2013
CHARITY ORGANIZATION SERBS FOR SERBS
Monthly Report for June www.serbsforserbs.org
Monthly Report No. 6 June, 2013 Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS Website: www.serbsforserbs.org E-Mail: office@serbsforserbs.org
Monthly Report for June Dear friends and donors, Charity organization Serbs for Serbs registered in the state of Illinois in United States in Jun 2010 by the group of the Serbian youth. Charity organization Serbs for Serbs is a 501(c)(3) notfor-profit profit charitable organization. Donation is tax-deductible deductible to the extent followed by the law. On 30th September, 2011 we finally nally got the letter from department of the treasury (IRS) S) with tax exempt 501(c)3 approval. All donations to our organization donated from June 16, 2010 are tax deductible under section 170 of the Code. We are also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers of gifts under section 2055, 21 2106 or 2522 of the Code.
About Us The mission of Charity organization Serbs for Serbs is to affect on consciousness of Americans, Serbs and their friends through planned projects, social and humanitarian activities in order to develop and foster better society for future generations and provide aid for underprivileged families in need. Although there are many humanitarian organizations and associations, help often doesn't reach the most jeopardized. Due to unnecessary administration, missing informationn and slow decision making, the delivery of aid arrives too late to the final consumers, or not at all. It is a sad and embarrassing, but true fact that more than 18.000 children daily die around the world because of starvation and malnutrition. ion. There, amo among us, the blind and deaf. We are witnesses of the bad demographic situation of our nation, decreasing natality, increasing number of singles, abortions, accelerated aging of
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013 the population and generally bad economic condition of the households in Serbia, Republic of Srpska and other countries in the Balkan. An average couple has "fallen" on one child. Analysts warn that Serbs will become a minority in its own country in the following century if the nation, individuals and government don't wake up from thee nescient in which they've fallen! On the other hand, nobody is talking about the families with many children which grieve by living in bitter poverty. Occupied by their everyday struggle for survival, they are being humbly in their desire for implementing ng rights which belong to them. Their life stories, fears and problems are identical, but almost invisible and unheard in order to gain the attention of the public, media and even state. That's why the idea of the Charity organization Serbs for Serbs arose. The organization rganization was formed by a group of young and trustful people, who are united by the common vision of helping families blessed by many children and who are aware of the fact that even a small help means a lot for those who don't live in a material excess. We are united by the humane idea to help the poorest part of the Serbian nation. Charity organization Serbs for Serbs try to revive the spiritless energy of the Serbian Diaspora which would be able to reinforce people of Serbian heritage as well as all good people throughout the world with minimal, but bu constant monthly donations. We hope and believe that there is also a grain of doing good and that you will join us in the endless e struggle against poverty. God bless and save all Serbian families with many children and our honored donors who participate in the noble effort to return smile on children faces.
CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE!
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Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June Ambitions Our mission The mission of Charity organization Serbs for Serbs is to affect on consciousness of Serbian people through our projects and humanitarian activities, in order to develop better society for future generations.
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013 for actual work within the organization. Activities of volunteers and their specific tasks would be determined by the required projects and their personal interest. From that group of volunteers we would look for future leaders of organization.
How to donate? 1. PayPal donation: szsamerika@gmail.com
Why Serbs for Serbs? We wanted to alleviate impaired spirit of Serbian people in togetherness and brotherhood help through humanitarian work and social aid. Who do we help? We help Serbian families who live in the Balkans, have five or more children and live in terrible poverty. Under terrible poverty we define absence of one or more basic factors required for living: food, clothes, shoes, and safe space for living. Why do we help? We believe that there is a basic need for one human (or a group) to help others in distress. A help is not only human virtue but also a Christian responsibility. By focusing our help on families with many children, we directly affect on their stirring toward becoming independent from socialdependable government programs. What are our long term goals? • family is ready to support itself daily and manage to pay all required expenses; • their children are encouraged to continue with school and raising their own family; • our donors are satisfied with the activities and they are ready to help other families; • our organization is satisfied with the results; • family is ready in the future to become our donor and if necessary help other families that are in need of help. Who do we need in organization? We need members and donors that will secure financial stability through supporting our programs and activities in the future. Donors may join our daily activities within the organization in order to coordinate our work better. We also need volunteers ready to donate several hours per week
2. Direct Deposit to Wells Fargo Bank account Please email us at: szsamerika@gmail.com 3. You can mail personal or business check to: Serbs for Serbs PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 4. Donation boxes: BEOGRAD CAFÉ 2937 West Irving Park Road Chicago, Illinois Owner: Dule Pavlovic DANI’S DELI 7316 West Lawrence Avenue Harwood Heights, Illinois SANDY’S BAKERY 5857 West Lawrence Avenue Chicago, Illinois Owner: Slava and Sretena Damjanovic BALKAN BAKERY 541 South LaGrange Road LaGrange, Illinois Owner: Olja Igic COMPASS FUEL STATION 8147 Joliet Road McCook, Illinois Owner: Roy and Maria Dobrasinovic ST. NIKOLA CHURCH 4301 Prairie Ave. Brookfield, Illinois BUBAMARA CAFÉ 2903 W. Irving Park Rd. Chicago, Illinois Owner: Biljana Miljkovic
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June JOVIC WINNER OF "TROJKA IZ BLOKA" CIKAGO
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013 Together, we were able to raise $6,903 in donations from sponsors and participants!! This was our first time organizing such an event and everything went as well as possible. Considering it was raining for 3 days prior to the tournament, we were blessed with no rain, BUT the wind was another story.
