The charitable project “Soup Kitchen” started during the winter season 2001/2002 on the initiative of the staff of BNP Paribas S.A. – Sofia Branch and in cooperation with Sofia Municipality. The project consists of daily providing of warm lunch to elderly and poor citizens in different districts throughout Sofia every winter workday from December to March and started with 150 beneficiaries.

On March 31st, 2009, the winter season 2008/2009 of the Soup Kitchen came to its end. It was an enormous success: 1750 per day were distributed to people in need in two Bulgarian cities: Sofia and in Varna.

The meals were granted to the less fortunate in 10 distrubition centers throughout Sofia and 1 center in Varna. During this season, despite the difficult financial and economical situation, the Bank’s employees and partners reconfirmed their commitment to help the people in need.

BNP Paribas Personal Finance Bulgaria and Cardif Bulgaria joined for the first time this season with contribution from their employees and matching contribution. The monthly donations of the staff of BNP Paribas S.A. – Sofia Branch doubled on a matching contribution basis by the Bank and the financial support of clients and partners made the project work again.

The permanent control of the collected funds by BNP Paribas S.A. – Sofia Branch guaranteed they are used exclusively to support the less fortunate.

The next season of the Soup Kitchen will start on December 1st, 2009 and will last until March 31st, 2010.