In the heart of every human being there is a piece of kindness, there is a spark of sympathy and compassion, there is an amazing ability to empathize, which leads us to answer the call for help. This ability is great and the most valuable thing in a person. It is impossible to remain indifferent when others are suffering, especially when it comes to children. Once having looked at the sincere child’s eyes, open-hearted and full of faith, one can not remain indifferent any more. A strong desire to help and impulse for action appears.
On February 15, 2010 UkrSibbank BNP Paribas Group launched the Silver Coin charity project at its Kiev outlets. The Bank runs this month-long project in cooperation with the Ukrainian Charity Organization “Down’s Syndrome”. The campaign was designed to raise funds to set up and equip an Early Learning and Development Centre for children suffering from Down’s Syndrome.
Moreover, the goal of UkrSibbank is to shift the attitude society has towards individuals with Down’s Syndrome.
“The motto of the campaign says: “Small change for you is Future for me”. In the 21st century Ukraine still shows medieval bias to people who suffer from Down’s Syndrome. From the moment they are born, such children have to fight for their rights, facing disapproval and sometimes even hostility of others,” shared Sergiy Kurianov, the President of the “Down’s Syndrome” All-Ukrainian Charitable Organization.
“The concept of the project is quite simple. There are always some coins in our wallets, and as a rule they are of little importance and use for us. 1, 5, 25 or 50 kopeks (42 kopeks being equivalent to 0.01€) do not influence our budget much. However, this small change may be really important for those who need it. When collected in thousands these small coins will allow to help children with the Down’s Syndrome,” said Sergiy Naumov, the Chairman of the Management Board UkrSibbank BNP Paribas Group.
Any one can easily support the initiative of the “Down’s Syndrome” organization and the Group by putting coins and banknotes into boxes. Each week the money will be collected from the boxes and credited to the account of the association.
IDE: to create income opportunities for poor rural households
Project Why: to create a model of education for for children in India
April 2, 2010 marked the end of the first stage of the Silver Coin charity project! The 6 weeks during which the project was running brought quite an impressive amount: UAH 61625.72 (5855 euros).
“Today it is almost impossible to provide proper preparation for children suffering from Down’s syndrome for kindergarten and school. There are no specialized centers in Ukraine. 520 families patronized by our charitable organization take care of their children on their own, training them at home as a rule, using various handbooks. However, parents are not able to replace the specialists their children need, particularly, those engaged in early development, social teachers, speech pathologists, speech therapists, and psychologists. That is why in September we are planning to open Ukraine’s first specialized Early Learning and Development Center for children suffering from Down’s syndrome and other genetic features”, shared Sergiy Kurianov, the President of the All-Ukrainian Charitable Organization “Down Syndrome”.
Find out the results of the project at http://www.downsyndrome.com.ua or by visiting the Center.
The second stage of Silver Coin charity project is planned to be held nationwide next Christmas 2010.