On Saturday, June 1st, 2013, an international fundraiser was born when Charity organization Serbs for Serbs Chicago organized a charity 3-point tournament on the same day as Serbs for Serbs from Belgrade, Serbia. The tournament, TROJKA IZ BLOKA, is a charity 3point shooting contest intended to bring in lots of young people to participate in a sporting event while raising money and awareness for impoverished families in Serbia.
The park was a great setting for our tournament. There were four courts, plenty of room and parking and a great children’s play area for the little kids who were too young to participate. Our youngest competitors were 9 years old, and our oldest was 74! And yes, he made 4 three-pointers.
The tournament this year had a specific goal to raise money for building bathrooms for 10 families in Serbia, which will allow more than 40 children to take a bath in a bathtub like all other children do.
Our event Trojka Iz Bloka-Cikago, held at Veteran’s Park in Lyons Illinois, was a huge success.
In addition to all of our wonderful participants and donors, we had a couple of special guests join us. Tony Brown, from the Dallas Mavericks came out to show some support as well as Dusan Nedic, from the Chicago Bulls Academy, also a former player for KK Crvena Zvezda. Both of our guests had fun and chatted with our participants and donors.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
The tournament was played with a qualifying round, and then quarter-finals, semi-finals and then four finalists in the Final Round.
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We would also like to especially thank all of our sponsor who helped make this event such a success: Pro Star Freight Systems, Woodland Transport, Eurodex Components, Marko Transport, ADR Custom Builders, Beograd Café, International Carrier Enterprises, Topaz Café, White City Logistics, Dani’s Deli, Lady Bug Cafe and Accolade Design.
The winner of the Trojka Iz Bloka-Cikago was Petar Jovic. Second place runner up was Pavle Cosic, third place went to Stefan Radunovic and fourth place to Zoran Kaplarevic.
We would like to thank everyone who was able to attend and participate in our first tournament.
We hope to see everyone out again next year!
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013
STOJIC THE WINNER OF THE "TROJKA IZ BLOKA"
The tournament winner was Milan Stojic, who drained eighteen three-pointers. Runners-up were: Jovan Dragas (16 baskets) and Nemanja Cvijetic (15 baskets).
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs, in cooperation with the Basketball Association of Serbia, held its second annual “Trojka iz bloka” tournament. The fundraiser which took place on June 1st at the Laza Kostic Elementary School in New Belgrade, was organized to raise money for the construction of ten bathrooms for struggling families in Serbia.
Serbs for Serbs managed to raise 355.910 dinars for the bathroom project, thanks to the great number of participants, sponsors and donors of this charity event.
Over one thousand spectators turned out to cheer on more than two hundred participants. The tournament was officially opened by the Vice-president of the Basketball Association of Serbia, Dejan Tomasevic, Deputy Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Affairs, Vladimir Pesic, and the former captain of the Serbian National Volleyball Team, Bojan Janic.
One of the main organizers of the tournament, also a member of Serbs for Serbs, Milos Golic, offered his impressions of the competition. “I am very satisfied with the number of participants, and the support from the sponsors and famous culture and sport personalities. I am particularly pleased with the promise made by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Affairs that Serbia will help realize the completion of this charitable initiative next year.”
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013
SERBS FOR SERBS EASTER ACTION IN KOSOVO AND METOHIJA
Serbs for Serbs with family Keljevic
Family Pesic with Serbs for Serbs Members and friends of our charity organization, Serbs for Serbs, visited several families in Kosovo and Metohija over the last weekend in May. The focus of the Easter action was to meet new families and identify those in need of help. We visited the Keljevic and Cukic families from Zubin Potok municipality, and the Pesic family from Klina whom we bought a cow in worth of 124.000 dinars.
