June 16th, 2024 - posted in News and Events.
At Meeting #30, our member, Mr. Boyan Griffen, told us about his recent, amazing trip to Korea for three weeks during May 2024. He delivered a presentation on “Korea: From History to Modern Times,” which is available separately. The focus was on geography, historical contexts, the division of Korea in 1953, politics, and economics. In recent years, South Korea, home to 55 million citizens on a territory 90% the size of Bulgaria, has significantly surpassed the other Asian tigers and dragons. South Korea is an extremely advanced country in nearly all aspects of life, including sciences, medicine, industry, and manufacturing. We are familiar with brands like Samsung, Hyundai, LG, SK, POSCO, and KIA, and their success stories continue.
The scale of Rotary International in South Korea is grand, ranking second only to the United States in terms of giving (Annual Fund, Endowment Fund, and Total Contributions; 2021-22). Korea is home to the fourth-largest Rotarian community in the world, after the United States, Japan, and India. There are approximately 1,660 clubs (160 in Seoul, a city of 25 million) and about 65,000 Rotarians nationwide. The Rotary Club of Seoul, founded in 1927 during the Japanese Occupation (1910-1945), has been in continuous service, uninterrupted even during the Second World War when it operated out of the seaside city of Busan, providing assistance during war efforts.
During the May 15 meeting, members discussed various charitable efforts and projects and expressed eagerness to collaborate with Bulgaria. Boyan attended a meeting with the Rotary Club of Seoul (which has approximately 120 members) and the Seoul Young Leaders Club (Rotaract). Guests included past-presidents from the Sudbury, Ontario, Canada Rotary Club. Like the Rotary Club Sofia International, the Rotary Club of Seoul is the only English-speaking club in the capital. The Rotarians were all incredibly engaging, and Boyan had conversations with many current and past presidents and district governors. He particularly enjoyed conversing with Mr. Sang-Hyun Song, who served as President of the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Korea was an original member of the court, and Boyan learned about Mr. Song’s tremendous life and career experiences.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough time in advance to arrange for a proper flag exchange. However, Boyan received a flag from the Rotary Club of Seoul, which he passed on to President Mr. Grant Dale and the Rotary Club Sofia International during the meeting.
For more information about the Rotary Club of Seoul and the Seoul Young Leaders Club, you can visit their websites:
Rotary Club of Seoul
Seoul Young Leaders Club
Two other important events occurred during the meeting: Our Past President, Ms. Ani Hristova, was congratulated on her birthday with a special surprise. Club members presented her with a delicious cake and sang a heartfelt birthday song. It was a wonderful and touching moment, and Ms. Hristova expressed her gratitude to all the members for the surprise.
Lastly, Rotary Club Sofia International’s nomination for the Rotary Laureate is the Association “Children with Oncohematologic Diseases,” which emerged as the winner! A solemn ceremony for awarding the statuette, created by sculptor Assoc. Momchil Mirchev from the Academy of Arts in Sofia, is being organized. The nomination campaign for the Laureate of the Rotary Bulgaria Award for 2024 received a total of six proposals from the Rotary and Rotaract clubs in the District:
- Association “Children with Oncohematological Diseases” was nominated by Rotary Club Sofia International.
- International Foundation “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” Sofia was nominated by Rotary Club Sofia-Vitosha and Rotary Club Sofia-Center.
- Dimitar Lazarov Urdev was nominated for his work with children with special educational needs by Rotary Club Blagoevgrad – Center.
- Rotary Community Corps “Samokovi” was nominated by Rotary Club Samokov.
- Dr. Slavena Stoykova from Sofia University “Kliment Ohridski” was nominated by Rotary Club Sofia-Triaditsa and Rotary Club Varna.
- Dr. Kiril Peev from UMBAL “Tsaritsa Joanna” – ISUL was nominated by Rotary Club Sofia-Triaditsa.
This prestigious award is being presented for the fourth consecutive year. The Rotary Club of Sofia International extends its congratulations to the clubs that have nominated their candidates. We also express our gratitude to the Commission for their diligent work in selecting the 2024 Laureate of the National Award of Rotary Bulgaria.
