The Charity committee is pleased to report that the IWCB board has approved two requests for funding during April 2013.
1) ECHO (Association helping mentally disabled people)
Združenie na pomoc ľuďom s mentálnym postihnutím, Bratislava
www.echo-zdruzenie.sk
This organization assists mentally disabled people and their families in Bratislava. They aim to integrate them into society through cultural and outdoor activities. The funds granted will be used to cover the costs of therapeutic procedures for 56 people during one week at the health resort in Turcianske Teplice.
2) Plamienok, Bratislava
www.plamienok.sk
This organization offers total comprehensive pediatric palliative home care assistance to children and adolescents with life limiting and threatening diseases. They offer home care services, providing medical and psychosocial support. Their services are free of charge and they work 24 hours, 7 days a week. Their staff includes medical doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, psychotherapists and trained volunteers. Their catchment area extends to 250 km around Bratislava. The funds will be used to purchase health care materials, including pharmaceuticals.
We have received more than 30 applications so far this year, one third of them were sent from the eastern side of the country. The committee will be visiting these organizations during May, in an effort to better understand their needs while making sure that we wisely choose who to help.
Several members of the IWCB have approached us with the need to donate used clothing and shoes. We are currently looking into this to find the best solution for our members to recycle their belongings whilst helping the less fortunate in our host country. More information about this matter will be published in the June newsletter.
At our next charity committee meeting at the beginning of June we will review new applications and define the steps to be taken after the summer holidays.
Wishing you all a wonderful month,
María L. Maiale
Charity coordinator
