring salvation to the poor, destitute, and hungry by meeting both their “physical and spiritual needs”. It is present in 132 countries, running charity shops, operating shelters for the homeless and disaster relief, and humanitarian aid to the developing countries.
Kathleen and David presented to us themselves and their efforts to develop The Salvation Army in Bulgaria. The work of the organization in the country has started recently. Kathleen is the lead of the project for our country. David is responsible regionally for the organization and is overseeing Kathleen for the operations in Bulgaria. In many countries The Salvation army and Rotary are partnering for humanitarian projects and our guests expressed their wish to establish contact with our organization for possible future collaboration.
Then the President announced the meetings’ plan with guest speakers and the topics till the end of the year. She also delivered updates on all the projects the club is running or preparing. Before closing the official part of the meeting, Hristina conveyed appreciation to all members that actively support our projects and participate in club life initiatives. Together we are serving and doing good for our community.
Donation of French DVDs & CDs to the French Language School “Alphonse de Lamartine” No 9 in Sofia took place on 11 October 2021. Rotary Club Sofia International provided 168 French discs with music and movies for the school for educational purposes. The donation was arranged by Mr. Claude Badan, Board Member of Rotary Club Sofia International.
The donation of French DVDs & CDs was in the presence of the Director of the school Mrs. Bogdanova, Mr. Claude Badan, the President of Rotary Club Sofia International Mrs. Malchevska, Mr. Mark Bouzy, Past President of Rotary Club Sofia International and Mrs. Linda Kim, member of the club.
The Director of the school acquainted us with the school and the ongoing plans for improving the facilities and educational process and expressed appreciation for the kind donation. We hope that we can continue our collaboration in the future.
Project updates and presentation by Mrs. Elitza Stoilova, President of Rotary Club Sofia Center, were the main topics of the second regular Rotarian meeting for 2021/2022 on 6 October 2021. The meeting was again a hybrid one – face-to-face in our home base Hilton Sofia and online. We were happy and honored to welcome 11 people who were present physically on the meeting and two members and one guest who joined online. The meeting started with the opening words of our President Mrs. Hristina Malchevska. Then she introduced the guests and they presented themselves.
The President announced the guest speakers, presentations and activities for the upcoming 2 months. Before continuing to the project updates and presentation, Mrs. Malchevska announced a new member proposition, that of our friend and regular guest Mr. Plamen Latev.
Followed an update on the projects by our Rotaract club and our club’s projects:
25-30 October 2021. So far 10 registrations, the aim is to have 50. The President encouraged all members to register and participate. We supported the initiative with 100 BGN to sponsor the social media posts.
The equivalent of 46 000 EUR donation in equipment form Germany. The final cost of transportation is 3,180 EUR (830 EUR remaining to be collected). Past President Mr. Marc Bouzy has arranged our MED-Bul project to be included in the newsletter of the French Chamber of Commerce this week as a call for donation.
Upcoming MED-Bul Project 2021 V.2
We are currently looking for beneficiaries for the second donation form Germany. Rotary Club Zlatograd confirms the need for the local hospital and will cover the cost of transportation. Additionally hospitals in Kazanluk, where Rotary Club Kazanluk can cover the transportation cost, and hospitals in Sandanski have needs. Expecting updates on the available equipment from our German partners.
Upcoming MED-Bul Project 2021 V.3
There is a possibility to realize a donation of medical equipment from Austria. Currently investigating what equipment can be donated and who could be the potential beneficiary.
Donation of French CDs and DVDs
200 Discs donation from our member Mr. Claude Badan. The donation took place on Monday, 11 October 2021 at 2.30 PM. The French Language School in Sofia is the beneficiary. The donation ceremony was attended by the President Mrs. Hristina Malchevska, Mr. Claude Badan, Mr. Marc Bouzy and Mrs. Linda Kim.
Visit of Rotary Club Paris Agora
Our friends form RC Paris Agora will visit Sofia between 12-14 October 2021. A total of eleven friends will visit our country and we have a prepared a program with 2 dinners and sightseeing tour.
After these announcements the President introduced our guest lector Mrs. Elitza Stoilova, President of Rotary Club Sofia Center. She presented the topic “Conversational AI for Rotary and Business”. The presentation was very interesting and shared innovative topics and solutions that have a implications in Rotary as well.
Strategic Plan presentation at the first regular meeting for the Rotarian year 2021/2022 was delivered by the President of the club, Mrs. Hristina Malchevska on 29 September 2021. The meeting was in hybrid mode – face to face in our homebase Hilton Sofia and online. We were happy and honored to welcome 16 people to be present physically on the meeting and one member, our Past President Mr. Marc Bouzy who joined online.
