In Vitebsk, the "Let's Get Children Ready for School" campaign has commenced.

As part of the nationwide charitable campaign "Let's Get Children Ready for School," the Vitebsk city organization of the public association "Belarusian Red Cross Society" (BRCS) presented 28 pairs of children's shoes to large families, fathers, and refugees working at OJSC "Vitebskiye Kovry."

According to Dmitry Rachkovsky, a specialist of the BRCS city organization, the charitable campaign runs from August 1 to September 15 in all cities and regions of Belarus. Its main goal is to raise funds to purchase necessary stationery and items for children in the most vulnerable situations – those with disabilities, from refugee families, and other children in need of assistance.

“You can join the campaign by donating funds through the ERIP system using campaign code 222, or by handing over pre-purchased school supplies through our volunteers at shopping centers across the country. Businesses have the opportunity to provide sponsorship,” noted Dmitry Rachkovsky. “Last year, thanks to donations, partnership, and sponsorship, over 7,000 children in Belarus received the so-called 'backpack of dreams,' which contained stationery. Children's clothing and footwear, both formal and sports-oriented, were also provided.”

The first recipients of assistance from the BRCS city organization in Vitebsk were employees of OJSC "Vitebskiye Kovry." Artem Lohankin, the company's General Director, thanked the Red Cross volunteers on behalf of the entire team and noted that such assistance challenges the public stereotype that charitable organizations primarily collect funds rather than distribute them.

“We are very pleased that the Red Cross leadership has paid attention to the employees of our enterprise and provided them with sincere and gratuitous assistance. This way, our employees will feel at least partially the care of this public organization,” noted Artem Lohankin.

For instance, a pair of shoes was received by seamstress Natalia, who is raising two children in a single-parent family.

“Of course, I try to get the children ready for school on my own, but it can be very difficult. Therefore, such social support is very important to me; such gifts are never superfluous,” said Natalia.