Fondue was the topic of the meeting of Rotary Club Sofia International on 12 February. It was hosted by our dearest Rotary friend Mrs. Linda Kim. She was so kind to invite in her home the members for a already traditional fondue night. Seventeen people were present and had a great time and unforgettable experience.
Mr. Claude and Mrs. Inna Baden as usual played a major role in preparing the fondue. The host Linda has provided all original products for that unique Swiss taste. Ms. Ani Hristova also helped for the organization, ensuring all necessary items for the evening are provided.
Apart from the original and delicious fondue with Swiss cheese and white wine, Linda has prepared a magnificent dessert that was a great end of the dinner.
During the evening the President expressed gratitude to Linda for the wonderful evening and her hospitality. He also reminded the members about the 15th Anniversary of the club. Later organizational matters for the celebration were discussed.
Ms. Hristova presented a flag from Rotary Club Kazanlak. She visited the club with a delegation from the Pakistan Embassy. It consisted of Mr. Marwan Alex Ayyash, Charge d’Affaires and his team. The invitation was form our friend Mr. Ibrahim Kachan, treasurer of the Club.
Later a flag from South Africa was also presented. It is from Rotary Club Sandton. All members of Rotary Club Sofia International send special greetings to them.
The night continued with with lots of fun and friendly conversations.
The District Governor of District 2482 – Bulgaria, Mr. Mitko Minev visited Rotary Club Sofia International on 4 February 2020. He was together with the Assistant District Governor for Zone Sofia Mr. Konstantin Yanakiev. The meeting was, as usual, hosted by our long term partners Hilton Sofia.
The District Governor started by presenting himself and was very interested in getting to know every member of the club and the guests that were present. Thus everybody had the chance to present themselves and say a few words about their endeavors.
Mr. Minev then continued with an interesting and extensive presentation about Rotary Bulgaria. Later, he talked about the vision, mission and the strategic priorities for the Rotarian year. Moreover, he spoke about best practices and projects in the District. Rotary Club Sofia International in their turn presented the successful realization of the MED-Bul Project.
At the end of the meeting, Mr. Minev exchanged the District flag for the flag of the club with the president Mr. Kertev. Mr. Minev, thereafter, presented pins to the the President and secretary of the club, as well as, to the Presidents of Rotaract and Interact clubs. The Past President Ms. Hrisova received a special recognition for her service and actions. For helping to “Grow” Rotary and for being a “Bridge” between Rotary Club Sofia International and Rotary Club Veliko Tarnovo she was presented with the “Together We Grow” pin.
On 22 January 2020 the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands H.E. Mrs. Bea Ten Tusscher held a presentation during the regular meeting of Rotary Club Sofia International. The meeting, as usual, took place in Hilton Sofia. We were, once again, happy to welcome numerous guests: H.E. Thabo Thage, the Ambassador of South Africa to Bulgaria (our presenter form last week), Mrs. Yolanda Van den Brook, Mrs. Irina Naskova, Mr. Arif Soylem and Mrs. Akay Soylem from RC Goeztepe, Izmir, Turkey, Mr. Jasper Wijbenga, Mrs. Nevena Doycheva.
It goes without saying that the expose of H.E. Mrs. Bea Ten Tusscher, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bulgaria and member of Rotary Club Sofia International was the focus of our meeting. H.E. Mrs. Tusscher presented to the audience a comprehensive, catching and vivid lecture on the foreign policy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. She touched upon the bilateral trade and economic relations. Then continued with information on the investments and the co-operation of our countries in the field of the education and culture. The presentation was accompanied by a slideshow of the beautiful sceneries of the Netherlands. An extensive and lively question and answer followed after the lecture.
The club received warm Rotarian greetings from Rotary Club Goeztepe, from Izmir in Turkey. These were kindly transmitted by Mr. Arif Soylem, a member of the cub, who attended our meeting as guest together with his spouse.
Before closing the official meeting, the President, Mr. Kertev shared updates on the 15th Birthday Celebration of the club, to be held on 27 February at Oborishte 5 Gallery and Hall. All the information needed can be found on our Facebook page.
The fellowship continued with the discussions about the Dutch-Bulgarian relations in the lobby bar of the hotel.