For more details, you can visit the Rotary Bulgaria website: Rotary Bulgaria News.
…Read the rest of this entry »
June 15th, 2024 - posted in News and Events.
On June 1st, Rotary Club Sofia International had the distinct pleasure of hosting esteemed guests from Rotary Club Rüsselsheim – Groß Gerau. Led by the dedicated Rotarian Mrs. Sigrun Comati, who played a crucial role in facilitating a generous donation of medical equipment to Bulgaria through our Med-Bul project, their visit was a testament to the spirit of international friendship and collaboration that defines Rotary.
The evening unfolded at the picturesque Vodenitsata Restaurant, where our guests were treated to a delightful showcase of Bulgarian cuisine and culture. Amidst the warm ambiance and scenic surroundings, we enjoyed local delicacies that delighted the senses and provided a true taste of Bulgaria’s culinary heritage.
Highlighting the evening was a mesmerizing display of traditional fire dancing, a spectacle that captivated all present with its rhythmic beats and vibrant energy. It was a moment where cultural traditions fused seamlessly with Rotary fellowship, creating memories that will be cherished by both our guests and hosts alike.
Beyond the festivities, the gathering was an opportunity for meaningful exchange of ideas and experiences. Discussions flourished, friendships were nurtured, and plans for future collaborations were forged. The atmosphere was vibrant yet relaxed, reflecting the strong bonds of camaraderie that unite Rotary clubs worldwide.
At Rotary Club Sofia International, we are deeply grateful to our friends from Rotary Club Rüsselsheim – Groß Gerau for their visit and for enriching our community with their presence. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to service above self and to making a positive impact in our respective communities and beyond.
As we look forward to future exchanges and collaborations, we celebrate the power of Rotary in bringing people together across borders and cultures. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this evening a resounding success.
Here’s to continued friendship, collaboration, and shared Rotary values.
…Read the rest of this entry »
June 15th, 2024 - posted in News and Events.
Meeting #29 of the Rotary Club Sofia International took place on 31 May 2024 at the Hilton Sofia. We had the distinct pleasure of hosting a joint meeting with our dear friends from Rotary Club Paris-Agora, including Mr. Alain Mortreaux, Mr. Guy Billoud, Mrs. Blandine Billoud and Mr. Yann Ababou. The evening was truly delightful, filled with the exchange of ideas and warm fellowship that left us all feeling inspired and connected.
The next day, our journey took us to Samokov, where we had the honor of attending the christening of the Centre for Social Rehabilitation and Integration of Children and Adults. This significant project, a Global Grant initiative supported by Rotary Club Paris-Agora, stands as a testament to the incredible collaboration between Rotary Club Samokov and the local municipality (represented on the day by current Mayor: Mr. Angel Dzhorgov and past mayor Mr. Vladimir Georgiev) . Their combined efforts to bring this project to life were nothing short of amazing, and we were proud to witness the fruition of such a meaningful endeavor.
In Samokov, we also visited the local town museum, which provided us with fascinating insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Later in the afternoon, our group visited the picturesque Tsarska Bistritsa in Borovets. The beauty of the surroundings and the rich history of the site added a special touch to our visit. A big thank you to the organizers:
Mrs. Evelina Spasova;
Mrs. Ekaterina Vadajiiska, Assistant District Governor;
Mr. Radoslav Naydenov, President Elect;
Mr. Vladimir Vassilev, Past President;
Mr. Luboslav Barzanov.
All in all, it was a lovely few days filled with fun, camaraderie, and the true spirit of Rotary fellowship. We cherished the time spent together and look forward to many more opportunities to connect and collaborate.
…Read the rest of this entry »
June 14th, 2024 - posted in News and Events.
The first anniversary of the twinning of four Rotary Clubs – Rotary Club Ćuprija Morava, Rotary Club Vidin, Rotary Club Zaječar, and Rotary Club Sofia-Balkan (from Rotary District 2483 (Serbia and Montenegro) and Rotary District 2482 (Bulgaria)) was celebrated on May 24. A joint meeting was held on this occasion at a beautiful 12th-century Orthodox monastery – Izvorski monastery. Ms. Ani Hristova, a Past President, represented our club.During the special worship service, the priest conducted a mass in which he mentioned the names of the Rotary Clubs and prayed for the members and their families.Following the service, a lunch was held in the parish house, attended by guests from Rotary Club Bor, Rotary Club Balkan, Rotary Club Sofia International, and Rotary Club Sofia-Serdika.
