May 30th, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
This spring, Rotary Club Sofia International proudly highlights the exemplary generosity of two of its newest members, Teodora and Dimitar Dimitrovi, who have made a meaningful contribution to the community and educational development in Samokov.
Demonstrating their commitment to the values of Rotary and the advancement of education, the Dimitrovi family donated 30 desks to the Nikola Y. Vaptsarov Vocational Technical High School. These desks have been used to furnish two administrative offices, significantly improving the working conditions for the school’s staff and contributing to the effective operation of its academic and vocational programs.
Extending their support beyond the school, Teodora and Dimitar also donated three conference tables to the Sunday School at Belyova Church – a cherished spiritual and historical landmark in Samokov. These tables will help foster a more welcoming and functional environment for group activities, discussions, and learning sessions held at the church.
This thoughtful and impactful donation is a reflection of the Dimitrovi family’s values and their desire to give back to the communities they are part of. Their actions exemplify Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self” and inspire all of us to seek opportunities to make a difference.
Rotary Club Sofia International extends its heartfelt gratitude to Teodora and Dimitar for their dedication, generosity, and for setting a shining example of service and fellowship.
…Read the rest of this entry »
April 30th, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
In the period 25-27.04.2025, an international conference of the Rotary Danube Alliance was held with more than 50 Rotarians from 6 countries – Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Serbia, USА, Netherlands. The event started with an official opening. The Bulgarian team was congratulated and thanked for the founding, active participation and organization of the Rotary Danube Alliance from the very beginning 3 years ago until now. The Bulgarian participants took an active part in the event’s program, with Violina Kostova, Past DG in District 2482 Bulgaria, participating in Plenary Session II and presenting the European Danube Strategy and program opportunities, Hristina Malchevska from Rotary Club Sofia International participated in Plenary Session I and presented the plan and organization of the Alliance from its establishment to the present, as well as future plans, together with Dori from Hungary, and presented the possibility of the Alliance’s participation in the Festival in Ulm, Germany, which takes place every 2 years and the next one will be in 2026. Veronika Botsova, Past President of Rotaract Europe, presented the June 1 project “Plastic for a Toy” and the idea for a Global Grant project to reduce pollution of the Danube River “Danube Paradise” in Plenary Session I. Nevena Ivanova, DISC co-chair and Rotaract DRR Elect, was the presenter and moderator of Plenary Session II on the topic of the Rotary Danube Hackathon for Rotaract and Interact, whose project idea was developed by Nevena and has a complete concept, plan, content, application process for participants, and a location for implementation is being sought. On the Bulgarian side, there was also an interesting presentation by Radost Ivanova from the Rotary Club Ruse, who presented the Danube Day project on June 29, 2025 – activities to clean up the Danube River – on the water and along the banks, the “No Cigarette Butts” initiative, a photo contest and other activities in partnership with the Ruse Municipality under the umbrella of the Alliance. On this day, other clubs along the Danube River will have initiatives – in Budapest, Romania, etc. inspired by Radost’s idea. There were also interesting presentations from: End Plastic Soup – Gert-Jan van Dommelen, RC Amsterdam – the harm of plastic to people, wildlife and the future of the planet; urgent measures and actions are needed to reduce it everywhere; Vice Rector of Galati Danubius University – participation in a plenary session for the Rotary Danube Hackathon – supported the idea and proposed exemplary projects from the young people; Roxana Ioan Vicleanu – Rotaract Galati + Dragos Buca – Interact Galati – active participation in the plenary session again for the Rotary Danube Hackathon; Vladimir Beljic from Serbia presented Danube Youth Council, an EU youth organization with which we want to partner for the Rotary Danube Hackathon; Cristian Niculae, RC Braila – presented an international and local kayaking initiative on the Danube River.
The event also included a project – planting flowers (roses) and trees in the Galati Botanical Garden with representatives from the USA of The Rotary Fellowship of the Trees – Corey and Brendon. They will also have a presentation at the Convention in Canada this year and also had a presentation at the event, presenting that their organization aims to plant 1 billion trees through Rotary by 2030. In the Galati Botanical Garden, each country planted its own tree, of course, Bulgaria too.