A presentation by H.E. Mr. Thabo Thage, the Ambassador of South Africa to Bulgaria at the regular meting of Rotary Club Sofia International took place on 15 January 2020. The meeting was entirely dedicated to the presentation of H.E. Mr. Thabo Thage. Thus after the official opening the President Mr. Plamen Kertev welcomed the guests and gave the floor to H.E. The presentation focused on the bilatreal relations between South Africa and Bulgaria. The expose of H.E. Mr. Thage included information about the South Africa’s foreign policy Locus, the investment promotion of the country, the economic transformation and reform. Then continued with key Facts about South Africa and the relations with Bulgaria, as well as he bilateral economic relations. The presentation, as expected, raised a number of questions and a long question and answer session followed.
Rotary Cub Sofia International would like to thank H.E. Mr. Thage, his wife Mrs. Busisiwe Thage, Mr. Mashudubele Mamabolo, Chargé d’affaires a.i. and invite them to visit our regular meetings and fundraising events, such as the 15th Birthday Celebration of the club, whenever they have possibility to do so.
After the official part, the fellowship continued with lots of photos and informal conversations and discussions.
Rotary Club Sofia International’s first meeting for 2020 was held on 8 January in Hilton Sofia. Traditionally for the start of the new year the President greeted all present and wished them health and prosperity. Mr. Kertev then continued with warm welcome for our guests. Our dear friends and members Mr. Claude Badan and Mrs. Inna Badan are back in Bulgaria. They were present in the meeting after few months of absence due to travelling. They were also very heartily welcomed. Inna and Claude were very active in France and participated in numerous Rotarian activities there. They presented the President with the District flag from France and shared a few words about their experience. Inna and Claude treated all the present with Rotary branded sweets from one of the activities they participated in.
Afterwards the main driver behind the MED-Bul Project, Mr. Rumen Rusinov, shared an article in Targovishte local newspaper about this project and the gratitude of the local hospital to our club. Rumen was again kindly greeted for his great contribution. Enormous thanks, as well, to Mr. Marc Bouzy who has provided the financial support for the transportation, crucial for the realization of the project.
Rotary Club Sofia International’s meetings schedule for January and February 2020 is available on our website. As anticipated, lot of interesting presenters and events are coming. All members and guests are welcome to join and invite family and friends to take active participation in these.
Take a note that the 15 Anniversary of Rotary Club Sofia International is on 27 February 2020 in Oborishte 5 Gallery and Hall in Sofia. We expect to see all of you there to celebrate our Birthday with us and support our main cause – the sitting volleyball team for handicapped people Sofia Owls.
The German Weihnachtsmarkt in the City Garden at the Batenberg Square in Sofia was the venue for the weekly meeting of Rotary Club Sofia International on 18 December 2019. The cosy and festive atmosphere of The German Christmas Market hosted 12 members and 4 guests. All present, of course, enjoyed the traditional Christmas German specialties, mulled wine and famous German beer brands. By buying Christmas gifts and souvenirs from the booths many of our friends supported the charity causes presented at the bazaar. The visit to the Weihnachtsmarkt has become a tradition for the club.
Rotary Club Sofia International will celebrate its 15th anniversary 27 February 2020 at the Oborishte 5 Hall and Gallery. Please, save the date. Follow us here and on our Facebook for further details. The organization of this event goes full steam ahead. The invitations will be ready soon. We intend to organize a different and special event this time. Thus, we encourage everyone to spread the word. This way we could attract more visitors and sponsors, so we can ensure the event’s success. And last but not least, guarantee support for our main cause – the sitting volleyball team for handicapped people Sofia Owls.
MED-Bul Project successfully completed on 16 December 2019, just a few days before Christmas. The fourth truck with donated medical equipment was offloaded at the hospital in Razgrad. The donated goods are from the hospital in Floridsdorf, Vienna. The delivery is part of the joint project of Rotary Club Sofia International with two Rotary clubs from Austria – Rotary Club Korneuburg and Rotary Club Klosterneuburg. This is the second big donation after the deliveries made during the summer period of 2019. At the time, the medical equipment was delivered from the hospital in Judenburg, Austria.
This last delivery for 2019 included: 39 electrical beds, two operation room tables Maquet, an echograph trolley, an infusion pump stand, an instrument
cabinet, hospital bed mattresses, tables, etc. The donation was distributed among two hospitals – MBAL Razgrad and MBAL Targovishte. This was the second donation for the two hospitals during 2019 within the MED-Bul Project.