An agreement was made that each year, each club will contribute 300 EUR (a total of 1200 EUR) to this anniversary fund. The funds will be awarded to the host club for a service project of their choice. Rotary Club Vidin has chosen to use the funds for the publication of the collection “Stories from the Border,” which contains stories written by children living on the borders. The stories are translated and the book features amazing paintings. Anyone interested in obtaining a copy should contact Ms. Hristova to arrange it.
Rotary Club Sofia International expresses its gratitude to Rotary Club Vidin for their hospitality, especially to the President Mr. Lydmil Ivanov, and congratulates them on the wonderful book project.
The day was filled with laughter, Serbian and Bulgarian music, and a great time together!
…Read the rest of this entry »
May 31st, 2024 - posted in News and Events.
We are delighted to share moments from our recent meeting at the Hilton Hotel in Sofia, where we had the honor of welcoming our esteemed friend, Dr. Anastasius Christakakis, President of Rotary Club Alexandropolis in Greece, along with other guests. During this gathering, we discussed several important topics, including our ongoing efforts to eradicate polio, a successful summary of our recent fundraising event, and our eagerly anticipated upcoming meetings.
Dr. Christakakis traveled specifically to Sofia to deliver a compelling presentation on their club’s significant contribution to Rotary’s most critical mission: the eradication of polio. This disease, once feared worldwide, has been successfully tackled through collaborative efforts. The plan involved connecting five countries- Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Romania- by organizing Rotarians to participate in a six-day motorcycle ride or meet the team in one of these nations. The funds raised through this remarkable initiative provided over 17,000 vaccines, contributing to the global fight against polio.
The success story of polio eradication underscores the power of unity and collaboration. Rotary, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, worked tirelessly to provide vaccines and improve sanitation in affected regions. Together, we have achieved what was once considered impossible.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us, sharing inspiring stories and keeping the spirit of our mission alive. Additionally, we express our sincere thanks to those who attended and supported our fundraising event. Their contributions will significantly impact our commitment to establish a photovoltaic plant at the center for families and children recovering from oncohematological diseases. Furthermore, the funds raised will advance our Med-Bul project, which facilitates the provision of medical equipment in Bulgaria.
As we gather each week, we eagerly exchange valuable experiences, build lasting friendships, and strengthen our unwavering belief in Rotary’s mission—to create hope and positive change in the world.
…Read the rest of this entry »
May 25th, 2024 - posted in News and Events.
Dear Friends and Supporters,
We are delighted to share the success of our recent fundraising event held on May 15th. The evening was a resounding success, filled with warmth, generosity, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact. Your support and participation have made this possible, and we are deeply grateful.
The event, hosted in the beautiful lobby of the National Museum of History, was organized together with Rotary Club Sofia International, Rotary Club Sofia-Vitosha, and Rotary Club Gorna Banya. Our joint efforts focused on supporting two noble causes: assisting disadvantaged children through the Association “Children with Oncohematologic Diseases” and facilitating the MED-BUL project, which transports donated medical equipment from abroad to Bulgarian hospitals in need.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our distinguished guests: members of Rotary Club Blouberg (South Africa), Rotary Club Port Alfred (South Africa), Rotary Club Ankara International (Turkey), and Rotary Club Dillenburg (District 1820, Germany). Your presence honored us and highlighted the significance of our mission.
The evening was enriched by wonderful performances, including a harp recital, a folklore program, and the inspiring speeches of our esteemed club presidents and guests. The highlight was the charity auction and raffle, which saw enthusiastic participation and generous contributions.