Little Milos Keljevic The Keljevic family consists of father, Goran, mother, Sneza, and sons, Milan (14), Veljko (12) and Milos (5). Only the mother and the youngest son were present when we visited. When we asked Milos what his favorite toy was, he responded that he had never had a toy. Thanks to the support of donors and friends, we were able to deliver several bags of toys and clothing to Milos and his family.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013
The Keljevic family lives in an old, run-down house given to them by a neighbor. Their only communication with the outside world is an old radio. The family urgently needs an electric stove, beds, a refrigerator, a closet, tables and chairs and at least two goats.
We then travelled to the village of Jabuke (part of the Zubin Potok municipality) where we visited with the Cukic family, bringing bags of toys and needed clothing.
Mother Sneza, with her son Milos
Mother Dobrila Cukic with son Petar and daughters Goradana and Viktorija Members of the family are grandmother Gorica, father Slobodan, mother Dobrila, daughters Gordana (9), Viktorija (7) and son Petar (4).
The children all have skin rashes but have no access to physicians who can treat them. Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
The family lives in a two-room house and desperately needs a bathroom and at least another room. They also need beds, an electric stove and a freezer.
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The family of six consists of parents, Aleksandar and Vesna, and their children, Ivana (16), Bojana (14), Jovana (11) and Pavle (5).
Family Pesic with Serbs for Serbs Serbs for Serbs with family Cukic On the Sunday of that weekend, we attended Holy Liturgy at the Visoki Decani Monastery.
After the Liturgy, Father Isaija accompanied us during our visit to the Pesic family. Our donation to the Pesic family was a cow (valued at 124.000 dinars).
With this last visit, our Easter action came to an end. We were encouraged to find that there are Serbian families who are determined to remain on holy Serbian land. These families deserve the support of us all, as they struggle to raise their children and provide them with a secure future.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013
EASTER ACTION IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA
The home of Vujevic family still building
On Friday, May 26, Charity organization Serbs for Serbs from Belgrade, headed to the Republic of Srpska to launch our charity’s Easter action for the area. In addition to the donations we had collected, an additional 91,000 dinars was given to us by the Serbian Brothers Help from Canada.
This family currently lives in three rooms on the ground floor of their house. Mileta has been working on building an upper level addition to the home that will provide four rooms for the children. Mileta, an unemployed baker, also plans to open a bakery nearby. We gave them the promised 58,000 dinars for construction material. As well, we offered to help them with the purchase of additional construction material, as well as furniture for the youngest family members.
In the temporary home of Mihajlovic family
Vujevic family together with Serbs for Serbs Valentina Babic from Zvornik, who is a member of the association “Our Angels” that represents parents with four or more children, accompanied us on our visit to the first of five families. The Vujevic family was waiting for our arrival. We met Mileta and Ljubica and their ten children: Vladan (14), Dragomir (12), Petko (10), Slavoljub (8), Borka and Bosiljka (6), Milan (4), Radmila (3), Stoja (2) and Ratko (1).
Future home of Mihalovic family building in Ugljevik village
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June We next visited the seven-member Mihajlovic family, living in a rented apartment in Ugljevik. There we met parents Nenad and Renata and their five children: Nemanja (10), Zeljana (6), Jovana (4), Dajana and Srdjan (1). The family receives no regular income at the moment. Nenad is a former member of the Republic of Srpska Army.
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013 For our next visit, we were joined by our good friend and our Serbs for Serbs representative in Lopare, Mr. Vasilije Obrenovic. Together we went to Majevica to visit the Cetkovic family.
Thanks to the efforts of the charity organizations Nemanjici Ticino from Switzerland, Serbian Brothers Help from Canada (33,000 dinars for construction material) and Serbs for Serbs, this family will soon be in its new home.
With help from Serbs for Serbs, this family is currently building a house and we came to see the status of the construction. The children were excited to see us and wanted to show us their animals, including a cow we bought them in one of our previous actions.
The family lived in refugee barracks until they were demolished. They then moved to the rental apartment and received money for six months of rent. Three charities have come forward to help this family build a new home nearby.
A cow purchased two years ago by Serbs for Serbs
Milos Golic and youngest members for Cetkovic family
Home of Cetkovic family in constructions
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013
Serbs for Serbs visiting Todorovic family Another family in the Lopare municipality whom we visited, is the Todorovics.Тhis seven-member family, surviving on social assistance, lives in extreme poverty. This family of seven sleeps in two rooms, not on beds, but on the hard floor. Getting water for their daily needs is a challenge, as their supply comes from a well which is far from their home.