Deliveries were organized once again by Jöbstlel Bulgaria. The main part of the transport expenses was covered by our dear friend Mr. Marc Bouzy, President Elect 2020/2021 of Rotary Club Sofia International. The overall management of the donation process in Bulgaria was executed by Mr. Rumen Rusinov. The project would not have been successful without the support of the management and the staff of the hospital in Razgrad. Rotary Club Sofia International would like to wholeheartedly thank all the involved for their extraordinary efforts and achievement. Appreciation also to our partner clubs RC Korneuburg and RC Klosterneuburg.
MED-Bul project is one of the biggest joint projects of the club and is expected to continue in 2020. The approximate amount of the donations exceeds 450 000 Euros.
On 11 December 2019 the regular meeting of Rotary Club Sofia International took place in Hilton Sofia with a presentation on medicine regulations. Once again welcomed numerous new guests: Mrs. Marianna Rossi, an Italian musician and Rotary Club member. She is the Past President of the Rotary Club Formia Gaeta, District 2080. Mr. Christian Strassgschwandtner, Manager of Porsche Finance Group Bulgaria, Mrs. Nikil Nikolova, Mr. Max Ryan, and also our regular guests: Mrs. Nadka Hristova and Mrs. Nevena Doycheva.
In the beginning of the meeting, the President made an internal announcement on Paul Harris Fellow Recognition. Mrs. Radka Stamenova donated $1100 to the Rotary Foundation (Annual Fund) and will be acknowledged with Paul Harris Fellow recognition. She designated our friend Mrs. Snezhana Doncheva, with many merits for her Rotary activities, to transfer the points she receives to her. This way Snezhana will also be acknowledged with Paul Harris Fellow Recognition.
Afterwards, Mr. Rumen Rusinov gave MED-Bul Project update. The planned donation of medical beds was transported to the hospitals of Razgrad and Shumen with the final delivery happening this week. Our President Elect, Mr. Marc Bouzy with his company has provided the cost of transportation. His donation is the biggest club member donation to date. Credits to Rumen and Marc for the successful realization of the second phase of this project.
Later on followed the highlight of the evening, the presentation of Prof. Tatyana Benisheva on the topic of Medicine Regulations and New Medicine Process of Approval and Offer at the European Union Market. Mrs. Benisheva did a great presentation, which was so interesting, professional and useful to all present. After her expose a long Q&A session followed.
After the official part of the meeting the fellowship continued with further discussions on the topic.
On Monday 9 December 2019 Ms. Ani Hristova, Past President of Rotary Club Sofia International, paid a visit to Rotary Club of Bala & Penllyn.
Ms. Ani Hristova, was in North Wales and decided to spend her Name Day with friends from Rotary in The White Lion Royal Hotel, Bala.
The meeting was also special because Mr. Bob Maskall, the District Governor of District 1180, was visiting the club. The hosts welcomed warmly Ms. Hristova and Mr. Bob Maskall.
Mr. Paul Dale, the President of Rotary Club of Bala & Penllyn, presided the meeting with a smile and British sense of humor. He presented the activities of the club and the current financial situation.
Ms. Hristova, on her side, presented some of the projects of Rotary Club Sofia International as Sofia Owls and MED-Bul Project. All present agreed that in the future the two clubs can work together.
Ms. Hristova thanks all the friends in Bala for the great hospitality and for, once again proving the power and spirit of Rotary, because Rotary Connects the World.
On 7 December 2019 four members of Rotary Club Sofia International attended the Christmas Ball of Sofia Rotary Clubs. The members were accompanied by their relatives and friends (a total of 14 people). The ball was held in Sofia Hotel Balkan, a Luxury Collection Hotel.
The Christmas Ball of all Sofia Rotary Clubs is a traditional annual event. This year the program of the event included: presentations of every club’s main project; music program with special guests the rock band D2; a charity auction. Rotary Club Sofia International presented its main project – Sofia Owls – the sitting volleyball club for handicapped people. We are proud to have announced, that we have established such a club, which has already started training sessions with a group of people in Mine-Geology University every Friday evening.
