- Loneliness and lack of resources are the most serious problems facing older people in 2021
- 20,000 older people can receive support through the projects of The Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation
- Companies can contribute 20% of their tax, and individuals can sign up for a monthly donation on the website fundatiaregala.ro
Romania’s population currently includes over 3.8 million older people, many of whom are affected by loneliness and a lack of resources for a decent standard of living. Limited access to digital information, reduced mobility, chronic illnesses, or material deprivation often place older people in a state of social isolation and make it difficult for them to meet their basic needs. Against the backdrop of the pandemic crisis, The Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation has recorded the highest number of requests for support to date and aims to expand its social services and the scope of projects dedicated to seniors, in order to assist up to 20,000 older people in need. Companies and individuals can contribute to meeting the urgent needs of older people.
One million older people live alone, and 900,000 elderly pensioners receive pensions below 1,000 lei — this is the statistical reality of 2021, a year marked by challenges that profoundly affected the lives of older people. The social distancing measures imposed by health conditions meant, for many seniors, the loss of essential support such as personal care, help with obtaining food and medicines, the postponement of medical treatments, or even the absence of someone to talk to. Many older people experienced anxiety, depression, or stress caused by the loss of loved ones, fear of infection, or concerns about their own health or that of those close to them.
As the number of people in difficulty seeking help continues to grow, The Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation aims to support up to 20,000 seniors through its own social projects and through social partners. To meet the urgent needs of older people, the Foundation supports a network of social services active in various communities, mobilizes dozens of volunteers, and plans to expand its social projects into new geographic areas and launch new services in 2022. Older people can thus benefit from material aid – social vouchers, hygiene or paramedical supplies, essential goods; practical support — home care or housekeeping, home delivery of groceries or medicines; social counseling and guidance toward accessible support services in the community; as well as emotional support, through services aimed at alleviating loneliness or free psychological counseling.
Such support requires additional resources, and the Foundation calls on companies and individuals to get involved. Companies can redirect 20% of the tax owed to the state to a social cause, and individuals can sign up for a monthly donation at fundatiaregala.ro. The Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation will use the funds raised to support older people facing difficult life situations.
The value of corporate sponsorship may be:
- 20% of the annual corporate profit tax or 0.75% of turnover (whichever is lower)
- 20% of the quarterly income tax for microenterprises
Funds raised will continue to be used by the Foundation for:
- Identifying resources or solutions to requests made by older people;
- Facilitating access to support services such as home care or practical assistance;
- Psychological counseling and emotional support for seniors suffering from depression or anxiety;
- Alleviating loneliness for older people who no longer have family or a support network;
- Supporting and equipping networks of volunteers, home caregivers, and community social workers;
- Material assistance through products or social vouchers;
- Opportunities for social participation for seniors who wish to become active again;
- Holiday care packages.
Companies wishing to contribute can download and complete the contract HERE..
Individuals can contribute with a monthly donation by accessing fundatiaregala.ro/donationline.
*Sources:
INSSE – Report as of July 1, 2021 on Romania’s population
IRES – The impact of the pandemic on the quality of life of Romanians
