The custom and tradition of St. Nicholas Day is well known and loved by the children from Ukraine too. On the evening of St. Nicholas Day, children put their cleaned boots outside the door and wait for St. Nicholas to fill them with sweets, fruits and nuts. It's a wonderful tradition that brings them great joy, especially in these difficult times.

Thanks to the support of the organization "Hilfe für Osteuropa Todtnau-Seelscheid e.V." (Peresident Ms. Ursula Honeck, Germania) 1.879 800 refugee children in the Kamyanets-Podilskyi diocese experienced happy moments. Each received sweet gifts. How beaming are the children's faces! Diocesan Bishop Leon Dubravsky also took part in the distribution of gifts and helped Saint Nicholas.

The little ones are very grateful for this wonderful and tasty surprise.

Christmas Eve is a period of surprises, miracles and gifts. It turned out to be the same for the needy from the village Grigorauca, Singerei district, who could feel the spirit of the approaching feast by themselves.

127 needy children received food packages to brighten up Christmas and the winter holidays. They accepted these gifts with deep acknowledgement and were very grateful. This campaign was possible thanks to the support of the association “Menschen Helfen e.V.” (President Dr. Robert Roithmeier, Germany); God bless you!

Saint Nicholas did his best to make children happy after a long wait. They are full of expectation and impatient: will Saint Nicholas bring them a present or ... The little ones prepare their clothes ready and clean their shoes on the eve of the holiday; their impatience floats around.

Of course, Saint Nicholas has not forgotten these needy children: 560 boys and girls can enjoy sweet and tasty gifts.

Help for Children in Need (President Mr. Peter Garst, Switzerland) and Menschen Helfen e.V. (President Mr. Robert Roithmeier, Germany) helped to fill the gift sack this year.

On the occasion of 20 years of activity of the charitable association “PRO UMANITAS” (PU), the President of the Republic of Moldova, Ms. Maia Sandu, issued a letter with high appreciation for the PU activities. In the letter, the President thanks for the long-standing, constant support of the socially vulnerable population groups, especially children from needy families and older people. Ms. Sandu noted that the activities of “PRO UMANITAS” prove that the Republic of Moldova has many friends in the person of our partners and donators who help children grow up in favorable conditions and take care of the elderly.

From the PU side, we would like to thank our partners and donators for this. May God reward you multiply for your willingness to help and care for the neediest in Moldova.

The commitment of the charity association PRO UMANITAS (PU) to improve the living conditions of the social disadvantaged, poor layers of our society – children and old people began on October 8, 2003.

After 20 years of activity PU may look back on its successes: over 400 charitable long- and short-term projects for the benefit of the poor peoplein Moldova. The high rating of the organization's activities was confirmed by numerous state recognitions; the government commission has handed out the appropriate certification.

We thank God that He accompanied us on this long way and rendered us His blessing, and all partners and friends for a good cooperation and commitment for the deprived people of Moldova.

16 representatives of the Rotary Club Zug-Kolin are visiting Moldova at the end of September. On Thursday, September 21st, they visited the projects of the Rotary Club in Gangura Municipality, Rayon Ialoveni. The club members visited two day care homes (TKH) BUNVOLENTIA Misovca and Alexandrovca in the village of Misovca. Rotary Club has been financing the running costs of TKH BUNVOLENTIA Misovca for 16 years. Our guests observed the children in their daily activities. The children presented them with homemade handicrafts. Everyone was deeply impressed by the children.

They were also able to view their projects in the village of Gangura, especially the kindergarten, whose renovation they helped finance in 2013.

Ms. Ursula Honeck, President of " Hilfe für Osteuropa T.S. e. V.” (HFO) and Mr. Manfred Schmid (board member of HFO), visited Petrovca and Grigorauca, Singerei district. Earlier, HFO has financially supported the implementation of some projects in these villages, for example, thermal insulation of the school in Petrovca, renovation of a sports hall in the school of Petrovca, numerous food packages for needy lonely old people in Grigorauca and many other projects. On this occasion they also visited the day centers for children "BUNVOLENTIA Petrovca" and "BUNVOLENTIA Vladimirovca". All beneficiaries were very happy to meet Ms. Honeck in person, which gave them the opportunity to express their heartfelt thanks for the regular help. The mayor of the Grigorauca commune presented Ms. Honeck with a gratitude letter for her many years of support for the needy in this region. The children of the day center for children "Saint Mary" in Grigorauca also wanted to thank Ms. Honeck and made her very happy with wonderful dance performances. And at the end, Ms. Honeck rang the bell, announcing the beginning of a new school year.

Today the long-awaited meeting with the sponsored families took place; all families were very happy to see the dear guests - Ms. Ursula Honeck (President of "Hilfe für Osteuropa T. S. e.V.", Germany) and Mr. Manfred Schmid (board member of the same organization); their coming was a great joy for the beneficiaries. It was a nice meeting. Ms. Honeck was able to hand over the money to the needy families; they were very grateful for the great support.