A group picture of Serbs for Serbs and Markovic family in Milino village The final family on our visit to the Lopare municipality was the Markovics from Milino Selo. The family consists of father Nedeljko, mother Dragana, and their seven children: Adrijana (16), Aleksandar (13), Aleksandra (10), Ljubica (8), Valentina (6), Milica (4) and Nemanja (7 months). The family lives in a house provided by the government of Republica Srpska. Both parents are unemployed, and their oldest daughter walks several miles just to catch a bus to go to school. When asked how Serbs for Serbs could help them, the parents said it would be a help if they could be provided with a cow.
Inside the home of Todorovic family This family is desperate for help. Firstly, they need to dig a well as a water source. Secondly, they need beds so that the children no longer have to sleep on the floor. Social Services received a letter from the children asking for beds so that they could sleep normally, like every other child. The final family on our visit to the Lopare municipality was the Markovics from Milino Selo. The family consists of father Nedeljko, mother Dragana, and their seven children: Adrijana (16), Aleksandar (13), Aleksandra (10), Ljubica (8), Valentina (6), Milica (4) and Nemanja (7 months).
We are often asked what motivates us to devote so much of our time to raising money and delivering help to needy families. In the Republic of Srpska, we received all the motivation we needed. In one single day, we witnessed 32 little smiles full of joy and hope. We know that there are many, many more Serbian children we have yet to reach. They too, are looking for a reason to smile. With your support, we will reach them.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013
SFS EASTER ACTION IN KRAJINA
Serbs for Serbs with family Mraovic Nikola Zimonja, the youngest member of Zimonja family Members of the Charity organization SERBS for SERBS visited twelve families from Kordun and Dalmacija at the end of May. We visited a total of 37 children of various ages, and pledged financial assistance of 7,620 Euros to help them in improving their quality of life.
While the older children were at school, we spent our time visiting with Nikola and his parents. We allocated 700 EUR for this family in order to purchase them a washing machine, refrigerator and six chairs.
In the home with Mraovic family Serbs for Serbs together with Zimonja family The first area we travelled to was in Kordun, visiting villages near Topusko. There we met the sevenmember Zimonja family, consisting of parents Miodrag and Daliborka, grandmother Ljuba, and children Dragana (13), Matija (10), Mirjana (10) and Nikola (1). Very few families with this many members have returned to live in the area. This family, along with most of those we visited in the area, are dependent on social assistance and child benefits for their survival.
We visited next with the seven-member Mraovic family. Miodrag and Zorica, along with their children Ljuba (20), Dragana (19), Nada (18), Zoran (17) and Zeljka (6), were one of the first families to return to this area. They, along with other Serbian families in the Topusko area, experience much hostility as unwelcome minorities. They live at the border of their village, close to wild animals. We agreed to get them concrete pillars to provide a secure enclosure to their backyard. As well, we will also deliver to them a wood-burning stove. These expenditures will total 720 EUR.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013
Serbs for Serbs in the home of Opacic family Subsequently, we headed to Dalmacija, and the areas around Knin, Kistanje and Obravac. We are very thankful to the clergy of the Dalmatian Diocese and the staff of the seminary at Krka Monastery, who helped us reach those in need.
In Mokro Polje, we visited the Opacic family, who lives in a remote part of the village. Neven and Mira, along with their daughter, Marija (12), live under extremely difficult conditions. Their entire village has problems with water supply, forcing the inhabitants to collect rainwater in cisterns. Simply stated, Neven, Mira and Marija do not have enough money to build a cistern. Serbs for Serbs will be providing them with 900 EUR, so that they too will be able to collect rainwater.
Family Govorusa welcoming Serbs for Serbs On our first day in the area, we visited two families, the first in Padjen, and the other close by in Mokro Polje. The first was the Govorusa family: parents Drazo and Branka, grandfather Petar and children Petar (17), Andjela (14) and Nikola (9). This is another family that has returned to the area and relies on social assistance and the occasional odd job to survive. Their house does not have proper protection at its entrance, and when there is wind and precipitation, both rain and snow easily enter the house. With the 600 EUR we plan to spend on this family, they will be able to buy construction materials to better protect the entrance of their home.