…Read the rest of this entry »
February 21st, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
On February 17, 2025, the Intercountry Committee (ICC) between Bulgaria and Serbia held a significant bilateral meeting at the elegant Crystal Palace Hotel in Sofia. The event gathered prominent representatives from both countries, marking another important step in strengthening cooperation and promoting Rotary values across borders.
From the Serbian side Zorica Jestrović-Past Governer, Vladimir Matić-Past Governer, Radmila Lukić-Blagajnik, Vladica Tošić-ADG from Rotary District 2483, represented the delegation as well as Margarita Bogdanova, District Governor, Nina Miteva Past District Governor, Veneta Platinakova – ICC Chairperson (Bulgaria – Serbia) from RC Sofia Vitosha, Hristina Malchevska (DISC Chair 2022-2025 from RC Sofia International), Ani Hristova (Chair International Fellowship Exchange RC Sofia International), Svetoslav Tanchovsli (District 2482 and RC Sofia Vitosha), Veronika Botsova (ICC Coordinator Bulgaria and Past President Rotaract Europe), Desislava Hinchovska, President Rotary Club Sofia – City and Domagoj Stefan Rotary Club Sofia International from Rotary District 2482 Bulgaria.
During the meeting, the Bulgarian delegation presented the actual and upcoming Global Grant projects of District 2482, as well as the International initiative Rotary Danube Alliance where more than 5 Serbian clubs participate, emphasizing on the international collaborations. The presentations highlighted Rotary Bulgaria’s commitment to service, peacebuilding, and community development through various Rotary initiatives.
One of the key outcomes of the event was the formal signing of a joint plan for the ICC Committee. This plan outlines the collaborative efforts and mutual goals of the Bulgarian and Serbian Rotary communities for the year ahead. The agreement was officially signed by Veneta Platinakova, Chairperson from the Bulgarian side, and Vladica Tošić, Chairman of the ICC representing the Serbian side.
The meeting concluded with optimism, mutual respect, and a shared vision for future activities. It was a reaffirmation of Rotary’s mission to unite leaders and bring lasting change to communities across the globe.
This gathering not only reinforced bilateral ties but also set a strong foundation for impactful projects under the ICC framework in 2025.
…Read the rest of this entry »
February 20th, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
Rotary Club Sofia International marked a significant milestone – its 20th anniversary – with an inspiring charity event held at the prestigious National History Museum on 7 February 2025. The evening brought together members of the Rotary community, distinguished guests, partners, and supporters under one powerful mission: to raise funds for the Rehabilitation Center for Children with Oncohematologic Diseases.
The elegant setting of the National History Museum provided the perfect backdrop for a night of compassion, celebration, and purpose. Guests were treated to a heartwarming program that included moving speeches, musical performances, raffle, and an auction featuring exclusive items and experiences. The proceeds from the event were more than 22,000 BGN with direct support for the Rehabilitation Center, which plays a crucial role in the physical and emotional recovery of young patients.
Rotary Club Sofia International has long been a beacon of service and philanthropy in Bulgaria, and this anniversary event stood as a testament to its enduring commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need. The club extends its gratitude to all sponsors, partners, and guests who helped make the evening both meaningful and memorable.
As Rotary continues its mission of “Service Above Self,” the success of this event paves the way for continued support of vital healthcare initiatives and the well-being of the community’s most vulnerable members.
…Read the rest of this entry »
January 16th, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
Rotary Club Sofia International is thrilled to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special Charity Gala Evening on February 7, 2025, at the National Historical Museum, Sunny Hall.
This unforgettable evening will bring together our community to make a difference while celebrating two decades of service. This year, we are raising funds for a cause close to our hearts:
Powering Hope
We aim to finance a Photovoltaic Plant for the Association of Parents with Children Recovering from Oncohematological Diseases in the village of Optitsvet. This sustainable energy solution will provide a reliable power source for the association’s facilities, ensuring children undergoing treatment have the support and comfort they deserve.
