MINSK, 24 December (BelTA) – The From Heart to Heart New Year’s charity campaign has officially started at the Minsk City Community Center, BelTA has learned.
More than 650 people attended the opening ceremony. A big concert was prepared for them, featuring popular Belarusian performers, with a repertoire focused on nostalgic songs.
Svetlana Kavetskaya, one of the participants, noted that this was her first time attending the event. “Now that I no longer work, I want to connect with people and feel the holiday spirit,” she said. She added that she is glad for the opportunity to participate in such events, as it allows her to better experience the festive atmosphere.
Nina Komik attended the opening ceremony with her friend Maria Shelest. The friends shared that they have known each other since childhood and frequently attend cultural events. “Just yesterday we were at the theater, and today we are at the opening ceremony of this campaign,” said Maria. She also noted: “This is not my first time taking part in the From Heart to Heart campaign. Last year, thanks to this campaign, I visited the Bolshoi Theater and saw the ballet The Nutcracker.”
The friends expressed their delight at the substantial attention being given to the older generation in the country. “It’s wonderful. Now we have a life of freedom, as our children have grown, our grandchildren can also do without us. We are free from work, we have ample time, and we can truly afford to relax,” emphasized Nina Komik.
The opening ceremony was hosted by Minister of Labor and Social Protection Natalya Pavlyuchenko. She noted that the unity between the older and younger generations is especially felt during these days.
Minsk Deputy Mayor Andrei Strigelsky added that Minsk is home to more than 100,000 people with disabilities and over 300,000 elderly individuals. “They look forward to this campaign which goal is to provide attention, care, and support to those who need it most. Numerous activities are planned as part of the campaign: we will visit care homes and local social service centers. A wide range of organizations and enterprises has responded to our call, offering their assistance to the elderly in recognition of their invaluable labor. This is our asset, and we understand that it is these people who have made a significant contribution to making our country what it is today. They labored in our factories and plants, building the foundation of our Belarus. It is now our solemn duty to care for them, to offer our utmost attention, and to extend our heartfelt wishes for a Happy New Year,” he said.
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