With Buncic family in front of their home On the second day of our travels, car troubles made our trip to the Buncic family a little more of a challenge than we had expected. Because of lost time with our vehicle, our visit with the parents Zeljko and Vanja, and children Milos (10) and Dragana (16) was cut short. We promised to purchase for them a sow, which will cost 300 EUR.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013 Waiting for us in Obrovac were friends of Serbs for Serbs, who first alerted us to those in the area who were in desperate need of our help. They were our guides for this leg of our trip.
Predrag Marinkovic in the home of Tisma family The last family we visited on that second day was the six-member Tisma family. We had visited them the same time last year, providing them with construction material for panels to install in three rooms. With that project complete, more money is now needed to construct a roof to cover the panels.
The youngest members of Baljak family with SFS We first visited the eight-member Baljak family, a family we had already visited last year, and for whom we had purchased a cow and a calf. This time, we agreed to buy them a refrigerator/freezer that will cost 400 EUR.
We agreed to help them finance the purchase of additional construction material for this new project. We offered to give them 700 EUR, enough money to finance one third of the project.
Marija Buljevic and her mother Slobodanka
Serbian church in Obrovac As we continued to be plagued by car problems, our group was split into two teams. One group stayed behind to deal with the auto issues and visit the remaining families in Kistanje, while the other group headed to Obrovac.
Moving on to the area by the Zrmanja River, we met with the Buljevic family. This young married couple, Ljubo and Slobodanka, and their two children Dragana (5) and Marija (1) gave us a warm welcome. Their only annual income comes from the rental of kayaks to tourists during the summer months. We agreed to make a purchase of a freezer, and a three-seater sofa for this family, at a cost of 450 EUR.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013 The other members of our Serbs for Serbs team visited the Dragas family in Kistanje. The parents Aleksandar and Magdalena live with their children Viktor (12) and Iris (4). The Dragas family raises cattle and needs material to finish building a barn. This will come at a cost of 700 EUR.
Dajana and Nikolina Ljubicic from Krupa in their home The future barn for family business Our final visit in the area was to the four-member Ljubicic family from the village Krupa, near the wellknown Krupa monastery. This family is experiencing hard times, as the mother, Jela, struggles with mental illness. The father, Novak, tries to keep things together for his daughters Dajana (11) and Nikolina (5) and to help them deal with the stresses of their situation. Before we left, we agreed to purchase a three seater sofa and window for the living room. The cost for these items will be 350 EUR.
Part of the Bjelanovic home builded by the Serbs for Serbs donation One of our last scheduled visits was with the Bjelanovic family. On our previous visit to this family, we helped them purchase material for the construction of two rooms, so that the parents Nedjo and Milena could have more room to live with their three children who are all minors.
Serbs for Serbs with Dragas family in Kistanje
The family welcomed us with lunch, in appreciation for our help to finance the construction. We decided to provide them with an additional 800 EUR to build a roof over these two rooms.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
New room for the youngest Bjelanovic kids The last family we were able to help was with the Ognjenovic family. We had met the parents, Radovan and Ognjena and their daughter, Marina (4), several times before at the Krka Monastery. Although we never had the opportunity to visit them in their home, we knew of their need to build a small room and a bathroom, so that they could move into a home of their own. The amount of 1,000 EUR was pledged to help them buy necessary material for construction.
Ognjenovic kids playing in their home This marked the end of our Easter action in Krajina. In addition to our charitable activities, we had a little time to enjoy a dinner with the Vujasinovic and Trazivuk families who wanted to thank us for the construction material we provided them with during our earlier Christmas action. While in the area, we also visited the monasteries of Krka and the Assumption of the Theotokos in Dalj, near Vukovar. We also visited the home of Gavrilo Princip near Bosansko Grahovo.
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Milos Markovic in front of monastery Ocestvo Our Serbian people in Krajina live in dire conditions. They face daily discrimination to constantly remind them they are not welcome. To make matters worse, they have been neglected by Serbia. This internal division among Serbs, this refusal to help one another, is making it harder for Serbs to remain in an area which has been their home for centuries.
Serbs for Serbs is the only group from Serbia reaching out to those who have returned to live in the Krajina area. You cannot imagine what it means to our Serbs in Krajina to know that there are those who still care about their welfare. We are asking everyone who reads this article to spread the word about the daily struggles of our people. Politicians, former residents of Krajina, companies, individuals, please hear our appeal on behalf of Krajina Serbs. They will not make it without your help. Please help them directly, or through our charitable organization, Serbs for Serbs. We will continue to reach out to the most desperate returnee families. We urge you all to do the same.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013
EASTER ACTION IN OLD SERBIA
Serbs for Serbs spending some time with Perovic family in their home SFS with family Perovic Members of Serbs for Serbs charity organization from Belgrade, Kumanovo and Skoplje, came together at the end of May, to launch our Easter action in support of Serbian families in Old Serbia-Macedonia. A land where Serbs were once the majority, and the Serbian Orthodox Church was the mother church, has drastically changed. Serbs are now a minority, and cut off from any support from Serbia. Serbs for Serbs, over the last several years, has given ongoing support to some of the remaining Serbian families in Macedonia. This time we visited three Serbian families: the Perovic, Guskin and Bravo.
