150 elderly people from Bucharest and across the country receive traditional menus and food packages for the Holidays
- 100 seniors in Bucharest are receiving holiday menus and food packages at home, provided by The Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation and its partners.
- 50 seniors across the country, who have been consistently supported by the Foundation throughout the year, received social vouchers worth 200 RON.
More than a quarter of Romania's 3.7 million elderly people live alone, many of whom are affected by physical immobility, chronic illnesses, or material shortages. Social distancing has affected them most of all, exacerbating the feelings of anxiety and the hardships they face. Under these conditions, the number of people seeking support has increased considerably.
Since the onset of the pandemic, The Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation has helped nearly 5,000 seniors through sanitary and protective equipment, packages with daily necessities, free home delivery of groceries or medicine, social counseling over the phone, support for home-care social services or practical help in the house, as well as emotional support or free psychological counseling.
During these days, the Foundation continues to stand by the elderly, offering them, together with its partners, the necessary items for the holiday table. Thus, by the end of the day, 100 seniors in Bucharest will receive packages at home with the help of Foundation volunteers, which include:
- A festive menu provided by CityGrill through customer donations;
- Food products from Albalact, Lăptăria cu caimac, and Mega Image;
- Sanitary products, including protective masks, from Mega Image.
Additionally, 50 seniors across the country, who have been supported by the Foundation through various actions throughout the year, received social vouchers worth 200 RON this month to purchase necessary products for this period.
Mrs. Lidia is 75 years old, and her life has been full of trials. After a career as an economist, she hoped her retirement would be worry-free; however, after losing her husband, she was left without a home. Although she had no children of her own, Mrs. Lidia took care of her neighbors' children, helping them with their homework. Currently, she uses a wheelchair, but she has never lost her optimism, dignity, or faith—she remains a winner. Now, Mrs. Lidia receives help and support from The Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation, being a beneficiary of the weekly call-back service and monthly aid packages.
These 150 seniors are among the beneficiaries of the Elderly Helpline program, the only free and confidential telephone line dedicated to the elderly, accessible nationwide. Through this line, they receive specific, practical information, counseling, and practical or emotional support. Of the 9,500 unique callers who dialed the Elderly Helpline between 2015 and 2020, 44% live in Bucharest. The help line is currently funded by the Vodafone Romania Foundation, C.N. Loteria Română, and Johnson Wax.
As the number of those requesting help continues to grow, The Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation aims to help up to 20,000 seniors through its projects and a network of social partners. This is made possible through the involvement and contributions of companies and individuals to The Fund for the Elderly, through which the Foundation helps elderly people facing difficult life situations.
Companies wishing to contribute can download and complete the contract HERE..
Individuals who wish to contribute with a monthly donation can visit fundatiaregala.ro/donationline