As usual in such events, there was a fund raising auction. This time every club brought items to sell for their own causes. Rotary Club Sofia International provided three items – the symbol of Sofia Owls – the bronze sculpture “OvO” – kindly provided by our Past President Mr. Enrico Repouz and two vouchers for weekend vacations with the kind support of our Past President Mrs. Radka Stamenova.
We are happy to announce that we sold one of our Items for 400 BGN and the money goes for our cause – Sofia Owls.
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Fondue was the topic of the meeting of Rotary Club Sofia International on 12 February. It was hosted by our dearest Rotary friend Mrs. Linda Kim. She was so kind to invite in her home the members for a already traditional fondue night. Seventeen people were present and had a great time and unforgettable experience.
The District Governor of District 2482 – Bulgaria, Mr. Mitko Minev visited Rotary Club Sofia International on 4 February 2020. He was together with the Assistant District Governor for Zone Sofia Mr. Konstantin Yanakiev. The meeting was, as usual, hosted by our long term partners Hilton Sofia.
On 22 January 2020 the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands H.E. Mrs. Bea Ten Tusscher held a presentation during the regular meeting of Rotary Club Sofia International. The meeting, as usual, took place in Hilton Sofia. We were, once again, happy to welcome numerous guests: H.E. Thabo Thage, the Ambassador of South Africa to Bulgaria (our presenter form 
A presentation by H.E. Mr. Thabo Thage, the Ambassador of South Africa to Bulgaria at the regular meting of Rotary Club Sofia International took place on 15 January 2020. The meeting was entirely dedicated to the presentation of H.E. Mr. Thabo Thage. Thus after the official opening the President Mr. Plamen Kertev welcomed the guests and gave the floor to H.E. The presentation focused on the bilatreal relations between South Africa and Bulgaria. The expose of H.E. Mr. Thage included information about the South Africa’s foreign policy Locus, the investment promotion of the country, the economic transformation and reform. Then continued with key Facts about South Africa and the relations with Bulgaria, as well as he bilateral economic relations. The presentation, as expected, raised a number of questions and a long question and answer session followed.
Rotary Club Sofia International’s first meeting for 2020 was held on 8 January in Hilton Sofia. Traditionally for the start of the new year the President greeted all present and wished them health and prosperity. Mr. Kertev then continued with warm welcome for our guests. Our dear friends and members Mr. Claude Badan and Mrs. Inna Badan are back in Bulgaria. They were present in the meeting after few months of absence due to travelling. They were also very heartily welcomed. Inna and Claude were very active in France and participated in numerous Rotarian activities there. They presented the President with the District flag from France and shared a few words about their experience. Inna and Claude treated all the present with Rotary branded sweets from one of the activities they participated in.
The German Weihnachtsmarkt in the City Garden at the Batenberg Square in Sofia was the venue for the weekly meeting of Rotary Club Sofia International on 18 December 2019. The cosy and festive atmosphere of The German Christmas Market hosted 12 members and 4 guests. All present, of course, enjoyed the traditional Christmas German specialties, mulled wine and famous German beer brands. By buying Christmas gifts and souvenirs from the booths many of our friends supported the charity causes presented at the bazaar. The visit to the Weihnachtsmarkt has become a tradition for the club.
MED-Bul Project successfully completed on 16 December 2019, just a few days before Christmas. The fourth truck with donated medical equipment was offloaded at the hospital in Razgrad. The donated goods are from the hospital in Floridsdorf, Vienna. The delivery is part of the joint project of 
On 11 December 2019 the regular meeting of Rotary Club Sofia International took place in Hilton Sofia with a presentation on medicine regulations. Once again welcomed numerous new guests: Mrs. Marianna Rossi, an Italian musician and Rotary Club member. She is the Past President of the Rotary Club Formia Gaeta, District 2080. Mr. Christian Strassgschwandtner, Manager of Porsche Finance Group Bulgaria, Mrs. Nikil Nikolova, Mr. Max Ryan, and also our regular guests: Mrs. Nadka Hristova and Mrs. Nevena Doycheva.
On Monday 9 December 2019 Ms. Ani Hristova, Past President of Rotary Club Sofia International, paid a visit to 
On 7 December 2019 four members of Rotary Club Sofia International attended the Christmas Ball of Sofia Rotary Clubs. The members were accompanied by their relatives and friends (a total of 14 people). The ball was held in Sofia Hotel Balkan, a Luxury Collection Hotel.