A special thank you goes to our sponsors and partners:
Noble House
Chateau ChaTony
VIP Catering
Mihalkovo AD
Sell Mark
National Museum of History
Alberto Staykov
Natali Mark – Handmade
Domagoj Stefan
Hilton Sofia
Da Vinci Dental Clinic
Olga Uskova
New Bulgarian University
Alexandrina Kushnicharova
Angelina Grozeva
Anelia Taleb – Patricia and Amer Beauty Center
Granatus Bakery & Cafe
Publishing company Sunray
Lina Maymarova
Adriana Tzaneva
Emilia Bistrina
Natalia Bondarenko
Community Center “Probuda-1926” Gorna Banya
Hristo Georgiev
Real Vision
Ivan Penov
ASMPIPSMPP Dr. Tzaribachev Ltd.
Ivan RC Sofia City
Vladimir Vassilev
Monika Chopakova
Vili Evtimova
Gergana Todorova
and many others.
Your support is invaluable.
Finally, we are grateful to all our guests for your presence and contributions. You have truly embraced the spirit of giving, helping us to make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need. As we continue to pass on the goodness, we are reminded that every act of kindness leaves a lasting mark on the future.
Thank you once again, and we look forward to your continued support.
Warm regards,
Grant Dale
President, Rotary Club Sofia International
Ani Hristova
Secretary, Rotary Club Sofia International
LINK to photographs from the event
С удоволствие споделяме успеха на нашето скорошно благотворително събитие, проведено на 15 май. Вечерта беше огромен успех, изпълнена с топлина, щедрост и споделена ангажираност към създаването на положително въздействие. Вашата подкрепа и участие направиха това възможно, и ние сме дълбоко благодарни.
Събитието, проведено в красивото фоайе на Националния исторически музей, организирано съвместно между Ротари Клуб София Интернешънъл, Ротари Клуб София-Витоша и Ротари Клуб Горна Баня. Нашите съвместни усилия бяха насочени към подкрепата на две благородни каузи: подпомагане на деца чрез Сдружение „Деца с онкохематологични заболявания“ и подпомагане на проекта MED-BUL, който осигурява транспорт на дарено медицинско оборудване от чужбина за български болници в нужда.
Изказваме сърдечната си благодарност на нашите почетни гости: членове на Ротари Клуб Блуберг (Южна Африка), Ротари Клуб Порт Алфред (Южна Африка), Ротари Клуб Анкара Интернешънъл (Турция) и Ротари Клуб Дилленбург (Дистрикт 1820, Германия). Вашето присъствие беше важно за нас и подчерта значимостта на нашата мисия.
Вечерта беше обогатена от прекрасни изпълнения, включително изпълнение на арфа, фолклорна програма и вдъхновяващите речи на нашите уважавани клубни президенти и гости. Кулминацията беше благотворителният търг и томбола, които предизвикаха ентусиазирано участие и щедри дарения.
Специална благодарност изказваме на нашите спонсори и партньори:
Ноубъл Хаус
Шато Шатони
VIP Кетъринг
Михалково АД
Sell Mark
Национален исторически музей
Алберто Стайков
Natali Mark – Handmade
Домагой Стефан
Хилтън София
Дентална клиника Да Винчи
Олга Ускова
Нов български университет
Александрина Кушничарова
Ангелина Грозева
Анелия Талеб – център за красота Патриция и Амер
Granatus Bakery & Cafe
Издателство Сънрей Профешънъл
Лина Маймарова
Адриана Цанева
Емилия Бистрина
Наталия Бондаренко
Читалище „Пробуда-1926“ гр. Горна Баня
Христо Георгиев
Real Vision
Иван Пенов
АСМПИПСМПП Д-р Царибашев ЕООД
Иван Тодоров
Владимир Василев
Моника Чопaкова
Вили Евтимова
Гергана Тодорова
и много други.
Вашата подкрепа е безценна.
И накрая, благодарим на всички наши гости за вашето присъствие и принос. Вие наистина прегърнахте духа на даването, помагайки ни да направим трайна разлика в живота на нуждаещите се. Докато продължаваме да предаваме доброто, ние си напомняме, че всяко добро дело оставя траен отпечатък в бъдещето.
Още веднъж благодарим и очакваме вашата продължаваща подкрепа.