The meeting started with opening words by our President Mrs. Hristina Malchevska. Then she introduced the guests and everyone presented themselves to the people present.
Later, the President announced the guest speakers, presentations and the topics for the upcoming 2 months. On 6 October we will host Mrs. Elitza Stoilova, President of Rotary Club Sofia Center and CEO of umni.bg who will be talking about Conversational AI for Rotary and Business. On 13 October the opera singer Emilja Minic will present herself. Interesting program with presenters is prepared till the end of the year with the help of our members Mrs. Ani Hristova, Mr. Grant Dale, Mrs. Elena Vassileva and the Past President of the club Mr. Marc Bouzy.
Following the invites and announcements, the President Mrs. Hristina Malchevska continued with the yearly Strategic plan presentation of Rotary Club Sofia International including the summer meetings and actions. She presented also the leadership team of the club for 2021/2022, the Rotary theme, mission, vision, values, conditions for our club to thrive and the strategic pillars. Last but not least, she announced a proposal for a new member of the club – Mr. Nikola Bilandzija from Germany. Based on the internal rules 7 days for objections follow and if there are none received in written we can welcome Nikola officially in our club.
At the end, our president thanked the guests and club members for joining the meeting and reminded them for the upcoming meetings taking place every Wednesday 18.45 in person in Hilton and online for those who cannot attend physically.
Preparation for MED-Bul Project 2021 for donation of nearly new medical equipment worth more than 46,000 EUR from a hospital in Germany to SBAL Children’s Hospital „Prof. Dr. Ivan Mitev“ in Sofia and hospitals in the region of Bansko is currently ongoing.
Thus, we are happy to announce that Rotary Club Sofia International will continue with its MED-Bul project. After the successful donations of medical equipment to 3 Bulgarian Hospitals, it is time to realize the next edition of the project – MED-Bul 2021.
It all began with our dear friend and former member Dr. Snejana Doncheva, now member of Rotary Club Bansko-Razlog contacting Dr. Sigrun Comati, also a member of Rotary Club Bansko-Razlog and President of the German-Bulgarian Society for the Promotion of Relations between Germany and Bulgaria and her spouse. This acquaintance quickly turned into a proposal for a cooperation between Rotary Club Rüsselsheim/Gross-Gerau, Rotary Bansko-Razlog, and Rotary Club Sofia International. As a result the three clubs are now organizing a donation of nearly new medical equipment from the German hospital Unfallklinik Murnau to Bulgaria.
The beneficiaries are SBAL Children’s Hospital „Prof. Dr. Ivan Mitev“ in Sofia and hospitals in the region of Bansko. Rotary Club Sofia International in coordination with Rotary Club Banko-Razog and Rotary Club Rüsselsheim/Gross-Gerau is now organizing the transport of the equipment.
Below is a summary of the MED-Bul 2021 Project:
Donation current value is more than 46,000 EUR:
Including: 35 clinic beds worth 800 EUR each or 28,000 EUR in total market value.
Plus 4 anesthetic and 2 endoscopy towers with average market value 3,000 EUR each or 18,000 EUR in total.
Two deliveries being planned by the beginning of November – one truck with 35 medical beds and a second truck with anesthetic/endoscopy appliances.
The transportation cost from Germany to Bulgaria, are 3,180 EUR.
Thanks to the generous donations from: Broker Defense; Publishing Company Sunray; Rotary Club Ferney-Voltaire, Ms. Ani Hristova, Past President of Rotary Club Sofia International; Ms. Teodora Tsvetkova (the newest friend of Rotary Club Sofia International); Mr. Grant Dale, Mrs. Linda Kim, Mr. Anders Nielsen, Mr. Claude Badan, members of Rotary Club Sofia International; Mr. Horst Stüer, Past President of Rotary Club Sofia International; Mr. Jörg Schenk, Past President of Rotary Club Sofia International; Mr. David Afek from Rotary Club Hod HaCarmel, Israel, Mr. Tristan Valadier a regular guest of our club,, thus far we raised 3,280 EUR.
If you would like to support the next phases of MED-Bul Project 2021, please, contribute to Rotary Club Sofia International’s donation account below:
BANK : DSK BANK AD / Банка ДСК АД
Holder : ROTARY CLUB SOFIA INTERNATIONAL
IBAN : BG49STSA93000027355924
BIC : STSABGSF
National Climbing of Musala peak organized yearly by Rotary Club Samokov was held on 3 September 2021. Three members of Rotary Club Sofia International participated this year to continue the tradition of our participation in the event. Mrs. Linda Kim, Mrs. Inna Badan and Mr. Claude Badan – arrived in Borovets on 2 September. They were welcomed by Mrs. Lyudmila Barzanova from Rotary Club Samokov and were invited for a dinner.
