FCTrelief Christmas Campaign 2025: «Sharing Love»

gmerk3
6 days ago
3 min read

We are launching this year’s Christmas campaign: ‘Sharing love.’ Donating some of our abundance to emergency aid and support for people in poor and difficult circumstances is ‘sharing love.’ FCTrelief helps people in Bulgaria and serves young people in Zambia.

Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, FCTrelief supports individuals and families living in poverty. Older people and the disadvantaged have a hard time, especially those who have little or no support from their families. People with disabilities also face challenges. The state provides only minimal assistance, pensions are low. Our actions are therefore all the more appreciated. They make a big difference to the people we reach.

When we visited Milko and Stoijanka (picture) and offered our help with firewood, they were overwhelmed. Stoijanka did not know how she would get through the winter this year. She has no family left. She is alone and has to fend for herself. She also has increasing health problems. Life is not easy. Our donation brought joy to her. FCTrelief’s sister organisation, ‘Heart for Bulgaria’, provides practical and relevant help. That is ‘sharing love’.

Stoijanka did not know how to get through winter

‘Heart for Bulgaria’ also serves children and young people with disabilities. Some are orphans. Zornitsa (psychologist) and Zvetanka (grandmother in our project) work with heart and soul for these precious children and young people. We see the results of this project. Professional help and personal attention are a good combination and have a positive effect on the children and young people. That is ‘sharing love’.

To kick off the 2025 Christmas campaign, ‘Heart for Bulgaria’ donated gifts on behalf of FCTrelief to the association for people with disabilities in Bratsigovo. At the beginning of December, they celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities. All 134 members will be delighted with our gifts. This, too, is ‘sharing love’.

Gordon with Members of the Association for People with Disabilities in Bratsigovo

Zambia

In Zambia, FCTrelief serves children and young people through education, nutrition and encouragement. We promote education through tutoring, provide breakfast and lunch, and care for the general well-being of students, especially in the areas of health and development. We create ‘future through education’. We encourage young people to dream and actively build a future for themselves. This kind of support is also ‘sharing love’.

The results speak for themselves. We reported on Gift and Memory, Esnart and Priscilla, who have since celebrated their graduation, and new students. They are role models for our pupils, who are encouraged to follow in their footsteps. Memory and Anita are making their way after successfully completing their studies. Others, such as Mishek, Alex, Leonard or Jonathan, are working hard at their studies and living their dreams. Five young people are currently training in the nursing field at the Makeni School of Nursing. Edward started at the University of Zambia, Kelvin and Christopher at Mulungushi in Kabwe. Abigail is at Fairview College in Lusaka. Mable and Violet are completing their first year at Cavendish University. Three are in vocational training in Chikupi. Eunice, Janet and Steven who have studied agriculture in Chikupi are working hard on the FCT farm. Three of the best Grade 12 graduates, Francis, Monica and Moses, have been offered apprenticeships for the new year. We are proud of them all and share in their joy.

Priscilla and Esnart at their Graduation

FCTrelief is making a difference. We know that no single person can change the whole world, but we can all change the whole world of individual people. FCTrelief creates ‘future through education’. Our approximately 80 pupils who come to the plot every day know that they have a real chance to make something of their lives. The 25 students in training are aware of their responsibility to seize their opportunity and turn it into success thanks to the subsidy. Such support is ‘sharing love’.