Community Care

Out in the Community with ORM!

During 2010 Outreach Moldova had engaged into a new programme – Community Spirit bringing change to the lives of children living in deplorable conditions in the county of Hincesti. This programme was designed and implemented in collaboration with our partners in Hincesti County Council and the county social work departments. Unfortunately there are so many families living on the breadline in Moldova that are literally undergoing a daily struggle to bring up their children. While they do have a roof over their heads there is no running water or any bathroom facilities, just a well in the neighbourhood. There is no gas connected to the houses thus no heating system. The houses are currently being heated by a wood burning stove but unfortunately most of the families do not have sufficient wood. Many of these children are facing the added burden where the family unit has broken down and where there is chronic alcohol abuse and where essential needs are not being met.

ORM’s Christmas goal for these vulnerable children was to transport them to a different world, the world of magic, help them forget the harsh reality they are facing every day and just be children for a moment. They got to meet Santa, eat, play and receive their individual gifts. For most of them it was the first experience of Christmas joy and happiness, it was their first time to see Santa and Snow White and celebrate Christmas.

Santa with his little helpers took the children to Hincesti Town for an amazing celebration. The 3 Moldovan singing stars, Ana Barbu, Stefanel Roscovan and Adrian Ursu managed to lift children’s spirits the very first moment the concert started. Children were dancing and singing along with the stars. They were having lots of fun.

The concert was followed by a Christmas lunch. The children were accompanied by one extended family member and the social workers from each of the villages. Each child was served a delicious 2 courses meal and lots of cake and soft drinks to wash it all down. All with greatest thanks to the Arcus family in the restaurant Emy-Liz for providing such a wonderful day.

Once they finished with the meal it was the time for everyone to get their individual present. Santa invited all the children, one by one to sit in his cosy couch, tell him their wishes and receive a beautiful gift.

We would like to thank each one of you who made this possible to happen. You helped us do so much more than you will ever know; to see these children smile and experience real joy is a gift so large that thanks just aren't enough.