The next morning the National Musala peak climbing took place. Musala is the highest peak in the Rila Mountains, as well as in Bulgaria and the entire Balkan Peninsula, standing at 2,925 meters (9,596 ft).
Representatives of 7 clubs participated in the National Musala peak climbing. Namely: Rotary Club Sofia International, Rotary Club Momchilovgrad, Rotary Club Bansko-Razlog, Rotary Club Gotse Delchev, Rotary Club Sandanski, Rotary Club Sliven and Rotary Club Dupnitsa. The event was honored by the presence of the District Governor of Rotary Bulgaria Mr. Borislav Kadrekov and the Secretary of the District Mrs. Lyudmila Barzanova.
The President of Rotary Club Samokov Mrs. Ekaterina Vadadzhiyska presented gifts to the visiting clubs. While all children from 5 to 16 years old received medals for their participation.
The evening program that followed the climb was fun and with lots of music and dancing. The friendly atmosphere predisposed for many new acquaintances.
On behalf of Rotary Club Sofia International we would like to thank Mrs. Lyudmila Barzanova for the hospitality.
Meeting with District Governor Mr. Borislav Kadrekov during an unofficial meeting of Rotary Club Sofia International was held at Club of the Architects Restaurant on 21 July 2021. Special guests were also the Assistant DG Mr. Alexander Vassilev, as well as, representatives from Louis Braille School for kids with impaired vision – the Director Mr. Velkov and his assistant. During the meeting more than 20 people were present – members and guests.
Firstly, we had a Board meeting from 6 pm and there was a presentation of Louise Braille School’s Director. The school is looking for financial support for the entrance of Daily Professional Educational Center for kids and young people with disabilities – visually impaired, mental and others. Mr. Velkov presented the current facilities and conditions where pupils will be educated in the upcoming year and an offer for the repair works needed. We took a decision to support the project from our club with а donation for the reconstruction works for the entrance of the Center.
Afterwards, at 7 pm started the meeting with District Governor Mr. Borislav Kadrekov and the Assistant District Governor Mr. Alexander Vassilev. Our current President Ms. Hristina Malchevska opened with a presentation of our club’s projects and events realized and supported during the past Rotarian years. Thanks to the individual and joint efforts of our members and friends – Rotarians from other countries and Bulgaria – throughout the years there have been many successful projects in different areas for the total amount of more than 1 million EUR.
Later, followed the presentation of our District Governor regarding the Theme of this Rotarian year – Serve to Change Lives,. He stressed on a few actions each Rotary club should focus on, as follows:
Active Rotarian life and friendship;
At least one new member to join in our Rotary family for 2021/2022;
Projects helping society – District and Global Grants.
At the end, our president thanked our guests and club members for joining this evening and remind the Summer meetings’ venue: Club of the Architects Restaurant on 11 Krakra Street in Sofia every Wednesday at 7 pm. Members and guests are welcome to join, keep in touch and spend a great time together.
The Handover Ceremony of Rotary Club Sofia International took place on 23 June 2021 at Mind to Mind in Sofia. The event was realized in two parts. Official part followed by a cocktail for informal fellowship. The official meeting was organized in hybrid way and we had the honor to have online presence of members of RC Paris Agora as well as Mr. Michail Sougarev, Past President and member of our club. Physically present were more than 20 people – Rotary Club Sofia International members and their guests.
The official meeting and handover ceremony started with a very nice presentation of the President Mr. Marc Bouzy including a report of his year with the charitable actions, meetings organization, partnerships, international relations, as well as achievements during the year. After the presentation Mr. Marc Bouzy provided the President’s necklace to the new President Mrs. Hristina Malchevska as an official inauguration ceremony in Rotary.
The new President gave a short speech showing gratitude to Mr. Marc Bouzy for his wonderful Rotarian year, his dedication and time resulting in great charity actions, international relations development, and keeping the good spirit life nevertheless the pandemic. Afterwards, Mrs. Malchevska gave information about the summer meetings planned at the same place as last year in the Club of Architects in the center of Sofia, 11, Krakra Str., every Wednesday from 7 pm, starting 30 June 2021.
The fellowship continued with a nice buffet and cocktail, where members and guests enjoyed a great time together. The view from Mind to Mind was magnificent, because of its location on the roof of a 5 storey building.
