This year, with the support of Metropolitan Life, the MetLife Foundation, and the company’s employees, we carried out four projects that positively changed the quality of life of those around us who were going through difficult times.
Thus, we renovated the National Clinical Center for Neuropsychomotor Rehabilitation for Children “Robănescu – Pădure” — a place that provides rehabilitation each year to more than 2,500 children with physical and neuro-psychomotor disabilities.
Through the initiative “Education and Mental Health for Children in Hospitals,” we offered educational activities and art therapy workshops designed to make long hospital stays easier to endure. 1,208 children facing serious diagnoses benefited from this initiative, and more than 200 of them were visited by Metropolitan Life volunteers, who brought gift packages.
In the first part of the year, 80 children from Ferentari received fully equipped school backpacks from company volunteers.
Older adults were not forgotten either. Around Easter, 60 seniors were visited by volunteers who brought them gifts.
Education and Mental Health for Children in Hospitals
The “Education and Mental Health for Children in Hospitals” initiative supports over 1,200 children and adolescents who are hospitalized long-term in Bucharest hospitals, undergoing difficult—often life-saving—treatments.
A core focus of the program is safeguarding the mental health of young patients, helping them cope with intense emotional stress and trauma related to their illness or medical treatments.
Many of these children are battling serious conditions such as cancer, tuberculosis, or HIV. For months at a time, the hospital becomes not only a place of treatment, but also their home, school, and playground. Through this program, children are given access to tailored educational activities, art therapy workshops, and moments of joy and connection that help ease their suffering and restore courage.
The program also provides emotional support and practical assistance to parents and caregivers, helping them navigate this difficult period more easily. Together, we offer these children not only support, but also hope.
Heartfelt Volunteering in Hospitals
In this spirit, Metropolitan Life volunteers recently carried out a heartfelt initiative, offering 217 care packages to children hospitalized in four medical institutions: the “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Trestioreanu” Bucharest Oncology Institute, Fundeni Clinical Institute, “Marius Nasta” Institute of Pneumology – Pediatric Pulmonology Department, and the “Robănescu – Pădure” Recovery Center for Children.
The seven volunteers who visited the hospitals to distribute the packages—carefully prepared with great care and attention by their colleagues—brought more than just gifts. They offered time, warmth, and genuine care—things that can make an entire day feel easier for a child undergoing treatment.
The packages included hygiene products, as well as age-appropriate games and books—small gestures meant to offer a sense of normalcy and a moment of joy in a context where courage is tested every day.
Thank you, dear Metropolitan Life volunteers and employees, for putting heart into every action you take alongside United Way!
Together for Education – Joy for the Children of Ferentari
Dozens of children in grades 1–4, part of the educational program supported by United Way, received an unforgettable surprise: 80 generous packages, carefully prepared with heart and dedication by Metropolitan Life volunteers.
The day began with coffee and stories about the supported community. Then followed a real marathon of sorting, packing, and labeling, during which 11 volunteers worked side by side as a united team.
Each colorful backpack contained age-appropriate school supplies – notebooks, pencil cases, writing instruments, painting sets – as well as sportswear, footwear, sweets, and fruits, all carefully selected. The brightly colored supplies are sure to make learning even more appealing to the children.
When the volunteers personally handed out some of the gifts, they were rewarded with wide smiles and heartfelt hugs. The volunteers promised the children they would visit again.
Respect for Seniors – Gifts and Support for 60 Elderly People
Another group of 11 Metropolitan Life volunteers prepared substantial packages for 60 seniors, 20 of whom received their packages delivered directly to their homes due to mobility issues. Each package included basic food items (flour, cornmeal, rice, oil, etc.), as well as traditional cake, sweets, and fruit. In addition, each senior received a wheeled shopping trolley – a practical aid for shopping.
Volunteers and seniors spent time together at the senior community center, and as a token of appreciation, the seniors prepared artistic moments, songs, and poems. The volunteers were deeply moved and impressed.
“Many thanks to all those who organized this project and brought us so much joy! Thank you to the young volunteers, so beautiful and kind-hearted! You are our angels! From the heart, I embrace you!” – said Mrs. Ioana, one of the senior participants.
“We believe that respect for the past and for our seniors is the key to a better future. This experience filled our hearts with warmth and joy… and we’re sure the gifts and the moments spent together were just as meaningful for them. Only together can we build a better world!” – said Crina Anghel, Metropolitan Life volunteer.