Join us for a night filled with warmth, inspiration, and joy, featuring:
- Official Program: A presentation of the club, the charitable cause, and the Rotary Laureate.
- Entertainment: Musical performances, an auction, and a raffle.
- Cocktail Reception: Delightful food, wine, and meaningful conversations.
Event Details
- Date: February 7, 2025
- Time: 18:30 (doors open) | 19:00 (official start)
- Location: National Historical Museum, Sunny Hall
Ticket Prices
- Guests and Rotarians: 80 BGN
- Rotaractors: 50 BGN
Reserve Your Spot
Make your payment to secure your attendance:
- IBAN: BG49STSA93000027355924
- BIC: STSABGSF
- Beneficiary: Rotary Club Sofia International
- Payment Note: Include “7 February Gala” and the names of your guests or company.
Your support – through attendance, financial contributions, or donations of goods – will enable us to create meaningful change and ensure the success of this noble cause.
Together, we can make a lasting impact. We look forward to celebrating with you!
…Read the rest of this entry »
November 29th, 2024 - posted in News and Events.
At the heart of the festive season, Rotary Club Sofia International is participating actively in the Rotary initiative “From Child to Child – Become a Secret Santa Claus”.
Let’s not forget that the Magic of Christmas begins in childhood with the presents under the tree and the hanging stockings full of goodies. But for some children, Christmas is anything but magic.
For second year, Rotary Bulgaria and Sofia Christmas Fest unite around the Cause “From Child to Child – Become a Secret Santa Claus”.
Parents can come with their child to the Rotary house (next to the Ferris wheel) so that the children can become a Secret Santa by giving a gift and a packaged treat to a child in need. This year, the Rotary house will also host BTV Media Group, where there will be a letter box. Anyone who wishes can write a Christmas message to the children on “Bulgarian Christmas”.
The goal is for all gifts to reach the homes of socially disadvantaged families in various cities in the country. More than 300 thousand are socially disadvantaged families in the country. 8 out of 10 children live in material deprivation because their families have low incomes. The gifts will reach children in different cities in the country through the network of Rotary clubs in Bulgaria.
Last year’s success exceeded expectations – more than 1000 gifts were delivered to 11 settlements – Berkovitsa, Tutrakan, Glavinitsa, Harmanli, Samokov, Vidinsko (Archar, Gradets), Shumen, village. Malki Iskar (Concordia Family Center), Plovdiv (Center for Social Rehabilitation and Integration).
There are already whole classes of children from Sofia schools who are eager to bring gifts and write their letters to the unknown children and thus become their “Secret Santa”.
Members of Rotary Club Sofia International are taking part during the Fest in the Rotary initiative. When it comes to causes that make the world a better place, all of us at Rotary come together! Ani, Tedi, Mitko, Eli, Hrisi, Svetla were the first volunteers and stayed some of the first days at the Rotary house and promoted actively the project welcoming heart fully families and children who wish to contribute for the good cause.
The initiative continues till 22 December and we are looking forward to welcoming more families and gifts for the children in need.
Thank you to all the parents and children who contributed for the good cause.
…Read the rest of this entry »
November 17th, 2024 - posted in News and Events.
The Vibrant Club District 2482 Bulgaria Yearly Seminar took place in Ruse, Grand Hotel Riga on 16th of November 2024.
The seminar was a whole day event and in general was organized in interactive sessions with a lot of interesting discussions. It included innovative themes as AI, Storytelling, Video power, effective communication, Rotary Fellowship, ICC and others. The seminar was hybrid and there was a number of participants that took part online that could not attend for one reason or another in person or travel to Ruse. There was also a District Governor of Serbia Vlado Marich that participated online and shared the experience of projects and active club life in their District.
One of the main topics of the Seminar was the Club culture and the Past President of RC Sofia International Hristina Malchevska was one of the Rotarians invited to share best practice, participated in a discussion, as well as presented information about our club life and answered two questions:
For understandable reasons, there is a more frequent change in membership in your club. How do you maintain an atmosphere of camaraderie and engagement?
