What do students, the pre-session period, and the Christmas holidays have in common? It is a time when the community comes together to look beyond academic life and devote attention and care to others. This year, students at AUBG proved once again that solidarity and enthusiasm can be a driving force for positive change.
Christmas Ball with a Cause
One of the largest events organized by the Student Government is the annual Christmas Ball. It brings together the student community in a festive atmosphere and serves as a way to express gratitude to each other and to the community. This year, the ball date coincided with the International Day of People with Disabilities – Dec. 3, a perfect reason to look for the opportunity for charity initiative. This, of course, didn’t happen without the help of the Office of Accessibility and Inclusion, where Maria Alexandrova (’24) – Presidential Medalist, and UNICEF Ambassador, works to integrate different vulnerable groups at the university.
The donated funds will be provided to the non-governmental organization “DIGNITY 2023“, whose main mission is to facilitate cooperation between NGOs, institutions and stakeholders in order to protect the rights and interests of people with disabilities. The collected funds in the amount of 2,641.34 leva will be used to work with psychologists who support people with disabilities.
“The holidays remind us that the most valuable thing we can give each other is our time and support. We come together not only to celebrate, but also to make a difference together,” said AUBG Student Government President Liliya Petrova.
An additional contribution to the success of the event was made by Hangout, a Blagoevgrad business founded by AUBG alumni. They provided drinks during the ball and decided to donate all their profits to the cause.
Christmas Bazaar with a Cause
Traditionally, the Better Community Club at AUBG organizes a Christmas Bazaar with a charitable purpose. This year the amount collected reached 3,407.67 leva. The funds will be used to benefit the Home for Children with disabilities “St. Ivan Rilski” to purchase vital equipment and equipment for kinesitherapy devices, medical thermometers, devices and necessary furniture to renovate spaces to improve the quality of life of the residents.
This initiative shows how student solidarity can bring real and long-lasting benefits to people in need.
Secret Santa
This year, many people from the AUBG community joined the “Secret Santa” initiative to bring joy to children in disadvantaged situations. Thanks to their dedication, 45 children in foster families in Blagoevgrad region and 79 children under the “Child Protection” program will receive their Christmas surprise gifts. Each gift is carefully selected and personally presented to bring smiles and joy to children during the holidays.
The events and initiatives organized by AUBG students show how much can be achieved when young people join their efforts for the common good. Within these few weeks, the student community not only managed to raise funds and resources, but also showed that empathy and the desire for change are the foundation of a better world. Christmas is not just a holiday – it is an opportunity to show that every act of kindness matters.