Rotary Club Zlatograd-Nedelino Summer Celebration took place over the weekend on 18-20 June 2021. Our members Ms. Hristova and Mr. Badan accompanied by our guest Mr. Dale attended the event. The festivities commenced with an informal dinner in a traditional Rodopean restaurant. We tried numerous traditional dishes such as “Patatnik” and “Rodopean kiln”. The entertainment was Kaba bagpipes. The dinner was attended by numerous friends on Friday in the old town of Zlatograd.
On Saturday we traveled to “Yagnevo” Complex (15 km from Zlatograd). 17 clubs took part in a friendly games day with air rifle, archery, catapult and fishing competitions. Rotary Club Sofia International took part and placed a commendable third place in the archery and second place in air rifle competition and received certificates for the achievement. After that we all celebrated with traditional spit-roasted lamb. All in all the day was a resounding success, despite the occasional showers, fellowship and fun prevailed.
The official dinner was superbly organized and the President of Rotary Club Zlatograd-Nedelino, Mr. Rumen Pehlivanov welcomed the guests. After that the word was given to the Assistant District Governor, Mr. Mehmed Ismail who opened the evening with a pleasant speech. Later on Mrs. Suzana Golemilova presented the 15 years of projects of the club – our friends also celebrated their 15 Year Birthday.
A special mention was made of the project between Rotary Club Paris Agora, Rotary Club Sofia International and Rotary Club Zlatograd-Nedelino for the local hospital. More information here and here.
Furthermore, there was the Rotary Chain exchanging ceremony of our host club and Rotary Club Smolyan and the traditional cutting of the cake for the birthday of the host club. The Past presidents of Rotary Club Zlatograd-Nedelino were invited to cut the cake together. The hosts of the evening were Mr. Dimitar Alendarov and Mrs. Emilia Valenti – finalist from “The Voice of Bulgaria”. Ms. Valenti, together with the opera singer Mr. Veselin Vachev gave an amazing performance.
The program of the night was colorful: Kaba bagpipes and traditional Rodopean songs, Bulgarian dances, Russian songs, Spanish flamenco, Greek Zorba dance, Oriental dance presented by the local dance school. Music, traditional dancing and fellowship earmarked the wonderful night.
An interesting Sunday was filled with sightseeing and visits to the Ethnographic Complex – Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum, the Museum of Delyo Voivoda, The church “St. George the Victorious”, Museum collection of the home icon in the Church of the Assumption and a school dating back hundreds of years (Cell school and Mutual school).
Our heartfelt thanks to Rotary Club Zlatograd-Nedelino for a superbly organized event and for their warm welcome of all the Rotary Club Sofia International members and guests. Special thanks again to our friends Mrs. Amediya and Mr. Emil Pashovi.
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Changing the Status Quо presentation at a regular meeting, which was held in Hilton Sofia on 20 October 2021. As it has already become a norm, the meeting was a hybrid one – in person and online. The official part, as usual was opened by the President Mrs. Hristina Malchevska.
Regular meeting and a presentation of the 
Donation of French DVDs & CDs to the 
Project updates and presentation by Mrs. Elitza Stoilova, President of 
Strategic Plan presentation at the first regular meeting for the Rotarian year 2021/2022 was delivered by the President of the club, Mrs. Hristina Malchevska on 29 September 2021. The meeting was in hybrid mode – face to face in our homebase Hilton Sofia and online. We were happy and honored to welcome 16 people to be present physically on the meeting and one member, our Past President Mr. Marc Bouzy who joined online.
Preparation for MED-Bul Project 2021 for donation of nearly new medical equipment worth more than 46,000 EUR from a hospital in Germany to SBAL Children’s Hospital „Prof. Dr. Ivan Mitev“ in Sofia and hospitals in the region of Bansko is currently ongoing.
National Climbing of Musala peak organized yearly by 
Meeting with District Governor Mr. Borislav Kadrekov during an unofficial meeting of Rotary Club Sofia International was held at 
The Handover Ceremony of Rotary Club Sofia International took place on 23 June 2021 at Mind to Mind in Sofia. The event was realized in two parts. Official part followed by a cocktail for informal fellowship. The official meeting was organized in hybrid way and we had the honor to have online presence of members of RC Paris Agora as well as Mr. Michail Sougarev, Past President and member of our club. Physically present were more than 20 people – Rotary Club Sofia International members and their guests.
Rotary Club Zlatograd-Nedelino Summer Celebration took place over the weekend on 18-20 June 2021. Our members Ms. Hristova and Mr. Badan accompanied by our guest Mr. Dale attended the event. The festivities commenced with an informal dinner in a traditional Rodopean restaurant. We tried numerous traditional dishes such as “Patatnik” and “Rodopean kiln”. The entertainment was Kaba bagpipes. The dinner was attended by numerous friends on Friday in the old town of Zlatograd.