The event hall in Grigorauca is a very important place for the entire village of Grigorauca in Singerei district. All cultural events and activities take place here. And since 2006, PE classes have also been held here in winter for children who attend the da centre for children “Saint Mary”. However, the hall did not have a good heating system; also due to the bad condition of the ceilings, heating the hall was almost impossible.

On the initiative and thanks to the financial support of the association "Menschen Helfen e.V." (President Dr. Robert Roithmeier, Germany), the following work was carried out in the event hall of Grigorauca: ceiling insulation, installation of air conditioning and installation of suspended ceilings. Now the hall has not only become much more beautiful, but all the conditions have been created so that children - regardless of the season - can use the hall and, above all, sports lessons can also be carried out here in winter.

On behalf of the authorities of the village of Grigorauсa, the children and their parents, the employees of the day centre for children “St. Mary" and all the residents of the village, we would like to thank "Menschen Helfen e.V." for their helpfulness and the great support for the local community. God bless you!

Unfortunately, Russia does not stop its aggression in Ukraine, so the number of refugees, mainly mothers and their small children, is still high. All these children had to leave their homes to save their lives, and most of them have no homes anymore... Thank God, they managed to a refuge in the Kamyanets-Podilsky diocese, the ruling bishop is Leon Dubravsky (Khmelnitsky district, Vinnytsia region).

On the initiative of Bishop Leon and thanks to the financial support of the Organization Hilfswerk Liechtenstein e.V. and the organized work of CARITAS-SPES Kamyanets-Podilsky, summer activities for children in the parishes of the diocese were carried out. With great pleasure the children played, drew and took part in sports competitions. And every child got delicious sweets. All kids are very happy and pleased; it was really a fest for them!

On behalf of Bishop Leon and the refugees, we would like to thank the Hilfswerk Leichtenstein e.V. for this wonderful campaign!

As always in August, the employees of the children's centers „BUNVOLENTIA” go on vacation and consequently the centers do not work; this means that the children are not there in the last month of summer and therefore do not receive any delicious and nutritious meals. In order to provide the children with food at home, a campaign to distribute food packages was carried out at the end of July. A total of 405 children from the projects „BUNVOLENTIA” received packages with basic food.

We would like to thank the organization “Help for Children in Need”, President Mr. Peter Garst (Switzerland) for this beautiful campaign.

Summer is the most awaited and favorite time for all children. They have no school and may spend more time outdoors. For the children of the day care centers BUNVOLENTIA, the summer time is special, because they have the opportunity to make several trips. This time they were surprised with a trip to Balti to the theater. The children were very impressed by the performance and the acting. After the play, they had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the activities of the theater and see the costumes and stage props used in the performances. Afterwards the children could enjoy a delicious lunch in a pizzeria. It was a real feast for the boys and girls that they, which they will remember for a long time.

An important event for PRO UMANITAS has taken place today. The Charity Association for the seventh time was recognized by the state as an organization of general utility once again. The commission by the Ministry of Justice handed over the appropriate certificate. The previous certificate expired on May 26, 2023.

This day brought great joy to 121 children, who visit the day center for children “Saint Mary” from Grigorauca, Singerei district. They had the opportunity to see a theatre play in Balti, the second largest city in Moldova. After the play, the children enjoyed a delicious lunch at a pizzeria.

The kids were very impressed by all experiences. This action was supported by the German organization “Menschen Helfen e.V.”.

The alimentation of children is a top priority for us and our partners. In summer, when the school and the school canteen are closed, those children who attend the day center "Saint Maria" in Grigorauca do not have any warm meals. The association "Menschen Helfen e. V." (President Dr. Roithmeier, Germany) took care of these children and made possible to realize a campaign of purchasing and distribution of food packages. So, 121 children received packages with all basic foods; the total weight of food packages was ca. 2.470 kg. All families are endlessly grateful!

International Children's Day - also known as World Children's Day - is celebrated on the first day of summer in over 145 countries. This is an opportunity to celebrate the most beautiful period in human life - childhood. It is also an opportunity to support children, show them appreciation and contribute to their well-being. This wonderful day was also celebrated by 529 children of the „BUNVOLENTIA” day centers and the day center “Saint Maria” in Grigorauca. The entertainment program of the day was diverse. Sports competitions and various events were held in the open air for all children; so, they also had the opportunity to show their talents and abilities. In recognition of this, they received a pack with delicious sweets.