Сърдечни поздрави,
Грант Дейл
Президент на Ротари Клуб София Интернешънъл
Ани Христова
Секретар, Ротари Клуб София Интернешънъл
Линк към снимки от събитието
…Read the rest of this entry »
May 13th, 2024 - posted in News and Events.
The inaugural Balkan Rotary Fest took place on May 11 and 12, 2024, at Serbia’s Vlasina Lake in the municipality of Surdulica.
Vlasina Lake, a semi-artificial lake in Southeast Serbia, lies at an altitude of 1,211 meters and covers an area of 16 square kilometers. It holds the distinction of being Serbia’s highest and largest artificial lake. Formed between 1947 and 1951, the lake resulted from the closure of the Vlasina mud peat bog by a dam, which allowed the waters of incoming rivers (chiefly the Vlasina) to submerge the area. The serene surroundings and clean air make Vlasina Lake a truly wonderful and peaceful destination.
The First Balkan Rotary Fest brought together Rotarians, their families, friends, representatives from tourist organizations, associations, local governments, and interested individuals from the border region of Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. The event featured a diverse program catering to various forms of tourism, including sports, cultural experiences, health activities, education, and music. This interdistrict festival celebrated the cultural, historical, and natural heritage of local communities, showcasing folk music, dances, crafts, and traditional dishes.
A highlight of the fest was the presentation of traditional clothing and food from the participating countries. Our Past President, Ms. Hristova, attended the event and introduced our Club, connecting with fellow attendees ahead of our Gala on May 15.
Under the patronage of Rotary Governors from Districts 2483, 2482, 1912, and Rotary International, the Balkan Rotary Fest promoted Rotary ideals, fostered unique social interactions, strengthened regional cooperation, and supported sustainable economic development in the border regions of Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. The fest was organized by Rotary clubs including Pirot, Leskovac, Vranje, Vranje-Bora Stanković, and the Rotary satellite club Luznica. Their efforts were bolstered by support from Rotary District 2483 Serbia and Montenegro, the Surdulica municipality, the Tourist Organization of Serbia, and Minister of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Novice Tončeva.
The fest’s idea, program, activities, and the delightful dinner accompanied by Serbian songs left a lasting impression. Rotary Club Sofia International extends gratitude to Ms. Vili Evtimova for the invitation and offers special thanks to the main organizer, Mr. Vladica Tošić.
Create hope in the world.
…Read the rest of this entry »
May 12th, 2024 - posted in News and Events.
The Annual District Conference of Rotary Bulgaria, District 2482, took place at the Meridian Palace Hotel in Stara Zagora during the weekend of May 11-12, 2024.
The conference kicked off on Saturday morning with the introductory session titled “The Power of Good.” The event began with an official ceremony, followed by welcoming remarks from notable figures including the President of Rotary Club Stara Zagora – Beroe, the District Governor Mr. Christo Michailovsky, and the Mayor of Stara Zagora city. During this session, the District Governor highlighted the achievements and initiatives of the current Rotarian year, with a special focus on celebrating 90 years of Rotary in Bulgaria. The conference featured exhibitions showcasing the contributions of individuals who have shaped Rotary’s history in Bulgaria and highlighted significant projects undertaken over the years.
One of the standout presentations was by Rotary Club Stara Zagora – Beroe, which shared their impactful project called “United Against Drugs.” This initiative aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drugs among young adults through influencer campaigns, seminars, and communication activities. The project’s success demonstrated a best practice that could be scaled nationwide.
Another remarkable project was presented by Mrs. Hristina Malchevska, Past President of Rotary Club Sofia International. The project transformed the efforts of the sitting volleyball team “Sofia Owls” into a field hockey program for kids with intellectual disabilities. Thanks to Rotary Club Sofia International’s support, these young athletes participated in the Special Olympics in Berlin 2023, where they achieved remarkable results. The project received attention from the media and even garnered a special greeting from the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Rumen Radev.
Following a satisfying lunch, the conference continued with inspiring presentations from other Rotary Bulgaria initiatives. Notably, the “Secret Santa” project, led by Past District Governor Mrs. Violina Kostova, united Sofia’s Rotary clubs to provide Christmas presents for families in need. Collaborative efforts involving Rotaract and Interact clubs demonstrated how collective action can create a positive impact on society.