He began construction of his home, bought a tractor and provided the basic necessities of life for his children. But once the factory closed, and he was left unemployed, the family fell on hard times. Further construction of the home stopped. They were forced to sell their cow, but this was not enough to provide for daily expenses. The needs of this family are great: construction material to complete construction of their home, school supplies, clothing and footwear, cattle, pigs and goats. They also have to repay a loan of 5,000 EUR taken out to purchase the tractor. Although Serbs for Serbs cannot meet all their needs, we promised to provide them some financial assistance.
Serbian church "Vaznesenje" under control of Macedonian church The first two families we visited live in the predominantly Serbian village, Kuceviste, near Skoplje. The first family, the Perovics, has four children: Anastasija (7), Svetlana (3), Petar (6) and Kristijan (9 months). The parents are Srecko and Ljiljana Perovic. Srecko used to work in a local factory and was able to support his family.
Family Guskin and Serbs for Serbs in front of their home in Kuceviste The second family we visited in Kuceviste, was the family of Zlatko and Lenka Guskin. They have three children, Nikola (15), Aleksandar (13) and Ivan (9). The family lives with Zlatko’s brother.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June Zlatko is a railroad conductor, and his salary is sufficient to meet the basic needs of his family. Even though the Guskin brothers live together, there is no bathroom, refrigerator or freezer in the home. But the biggest challenge for Zlatko’s family is getting medical help for Lenka, who has been battling a tumor for the past several years. The doctors in Skoplje do not have the means or the desire to help her, and have told her to seek help in Belgrade.
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013 the children are harassed by both their teachers and fellow students. An additional struggle for this family is finding enough money to pay their monthly rent and utility bills. Serbs for Serbs helped the Bravo family pay their utility bills so that water and electrical service will not be suspended.
Serbs for Serbs visited monument Zebrnjak The cost of travel, examination, treatment and surgery are more than the family can afford. Serbs for Serbs will try to provide medical assistance for Lenka with help from friends of our organization. As well, we will try to once again, through the organization “Nasa Srbija”, invite the children to Serbian summer camps, where they can interact with their Serbian peers.
Before we headed back to our homes, we visited the monument in Zebrnjak, near Kumanovo, dedicated to the liberation of Old Serbia from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. The remains of Serbian soldiers who died in battle are kept in the complex around the monument. This monument, which was attacked in 1941 and was further neglected over the years, was only restored during the 100th anniversary of the battle that ended Ottoman rule, that is, November 2012.
Bravo family and Serbs for Serbs in Skoplje Our final visit was to the family of Father Simeon and his wife Angelina Bravo. Together they have five children: Jovan (19), Marija (16), Ana (14), Grigorije (12) and Teofanija (10). Father Simeon is a priest of the Serbian Orthodox Church – Archdiocese of Ohrid – which basically functions in Macedonia today as it once did in the first centuries of Christianity. That is, instead of worshipping in catacombs of yesteryear, Serbs are now using apartments as churches, and homes as monasteries. As minority Serbian Orthodox Christians, the family experiences daily discrimination. In school,
Serbians in Macedonia are under attack, as is our Serbian Orthodox Church. It is our hope that as we draw attention to this situation, individuals and charitable organizations will step forward to offer assistance. This report covers just the first part of our Easter action as more work is to be done in the following months. Thanks to the members of the Kumanovo and Skoplje branches of Serbs for Serbs for their help and hospitality.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June SERBIAN NETWORK HOSTS PALACINKA PARTY IN CANADA
Serbian Network is a non-profit group, started in 2013, by a couple of young, Canadian Serbs. Based in Toronto, the group's goal is to provide all fellow Serbs with new ways to connect with one another through both social events and charitable work. On Sunday June 9th, immediately following holy liturgy, Serbian Network threw a Palacinka Party, with all proceeds from palacinka sales going to the Charity organization Serbs for Serbs - Srbi za Srbe. Serbian Network reached out to both the young and old in the Serbian community, and they responded enthusiastically by filling the Mississauga Serbian Centre. By the time the last palacinka was sold, Serbian Network had raised $3600.00 for Srbi za Srbe.