Representatives of the Solon Foundation, Lucerne, Mr. Douglas Funk and Ms. Vahida Huzejrovic came to Moldova for a short visit. This foundation has been supporting students in Moldova since 2006. During this period, 471 students were offered help. During this visit, Mr. Funk and Ms. Huzejrovic had the opportunity to meet with students and teachers of the vocational training centre in Grigorauca, Singerei district, to see what disciplines are taught in the centre and what learning environment has been created for students; two families of students from this centre were visited by them at home. After hearing about the arrival of the dear guests, the residents of the Grigorauсa village expressed the wish to personally thank them for the water supply project implemented in this village in 2008. The warm reception ended with a wonderful musical performance organized by the children and teachers of the day centre for children “St. Mary” in Grigorauca.

For his long-term contribution to the education of the country's society, Mr. Funk was awarded a first-class honorary diploma from the President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova.

In the past three years, the economic situation in the Republic of Moldova has continued to worsen. It is particularly difficult for village schools, which are only sparsely funded by the state. One of these schools is located in the Mihailovca village, Singerei district, where PRO UMANITAS has two BUNVOLENTIA projects for children from socially disadvantaged and needy families.

Because the old refrigerator no longer worked, the children from low-income families could remain without warm meals; for many, this is also the only meal of the day.

Thanks to the responsiveness of the Weiss family, Germany, and Ms. Thea Cleophas, Holland, it was possible to buy a good new fridge that met all the necessary standards in in the shortest possible time.

On behalf of all children, their parents and the school management, we would like to thank the donators for their great help and support.

Socially disadvantaged segments of the population, such as needy, low-income families and sick pensioners, find themselves in a difficult financial situation. During the hard winter, these needy people suffer particularly from hunger, colds and serious chronic illnesses. Firewood prices are very high and unaffordable for the poorest segments of the population.

Thanks to the love of Christ and the mercy of our partners from the association "Menschen Helfen e.V." (President Dr. Robert Roithmeier, Germany) we had the opportunity to supply 47 needy families in the Grigorauca village, Singerei district, with firewood (4 m3 per family). This is a great help for people in need to get through the difficult winter period. May the Lord reward you a hundredfold for your helpfulness and compassion!

On March 27, 2023, a meeting took place between representatives of the German association “Menschen Helfen e.V.” and Bishop Leon Dubravsky and other representatives of the Diocese of Kamyanets-Podilskyi, Ukraine. The meeting took place on the territory of the Republic of Moldova at the Briceni (MD) - Rososhany (UA) border crossing point. It was a wonderful meeting, during which both sides discussed the specifics of implementing refugee aid projects in their regions, exchanged experiences, and asked interesting questions. Bishop Leon presented letters of thanks to the representatives of “Menschen Helfen e.V.” for their great engagement and important support for the refugees since the beginning of the war.

Representatives of the association "Menschen Helfen e.V." (Dr. Robert Roithmeier, Mr. Ingo Ingerl, Ms. Melanie Christoph, Ms. Anna Hubal, Mr. Christoph Nolte and Mr. Felix Vogelsang, Germany) arrived for a visit in Moldova. Traditionally, they visited the Day Centre for Children “Saint Mary” in Grigorauca village, Singerei district, which they have been financing for 16 years.

The guests had the opportunity to view the children during their activities in all 9 courses. At the same time, they noticed the progress of each course. In gratitude for the provided support, the children prepared a performance in English. Locals also were present at the concert to greet and thank the sponsors personally. The guests were amazed at the excellent performances of the children and rewarded them with sweet surprises for their great effort.

On behalf of all children, their parents, the employees of the children's day center, the local authorities and the residents of the Grigorauca village, we would like to thank "Menschen Helfen e.V." for the great willingness to help and the great support for the neediest children and families in Moldova! God bless you!

After a long break of more than three years, the leaders of the organization "Help for Children in Need" (HCN), President Mr. Peter Garst with his wife Martha Garst and Vice-President Mr. Edwin Hollenstein (all from Switzerland) arrived together again on a visit to Moldova. During the week, HCN representatives managed to visit all 16 day centres for children “BUNVOLENTIA”, day centre for the elderly “Sfintul Petru”, to meet with families which they financially suport, to participate in the 26th seminar for all coordinators, teachers and cooks of the “BUNVOLENTIA” projects, to meet and communicate with refugees from Ukraine whom they provide financial assistance, and come into contact with representatives of state services in order to continue the successful implementation of projects to support children from socially disadvantaged families. Children, the elderly as well as other beneficiaries and project employees were very happy to meet the dear sponsors. As a reward for an excellent work, everyone received sweet gifts from the guests.

By the way, this was Mr. Peter Garst's 35th visit to Moldova. We sincerely thank our partners for 16 years of fruitful cooperation, thanks to which more than 400 children are helped all over Moldova every year. God bless you!