Rotary Club Sofia Balkan also showcased their long-standing project: basketball for disabled individuals. This initiative exemplified how sports can empower people in need and give meaning to their lives.
The conference concluded with engaging presentations from Interact and Rotaract, highlighting their year-round projects and their commitment to making a difference in Sofia and beyond.
…Read the rest of this entry »
May 11th, 2024 - posted in News and Events.
The Sofia edition of this year’s National initiative of the Rotaract clubs in Bulgaria, “Closet with a Cause”, took place on May 9th, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Rotaract Club Sofia Serdika, Rotaract Club Sofia International, Rotaract Club Sofia Vitosha, and with the generous support of Rotary Club Sofia International.
The event provided an excellent platform for informal networking on sustainable fashion and emphasized the importance of extending the life cycle of existing clothes. Our special guest speakers were the inspiring creators of Unboxed, a platform for reselling fashion items. Guests had the opportunity to purchase items from Unboxed, with proceeds going towards supporting our cause. The event raised over 300 BGN, which will be allocated to purchasing basic necessities for the Home for Temporary Accommodation of Homeless and Socially Disadvantaged Persons and Families in Need in the town of Varna.
Any unsold clothes and shoes from the event will be either donated or recycled, ensuring that they continue to serve a purpose. We extend our gratitude to our partners at WorkBetter and Mania for their support in promoting sustainable practices and curbing fast fashion.
Rotary Club Sofia International is immensely proud of the success of this event and pledges continued support to Rotaract Club Sofia International in their endeavors promoting sustainability and social responsibility.
…Read the rest of this entry »
May 11th, 2024 - posted in News and Events.
A momentous meeting recently occurred between two Rotary Clubs under the support of Mr. Gordon R. McInally, the President of Rotary International. Less than a year ago, at the beginning of his presidential term, Mr. McInally introduced the theme for this Rotary year – to Create Hope in the World. This was precisely the message he conveyed during the virtual meeting held on May 7th, which brought together Rotary Club Sofia International and Rotary Club Cubao Quezon City (QC) Philippines.
The hybrid gathering united over 15 members from both clubs, where we joyfully began by presenting our ongoing projects, including:
- The Rehabilitation Center for Children and Families recovering from Oncohematological Diseases
- The Med-Bul Project, dedicated to providing new medical equipment to hospitals in Sofia and the region
- Rotary Club Sofia International’ collaboration with the Bulgarian Field Hockey Federation (BFHF) for the establishment of an ID Hockey Team for children with special needs, who won a silver medal at the Special Olympics in Berlin, Germany
Following this, the past President of Rotary Club Cubao, Paul Estrebillo, outlined the club’s initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare in local communities and expressed their eagerness to collaborate with communities beyond their region. The club is also actively raising global funds to support those in need beyond their immediate reach.
Mr. McInally celebrated these endeavors with us and encouraged us to continue creating hope through causes close to our clubs. His emphasis on promoting peace, one of Rotary’s core pillars, is particularly crucial in today’s troubled world. Rotary’s partnerships with various organizations to advocate for peace exemplify the club’s international efforts to promote good health, support the disadvantaged, care for the environment, and foster peace. We also reflected on Rotary Club’s remarkable success in eradicating the Polio virus by 99%, envisioning a world free from Polio.
Another significant point raised by Mr. McInally and our President, Mr. Grant Dale, was the importance of mutual support in regions of the world where people, especially mothers and children, are displaced and struggle to lead normal lives from birth through adulthood. Rotary continues to provide assistance in hard-to-reach areas in Africa where healthcare and education are still developing. Together, we pledged to extend help to others while also focusing on and fundraising for projects in our respective countries. Our recent book donation project in Greece and support for school restoration in South Africa exemplify our commitment to creating lasting change beyond borders.
We are grateful for the time spent with these remarkable individuals on behalf of Rotary Club Cubao Philippines and President Gordon R. McInally, as we learn from one another, nurture our dreams, address challenges, and actively work towards Creating Hope in the World
…Read the rest of this entry »
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