…Read the rest of this entry »
November 6th, 2024 - posted in News and Events.
On the 6th of November we had our regular Rotary Club Sofia International club meeting in Hilton with possibility of online participation of our friends that could not attend in person. Our Past President and Chair of International Service Committee of our District 2482 for 2022-2025 Hristina Malchevska presented an interesting Rotary organization – End Plastic soup that are working for solving the plastic problem worldwide.
More and more clubs and districts, now in 48 countries, have joined the Rotary EndPlasticSoup initiative, started 6 years ago in Amsterdam. This bottom-up club initiative is all run voluntarily by and for Rotarians and Rotaractors. The Goal is to stop the plastic pollution problem by 2050.
Today over 100 Ambassador Clubs represent Rotary EndPlasticSoup in their district and Supporter Clubs are being asked to join, get into action, and pay a small donation (200 euro/year or 500 for 3 years) to support this worldwide initiative and the many international projects. In return they get all (online) materials for free, that include pictures, videos and information. They get support for their actions and projects, exchange experiences, and get access to the worldwide network of alliances and solutions.
Plastic is fantastic
Plastic is a fantastic product: many different products and applications, light weight, long live and cheap. Plastic also causes huge problems as many countries cannot process the waste. Plastic never disappears and just becomes smaller. Microplastics (0.1-5 mm) and nanoplastics (smaller than 0.1 mm) cause real issues for our climate, all life on our planet and our health. In the past couple of years, more and more data and knowledge has been gained from research regarding the impact of nanoplastics and the poisonous additives on them. PFAS is just one of the examples.
…Read the rest of this entry »
June 16th, 2024 - posted in News and Events.
Rotary Club Sofia International celebrated an evening at the Croatian-Bulgarian Cultural Association in Sofia, where our friend and member, Mr. Domagoj Stefan, welcomed us and ensured the evening honored cross-cultural heritage and fostered friendship among Rotarians and guests. We were captivated by the association’s dedication to preserving Croatian traditions in Bulgaria.
After our Secretary, Ms. Ani Hristova, opened the evening, Mr. Domagoj Stefan presented slides and guided us through the history and traditions of Croatia. We were fascinated to learn about the country’s development from the early 90s to today, discovering a beautiful place worth visiting. We eagerly look forward to building bonds and collaborating on projects with Rotary Clubs in Croatia.
Rotary Club Sofia International will host its next meeting on June 19 at the Hotel Hilton Sofia, where we will hear about current risks and efforts towards green energy transition in Bulgaria and the world from guest speaker, Mr. Dimitar Enchev. As we approach the end of our meetings for the Rotary year 2023-2024, we express our gratitude to our President, Mr. Dale, for his exceptional leadership and for keeping the spirit of Rotary alive. Join us in experiencing the magic of Rotary in uplifting societies in Bulgaria and around the world.
…Read the rest of this entry »
June 16th, 2024 - posted in News and Events.
For the fourth consecutive year, Rotary Club Sofia-Vitosha presented the annual “Architect Atanas Dinev” award! This award honors the memory of the architect Mr. Atanas Dinev, whose contributions to architecture and society are invaluable. Architect Dinev was a lecturer, a member of the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria, and an active Rotarian – one of the founders and President of Rotary Club Sofia-Vitosha.This year, three architects were distinguished – Mrs. Sofia Georgieva, Mr. Mihail Subotinov, and Mrs. Kamelia Pokraeva for their innovative projects focusing on ecology and innovation.The ceremony was attended by numerous guests, friends, and prominent Rotarians, including the daughter of Architect Dinev, Stefi Dineva. The event was also honored by the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at UACEG, Prof. Dr. Architect Orlin Davchev.
At the event, Ms. Ani Hristova from Rotary Club Sofia International attended and congratulated the organizers on behalf of the club.
Source: Rotary Club Sofia-Vitosha Facebook page.
…Read the rest of this entry »
 in <b>/home/rcsior/public_html/new/wp-content/themes/productum/functions/admin-functions.php</b> on line <b>306</b><br />
styles/fresh_blue/logo.png){kind=logo}
