For another consecutive year, the Interact Club SMG has carried out one of its most recognizable charitable initiatives—the “Buy and Donate” campaign. Over three consecutive weekends in November, students from the Sofia High School of Mathematics (SMG) stood at the entrances and exits of three Lidl stores to share the cause with customers and accept food product donations.
The young men and women of Interact SMG welcomed visitors with smiles and enthusiasm, and many customers shared that this was not their first time participating. This is living proof that “Buy and Donate” has established itself as a tradition built on trust and purpose.
The energy of these young people naturally drew in their parents, who became actively involved in the organization and logistics. We would like to extend our special thanks to Daniela Overbeek and Kalin Mishkov for the immense dedication, time, and resources they invested during the pre-holiday month.
In line with this year’s goals of Rotary Club Sofia-Balkan, the initiative received strong support from the entire Rotary family. Club President Ivaylo Vasilev, together with the entire Rotaract Club Sofia-Balkan, personally participated in transporting and organizing the donated products. Every weekend, tons of food passed through their hands, which were then transported to and stored in a warehouse kindly provided by Carex Bulgaria – GREE.
The initiative began 10 years ago under the name “To Remember Them,” launched by the Interact Club SMG, and was soon joined by the Interact Club at the 73rd School—both clubs within the Rotary Club Sofia-Balkan family. It is precisely these young people who today form the backbone of the Rotaract Club Sofia-Balkan—a living link between generations and proof of the power of continuity within Rotary.
Konstantin Kostadinov recalls:
“The bags we distributed, we called ‘kupii-dari’ (buy-and-donate bags); for example, we would have 100 ‘kupii-dari’ to distribute.”
In the following parts, we will share how the donated products reach the people for whom they are intended and how this act of kindness continues its journey.