On March 21, 2023, a business meeting took place between representatives of the German organization Kindermissionswerk 'Die Sternsinger' e.V., Managing Director Ms. Anne Wunden and the Responsible for projects in Central and Eastern Europe at the Kindermissionswerk, Dr. Klemens Büscher, representatives of the Kamyanets-Podilskyi Diocese, Diocesan Bishop Leon Dubravsky, Bishop Radoslaw Zmitrowicz and Diocesan Caritas director Gabriel Sucharsky and representative of PRO UMANITAS, President Vladimir Nadkrenicinii. The meeting took place on the territory of Moldova near the border at Briceni (MD) - Rososhani (UA). During the meeting, the results of common projects in support of refugees who have found refuge in the parishes of the Diocese, as well as plans and perspectives for the future were discussed.

On March 18, 2023, the 26-th seminar for the coordinators, teachers and cooks of all 16 day centres "BUNVOLENTIA" took place in the Grigorauca village, Singerei district. The seminar was also attended by representatives of the organization "Help for Children in Need" (President Mr. Peter Garst, Vice-President Mr. Edwin Hollenstein and Mrs. Martha Garst), the initiator and main sponsor of BUN-projects, members of the charity association „PRO UMANITAS” (PU) , a government representative, representatives of local authorities, school directors and other invitees.

The school director and coordinator of the day centre "BUNVOLENTIA" in Petrovca, Mrs. Natalia Chifiriuc, prepared a comprehensive presentation on the topic "Children's well-being is the primary goal of the BUNVOLENTIA projects" and interactive activities for those present.

The seminar participants then used the opportunity to exchange their experiences in the implementation of BUN-projects, their ideas and wishes and to discuss the current questions.

It was a wonderful meeting where 81 people took part.

In March the annual general meeting of the Charity Association "PRO UMANITAS" (PU) took place. The President of PU, Mr. Vladimir Nadkrenicinii, reported in front of the members about the Association’s activity during the year 2022, and the Censor of PU, Mr. Oleg Djigun, gave the report on the verification of the activities of "PRO UMANITAS" in 2022. During the meeting, the annual budget and the annual activity plan for 2023 were approved.

It was also mentioned that this year is an anniversary year - 20 years since "PRO UMANITAS" has been implementing charitable projects with the support of its partners and donators.

This week the President of PRO UMANITAS visited the Ukraine.

Together with Bishop Leon Dubravsky, he got to know the implementation of projects that were financed by PRO UMANITAS.

At the same time, particular attention was paid to projects that are to be implemented this year.

Bishop Leon took the opportunity to thank all the sponsors who help the needy in the Kamyanets-Podilskyi diocese, especially for the refugee aid.

In winter, our body is particularly susceptible to illnesses and colds. That is why we have again carried out a distribution of medicines to 28 of the poorest, ill and loneliest elderly in the Grigorauca village, Singerei district. These are enough for a period of 1-1.5 months. Medicines were prescribed by the responsible family physician.

May the merciful Lord reward many times the sponsor of the project - "Hilfswerk Liechtenstein e.V." (Triesen) - for their care about the needy in Moldova.

Moldova is a poor country. Poverty, misery and distress are particularly common in the villages. The income of the poor families is low and hardly enough for the bare necessities.

On the initiative and with the financial support of the Franciscan Community (Austria), a campaign to distribute food packages to the 15 neediest families from the village of Mihailovca, Singerei district, was carried out. The weight of one package was 25‘06 kg. This caused many tears of joy; and many words of gratitude were spoken spontaneously. All beneficiaries are sincerely thankful for this vital help!

83 lonely and neediest elderly people from the Gangura commune, Ialoveni district, and Grigorauca commune, Singerei district, got a wonderful surprise - food packages. Each package weighing 22 kg contains all the necessary food that will help the helpless and sick elderly for a long period. Through this action, the initiator and sponsor of the project, the organization “Hilfe für Osteuropa Todtnau-Seelscheid e.V.” (President Mrs. Ursula Honeck, Germany) showed their solidarity and support to the neediest in Moldova. With tears of joy in their eyes, the pensioners received this help; they are happy that they are not alone in these difficult times. On behalf of all beneficiaries, we thank you for this very helpful campaign. God bless you!

Unfortunately Mrs. Ursula Honeck, President of „Hilfe für Osteuropa Todtnau-Seelscheid e.V.“ (Germany) could not visit our country this winter. Nevertheless, she made everything possible, so that her 21 sponsored families could receive the usual financial support from their donators from Germany. Today there was a wonderful meeting with the supported families. They were infinitely grateful for the provided help.

The living situation of many families and old people is very difficult, especially at the moment. Besides the usual high expenses for food, utility rates, clothing, medicines and others they have to support the expenditure for wood. These costs are too high. Many people cannot afford this and are freezing during this cold period.

With the help of Hilfswerk Liechtenstein e.V., Triesen, we could bring the warmth in the houses of 12 poorest families and old people from Grigorauca, incl. four refugee families from Ukraine. They are very grateful for that. God bless you!