Posted:
30.12.2024 17:57:00
Belarus Segodnya Publishing House went to Svir care home
There are just a few hours left till the new 2025 year. That is why we want so much to bring warmth and joy to those who need it the most. During the winter holidays, when everyone believes in miracles, we can’t forget about the elderly. The From the Bottom of Our Hearts charity drive initiated and overseen by President Lukashenko is another reason to share our care and support. That’s when visitors bring much needed and wanted gifts to the elderly and the disabled. Following the tradition, the Belarus Segodnya Publishing House team went to the Mayak care home in Svir.
A special mood is felt there before the New Year. Tinsel, fir trees, and festive lights are everywhere. What’s important, though, is not the decorations, but the mood and the smiles you want to share with everyone surrounding you. They are welcoming guests with open arms, pouring freshly brewed tea, offering sweets and gingerbread cookies.
There are 135 residents in the Svir care home. Every single one of them has faced hardship in life, and every one found home there. The care home staff members bring them hope for the future. Director Kazimir Rusak wasn’t too shy about expressing his gratitude.
"The From the Bottom of Our Hearts charity drive brought us even more friends. It’s a much needed, timely initiative that’s the embodiment of kindness. We thank the President and all the caring people who show interest in our affairs. Last year, the publishing house helped us purchase arts equipment, this year we were able to renovate our gym and buy exercise machines. Now, our residents can spend their time in an engaging and healthy way,” he said.
“Newspapers we publish often write about socially important issues. But on top of writing, we also help in practical ways. We at the Belarus Segodnya Publishing House do our best to help those who can’t do it themselves achieve their dreams, if only in part. Our contribution to the care home’s equipment and facilities is important and necessary. New exercise machines will incentivise the residents to do more sports,” he said.
“The From the Bottom of Our Hearts campaign is a big event for me and my friends. We are having fun in the home, giving each other small presents if we can, like sweets. My New Year wish is a new Orthodox prayer book. I frequent church services and sing in the choir, so that would be a nice gift for me," he explained.
“I’m one of the most active residents here. I can sing and dance. I don’t shy away from work, either. Lately, I’m making knitted hats. 3 or 4 of them in a week, easy! In summer, I care for roses: that’s hard, because they’re fussy, like little children. I planted 50 rose bushes this summer and covered them when the cold came. Next year, our garden is going to be gorgeous,” he said.
“I’m an artistic person, and always in search of a new hobby. I love to sing; I often sing when we have some celebration in the care home. I’ve thought long and hard what New Year present I’d like to get the most. I think I want a stuffed toy: a bear, or a bunny. Just so it cheers me up. I like it when guests come to visit us. Sometimes, I wait for the From the Bottom of Our Hearts campaign event even more than for the New Year. I wish we could meet more often in the future!” she exclaimed.