Serbian Network received much help for this event, and wants to recognize all those who showed up as early as 8:00 a.m. to get the work started. Dragica Grubic, President of the Serbian Sisters, was instrumental in helping them navigate their way around the kitchen. They want to acknowledge the tremendous support of their ‘leads’, Angelina Racic and Lidija Borojevic, as well as Olga Lukich and Mira Brkic.
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013 Furthermore, they would like to acknowledge the hard work of their friends and volunteers, Marko Mladjen, Dejan Petkovic, Nikola Lukich, Jovana Markovic, Lola Govedarica, Branko Vidovic, Kathy Bucan, Rose Devli, Macha Mavrak, Danila Mrvaljevic, Aleksa Brkic, Nemanja Pjanic and Helen Keser.
"When Serbs come together as a group, much can be achieved," say Serbian Network's founders Brian Mitchell and Jovan Brkic. "The $3600.00 we will be transferring to Srbi za Srbe will let our people back home know we have not forgotten about them. Let's stay connected; let's continue networking." Serbian Network has decided to direct their donation to the Pecirep Family, which is in desperate need of a home to live in. In addition to $4500.00 raised earlier in the year by Canadian Serbs, for this widow and her four children in Visegrad, Republika Srpska, Srbi za Srbe is now able to finally purchase them a home.
Serbian Network thanks everyone for their support in this fundraising initiative. Serbian Network is open to everyone. If you're looking to network, socialize, or find ways to give back to the community, this is the group for you. Keep following Serbian Network on Facebook and stay tuned for news on our next event! You can also e-mail SN: serbiannetwork@gmail.com.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013
A COW FOR THE GOJKOVIC FAMILY
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs donated a cow to the thirteen-member Gojkovic family from the village Dudovica near Lazarevac. The family consists of father Zoran, mother Mladenka and children: Maja (26, married), Stefan (19), Jovan (17), Nikola (15), Jovana (11), Mihajlo (9), Milica (8), Milan (6), Dimitrije (4), Aleksandar (3) and Dusan (2). The cow was bought from Milovan Perisic for 115.000 dinars.
Serbs for Serbs will try to donate material for the construction of a second floor addition to the family house, to provide the younger children with more living space. Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013
"TROJKA IZ BLOKA" KG GREAT SUCCESS!
The charity organization Serbs for Serbs hosted a charity tournament, "Trojka iz bloka" in Kragujevac, on Sunday, June 16. The tournament was a success, as over 80 participants showed up at the Gordana Goca Bogojevic hall in Sumarice to compete in the event. In the end, Milomir Rajovic was awarded the championship trophy, while Luka Todorovic and Milan Ilic finished as runners-up. A big thank you to our generous supporters, the Mama Zaga and Aga Pasta Away companies, who prepared food for both the participants and guests. We would also like to acknowledge the support of SC Sumarice, VC Radnicki and Net computers. The total of 28.500 dinars was raised at this event.
The winner of "Trojka iz bloka" Kragujevac Milomir Rajovic
Finalists of "Trojka iz bloka" Kragujevac
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013
BATHROOM FOR THE DIMITRIJEVIC FAMILY
Another family that is receiving a bathroom thanks to the successful “Trojka iz bloka� fundraiser is the Dimitrijevic family. Serbs for Serbs hopes to have construction of this bathroom completed by the end of the month. A total of 212,283 dinars has been allocated towards this project.
Installing a bathroom in the Dimitrijevic home was a challenge as they had no running water. We took care of this by installing a water pump. Another area where this family needs help is with the restoration of a stable that collapsed in 2003. With no money available, the oldest son, Predrag, cannot rebuild it.
Serbs for Serbs reaches out to large Serbian families who are in dire need of help. Children are our future. We must take care of them before it is too late.
Mladjen and Jovanka Dimitrijevic have ten children: Predrag (26), Jovanka (25), Bozidar (23), Darko (20), Vesna (19..married), Bojana (18), Snezana (17), Slavica (14), Borivoje (13) and Novica (6). The very little income this family receives comes from the seasonal work Predrag does at the local mill. The child assistance benefits they have relied on have been significantly reduced as only children under the age of 18 qualify. Money now only comes in for Snezana, Slavica, Borivoje and Novica. Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013
SERBS FOR SERBS IN HERCEGOVINA
In conversation with Stevanovics Milan recently lost his job, and the family’s only regular income is the disability benefit Nikolina receives. We offered to help this family by purchasing them an electric stove, and as more funds become available in the future, we will buy them several sows. Mladen Matijasevic with youngest Babics The charitable organization Serbs for Serbs recently visited Hercegovina. Our only visit to this area was in early 2011, when we purchased a tractor for the Ekmecic family. With the help of the Mostar Dobrotovor Charitable Association, and the ZahumskoHercegovina Diocese, we identified three families in need of our help. We pledged 3,000 Euros to help them with some much needed purchases. Family Pudar with Serbs for Serbs After Rastan we headed to the village of Bun, where we met the seven member Pudar family. The Pudars are a hard-working family, who is doing better than most families in the area. We determined that this family was not in need of our help. They are currently building an addition to their home. They also raise goats on their farm.
