United Way Romania celebrates 20 years of activity, during which it has helped over 100.000 vulnerable people, through its Education, socio-professional Integration and Health programs.
The 20 years of impact in the community were marked by an anniversary Gala, with the message ”20 years, United for a better future”, dedicated both to recognizing the merits of the partners who have supported us during these 20 years, as well as the contributions of the last year. Her Excellency, Kathleen Kavalec, Ambassador of the United States of America in Romania, Dr. Sonya Anderson, Executive Vice President of United Way Worldwide’s International Network and Lidia Fați, President of United Way Romania, addressed the audience at the event.
United Way Romania is part of the United Way Worldwide global network, one of the largest non-profit organizations in the world.
“United Way’s vision is to create a united, prosperous community, able to support its members to reach their maximum potential and, in these 20 years, we have taken significant steps in achieving this goal. Today, we celebrate together a journey full of achievements and we are united for a better future. And the numbers confirm it. In these two decades, we have helped more than 100.000 people in the most difficult moments of their lives. This was possible thanks to the involvement of more than 500 companies, more than 5.000 donors, including 140 major donors and almost 20.000 volunteers. All these numbers actually say only one thing, that the power of “Together” is immense. Thank you all!” – said Adriana Dobrea, United Way Romania`s Executive Director.
During the Gala, three anniversary trophies were offered, as a reward for the 20 years of involvement. Their laureates were the individual donors Steven and Valeria van Groningen, the Raiffeisen Bank company and the Joyo Foundation. Also, prizes were awarded on stage for Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze level corporate partners, Tocqueville and Leadership level individual donors, and non-governmental organizations that were particularly involved in the foundation’s emblematic projects in: Education, Integration and Health.
To illustrate the impact of United Way Romania in these two decades, 20 success stories were selected and three of the protagonists were present on stage on the day of the Gala. The stories can be accessed here.
20 years of United Way in Romania: 106.702 unique persons supported
United Way Romania develops and implements programs that improve the lives of children, adults and elderly in need. The foundation operates according to three strategic directions: access to a quality education, socio-professional integration that ensures a sufficient income to support a family and access to good health services.
54.940 children received educational support (formal and non-formal education activities, literacy activities, education in hospitals or foster care centers) and material support (supplies, warm meals/snacks, clothing, footwear, sanitary products etc.)
13.009 parents were supported to become aware of the importance of reading and education, participated in the Parents’ Academy for the development of parenting skills and received support for professional integration, if needed.
4.309 teachers and specialists from underprivileged communities participated in various courses and professional training sessions, including through the curriculae developed by United Way.
13.719 young people, adults and elderly were supported for better social integration, through psychosocial counseling services, professional and vocational counseling in order to access a qualification course or to integrate on the labor market, legal counseling, personal development, or mentoring.
20.725 children, adults and elderly people in suffering, with various conditions and a high degree of poverty, received support to improve the quality of life, through access to medical services and medication. Sports and health education activities took place as means of prevention.
19,968 people were involved in volunteer activities;
83,287 volunteer hours were provided.
The United Way Gala, which took place on October 1st, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, was presented by Maria Chiriță and Mihai Rădulescu, TVR journalists.
The organization of the Gala was possible with the support of the sponsors: KPMG, Regina Maria – Rețeaua Privată de Sănătate, Deloitte, Hellas Direct, Raifeisen Bank, Xella Romania and the in-kind partner Dacris.
Photo credit: Alex Damian and Cristi Chivu.
Gala’s album can be viewed here.