On May 14, Vitebsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. The Vitebsk regional organization of the Belarusian Red Cross Society intends to attract about Br1 billion in sponsorship funds for project activities this year, its chairperson Galina Zhelanova told a BELTA correspondent. "Investments are allocated by donor organizations and funds for specific projects, the significance of which needs to be further substantiated in detail. Our organization succeeds in this: in 2011, we managed to attract about Br800 million," Galina Zhelanova stated. She noted that this year the region will continue to implement projects carried out within the framework of 15 international programs, focusing on refugees, victims of human trafficking, HIV-infected and drug-dependent categories of citizens, socialization of elderly lonely people, and development of nursing care. Special attention will be paid to providing humanitarian assistance to medical and social institutions of the region, and implementing mini-projects in the regions that have proven their relevance and viability. Galina Zhelanova noted that from May 8 to June 1, a wide range of events is being held in the Vitebsk region as part of the annual republican month of the Belarusian Red Cross Society. Thus, on May 8, a youth event "Happy Birthday, Red Cross!" was held in the city's higher education institutions, aimed at strengthening the image of the BRCS and attracting new volunteers. And on May 12, five students from Glubokoye took part in Daugavpils in first aid competitions among high school students from schools in Belarus, Lithuania, and Latvia. Important events of the month will include the reception of a delegation from the German Red Cross from the city of Syke for an exchange of experience within the framework of the program "Humanitarian aid to healthcare facilities of the Vitebsk region," the traditional mini-marathon for wheelchair users, and events dedicated to the World No Tobacco Day and the International Day of Remembrance of people who died from AIDS. In addition, round tables and seminars for volunteers will be organized everywhere in the regional organizations to disseminate knowledge about the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, its fundamental principles, and the basics of humanitarian law. Throughout the Red Cross month, first aid instructors will conduct training for the population and BRCS volunteer groups on first aid skills. -0-

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