MINSK, 24 December (BelTA) – Gifts from the Belarusian president were handed over to people living in the Logishin Care Home in Pinsk District on 24 December as part of a national charity campaign for the elderly, BelTA has learned.
The boarding house is patronized by the Roman Catholic Church. The gifts from the head of state included treats for the Christmas table: cheeses, meat products, honey, sweets, as well as potatoes and apples grown on the president's farm.
"Today I have a touching and exciting mission - to fulfill the president's order and hand over gifts from his farm to our people who have worked their entire lives trying to build the society we live in," said Brest Oblast Governor Piotr Parkhomchik. He cordially and heartily congratulated the elderly on winter holidays.
The life of 65-year-old Cheslav Semakovich was quite a bumpy road. He was blown up by a mine, so he cannot take care of himself on his own. He has been living in the Logishin Care Home for ten years. The man professes Catholicism, thus Christmas is a special holiday for him. "I love Christmas because God was born on this day and sent us into the world. We will celebrate everything. We have a chapel. Father Andrei comes here for service, it is very heart-warming. They have brought us gifts today. Thank you very much. Such attention is nice, we are happy," said Cheslav Semakovich.
According to Cheslav, he lives a full life in the care house. The residents are provided with everything they need and are surrounded by care and attention.
Sergei Verishko is the youngest resident of the care house. He will celebrate his 60th birthday in January. "They treat us very well. Special care goes to those who are already 80, 90 years old, who find it difficult to walk. Good canteen, delicious food. Very kind people work here," he said. On Christmas Eve he was very pleased to receive a gift from the head of state. "It is not about the gift. The most important thing is that we are not forgotten."
The Logishin Care Home is a Catholic institution, but it welcomes everyone regardless of their religion and other aspects. Its main goal is to provide assistance to lonely, sick and elderly people. Currently, there are 43 residents living there. "They certainly need warmth, care and attention. We provide all this. The residents live in double rooms, receive four meals a day and enjoy various leisure activities. Father Andrei, the rector of the Logishin church, conducts a service in the chapel every Saturday. Traditionally, on Catholic Christmas Eve, we share Christmas wafers and well wishes. We also wish each other peace. All the residents take part in the sharing of the wafer, regardless of their religion,” said Alena Shestakovich, director of the Logishin Care Home.
Sergei Verishko is the youngest resident of the care house. He will celebrate his 60th birthday in January. "They treat us very well. Special care goes to those who are already 80, 90 years old, who find it difficult to walk. Good canteen, delicious food. Very kind people work here," he said. On Christmas Eve he was very pleased to receive a gift from the head of state. "It is not about the gift. The most important thing is that we are not forgotten."
The Logishin Care Home is a Catholic institution, but it welcomes everyone regardless of their religion and other aspects. Its main goal is to provide assistance to lonely, sick and elderly people. Currently, there are 43 residents living there. "They certainly need warmth, care and attention. We provide all this. The residents live in double rooms, receive four meals a day and enjoy various leisure activities. Father Andrei, the rector of the Logishin church, conducts a service in the chapel every Saturday. Traditionally, on Catholic Christmas Eve, we share Christmas wafers and well wishes. We also wish each other peace. All the residents take part in the sharing of the wafer, regardless of their religion,” said Alena Shestakovich, director of the Logishin Care Home.
The care home often hosts guests. Such attention cheers up the residents. “Some people have relatives visiting, and some have no one. They are always happy to welcome guests. When someone comes, they feel happier at heart, more cheerful. We are grateful to everyone who visits us,” Alena Shestakovich emphasized.
The Logishin Care Home operates thanks to a public-private partnership. Governor of Brest Oblast Piotr Parkhomchik believes that this experience could be scaled up in the region, as there is a demand for such services. Piotr Parkhomchik urged private business to support welfare institutions.
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