Due to popular demand the My Bulgaria ‘charitable foundation’ is now open! It is called BGAid and will over time provide selective and considered donations to deserving causes in Bulgaria.

The fund is administered by the two directors of My Bulgaria Ltd and also by a number of My Bulgaria members. It is a UK registered charity. A complete list of the trustees is available upon request.
Also acting as a custodian is Marin Dimitrov who is an Executive Director of Balkan Holdings plc (who own My Bulgaria) and who works for us from a representative office in Sofia. Marin has worked for both the British Embassy in Sofia and until recently was the 1st Secretary for Commercial Affairs at the Bulgarian Embassy in London.
This group of people will ensure in combination that the funds are distributed in an even and fair manner based on the popular vote of the trustees, My Bulgaria members and other donors.

Whilst this initiative was instigated by My Bulgaria users in response to the devastating series of floods that struck Bulgaria over the summer of 2005 the intention is to use the fund in the longer term to provide charitable aid to needy causes in Bulgaria based on the popular vote of the trustees and My Bulgaria users.

TOTAL RAISED SO FAR £8,086

 

Elli, smiling girl with spectacles, walking with tripods. Has cerebral palsy. Real success story. As a result of early intervention and continuous work with therapists and special education teachers at Karin Dom (since 1996), Elli is now in her 4th year in mainstream school. Completely integrated on a mainstream teaching programme. Continues to come to Karin Dom for physiotherapy, social integration activities. Her mum was one of the first parents to work with the Karin Dom team on the setting up of a parents' support group.

BULGARIA FLOOD RELIEF EFFORT! (HELP THE BULGARIAN SCHOOLS IN SMOLYAN!)

This summer’s torrential rains of a magnitude unseen since a century ago caused heavy damage in many parts of Bulgaria, estimated now at more than GBP 550 mln. The municipality of Smolyan suffered heavy losses in excess of GBP 17 mln. The Bulgarian Embassy in London, jointly with the Bulgarian Red Cross and the Smolyan Municipality, has launched HELP THE SCHOOLS IN SMOLYAN campaign

Slantze’ Orphanage based in Kaspichan in the Shumen region

May 2006: A first donation was made to the ‘Slantze’ Orphanage based in Kaspichan in the Shumen region with the help of two established My Bulgaria users (Scot47 and skaviva). There are 44 children altogether and initially BGAid has been able to supply the children with new shoes, new bedding and a huge box of new toys!

Regular reports and updates can be viewed by looking at the My Bulgaria forum heading BGAid. 

FC Gagarin - The Rockets Football Team

BGAid is currently sponsoring a newly formed local football team from the village of Krumovo. Known as FC Gagarin with the nickname 'The Rockets' they are managed and trained by My Bulgaria users 'Nikki and Darren'. You can follow their progress either here:
Football My Bulgaria Forum or here Bulgaria Football Blog

Donating

Chris Northam
Managing Director
  My Bulgaria Ltd
Balkan Holdings plc

A big thanks to My Bulgaria members who have donated so far.