(19 Oct) From Rotary Friendship to a Brighter Future for Children: Dupnitsa’s Renewed Paediatric Ward (+GAL)

Posted in News and Events. Written by Admin on October 19th, 2026

On 19 October 2026, the renewed paediatric ward at St. Ivan Rilski Hospital in Dupnitsa officially opened its doors, marking an important achievement for the local community and another inspiring example of Rotary in action.

The transformation was made possible through the collective efforts of Rotary Club Dupnitsa, the Za Dobroto Foundation and its Firefly project, Dupnitsa Municipality, the hospital, donors, volunteers, and the wider community.

The story reflects years of dedication and the determination of Rotarians to improve healthcare for children. During the 2020–2021 Rotary year, under President Slavcho Pavlov, the club continued its service through the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2022–2023, under President Iliyana Vakavchieva, Rotary Club Dupnitsa launched its “Let Us Give Health to Children” fundraising campaign. Beginning with its Christmas charity ball in December 2022, the initiative mobilised local schools, businesses, donors, and citizens. The first event raised BGN 45,000, while school Christmas bazaars contributed a further BGN 13,000. By the end of December, total contributions had exceeded BGN 75,000. Subsequent fundraising events brought the amount raised by the club to more than BGN 125,000.

As the scale of the necessary renovation became clear, the club joined forces with the Za Dobroto Foundation and its Firefly – A Hospital That Doesn’t Look Like a Hospital project, alongside the municipality and the hospital. The shared ambition was to create a welcoming, child-centred environment where young patients and their families could feel safer and more comfortable.

An important chapter in this story began through Rotary Friendship Exchange with Germany. During the German Rotarians’ visit to Bulgaria in April 2023, the needs of the hospital in Dupnitsa were presented. The friendship continued during the return visit to Germany in June 2023, when Iliyana Vakavchieva joined Rotarians from Bulgaria, including members of Rotary Club Sofia International.

These personal connections helped turn a local need into an international act of solidarity. Rotary Club Obereichsfeld-Heiligenstadt in Germany organised a generous donation from St. Vinzenz Hospital in Heilbad Heiligenstadt: 34 specialised hospital beds, mattresses, bedside cabinets, and an ultrasound diagnostic machine, with a reported value exceeding BGN 30,000. Rotary Club Dupnitsa covered the transportation costs to bring the equipment to Bulgaria. This is the power of Rotary Friendship Exchange: friendships built across borders can lead to practical, lasting benefits for communities.

The project’s progress continued through successive Rotary leadership teams and the commitment of club members. Metodi Dimitrov, President of Rotary Club Dupnitsa in 2024–2025, played an important role as coordinator of the Firefly project from the club’s side. His contribution, together with the sustained efforts of Rotarians, partners, donors, and volunteers, helped carry the initiative towards completion.

The renewed paediatric ward is more than a renovated medical facility. It is the result of a community coming together around a common purpose, supported by Rotary’s spirit of service and international friendship.

Rotary Club Sofia International is proud that its members were part of the Rotary Friendship Exchange connections that helped bring this story to life. The achievement in Dupnitsa reminds us that when people work together across clubs, communities, and countries, friendship can become meaningful and lasting change.

Our President, Ani Hristova, was among the special guests attending the opening ceremony and received a warm welcome from the Rotarians of Dupnitsa.

Service Above Self.

For more information, contact us at info@rc-si.org.