SFS with family Stevanovic in village Rastani After receiving a warm welcome in Mostar, we headed to Rastani, to visit the Stevanovic family. There we met Milan and Jelena and their two children, Nebojsa (19) and Nikolina (16). Both children struggle with developmental disabilities and attend a special school that can better meet their needs. Life for this family is difficult. The home they once had was destroyed during the war.
SFS with family Babic in front of their home
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June We next visited the Babic family in Lokve village. Dalibor and Ljubica are raising three children: Andjela (6), Luka (3) and Ognjen (2). This family was one of the first young families to move back to the village in search of a better future. Serbs for Serbs offered to buy the Babics a washing machine. As well, since most of their income comes from farming, we will endeavour to purchase a small tractor for them.
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013 hoping to construct a roof for their home. Our initial offer to the Krunic family was to help in the procurement of construction materials for the roof. However, after further discussion with Srdjan, it was agreed that the purchase of a small, second-hand tractor might be the better way to go. With this purchase, the family will be able to further develop their farm, enabling them to make money for the construction material. As well, it will help provide a steady income.
Serbs for Serbs with family Krunic The last family we visited was the Srdjan Krunic family from the village of Klepci. Like so many villages in Hercegovina, this village experienced much hardship during the twentieth century. The five member Krunic family knows this all too well. In addition to the parents, the family consists of three daughters: Aleksandra (11), Jelena (8) and Sladjana (2).
SFS with family Ekmecic from village Prebilovci At the beginning of this article we made reference to the Ekmecic family from Prebilovci whom we helped a couple of years ago. This hard working family is doing well, and the tractor we purchased them remains in excellent condition. Bojan, the oldest of the five Ekmecic children, volunteered to help us reach needy families in the area and to get them assistance. Serbs for Serbs goal is to encourage more and more people to join us in the work that we do. Bojan heard our message and we very much appreciate his support. Wherever we go, we make every effort to visit our churches and monasteries. In the villages we visited in Hercegovina we met with the local clergy and added a new member to our charitable organization, the Dobrotvor Charity Association. We visited the Zitomislic monastery and were in Mostar for the slava of the Holy Trinity Cathedral. There we were the honorary guests of His Grace Grigorije, the Bishop of ZahumskoHercegovina and Coastal Diocese.
Sladjana, Aleksandra and Jelena Krunic The mother is expecting, and soon a fourth child will join the family. The father, Srdjan, has long been
The financial help we pledged to these families in Hercegovina is modest. But, it is a start, and we hope that each year we can give more and do more for the needy families there.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013
624 YEARS SINCE THE BATTLE ON KOSOVO AND METOHIJA
Representatives and friends of the Charity organization Serbs for Serbs from Belgrade visited Kosovo and Metohija in the scope of memory to the 624 years of the Battle on Kosovo in 1389. The Serbian Orthodox Church on Vidovdan is celebrating St. Prince Lazar and the Kosovo heroes on the liturgy in Gracanica monastery, after which it remembers the killed Serbian soldiers on Gazimestan. Serbs for Serbs are attending this ceremony for the past six years.
NO SURRENDER! KOSOVO AND METOHIJA IS SERBIA!
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DONATION OF TILE ADHESIVE FOR SERBS FOR SERBS
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs received a generous donation from the Serbian company - JUB. The donation of 700 kg of tile adhesive will greatly support our effort to provide struggling Serbian families with proper bathrooms. This action is all part of our „Trojka iz bloka“ fundraiser toward the construction of 10 bathrooms. Thank you JUB for your support!
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013
Donors in June: 1. Compass Fuel donation box (IL) - $ 23 2. Balkan Bakery donation box (IL) - $ 15 3. Sandy's Bakery donation box (IL) - $ 15 4. Beograd Café donation box (IL) - $ 28 5. Dani's Deli donation box (IL) - $ 70 6. St. Nikola, Brookfield d.box (IL) - $ 25 7. www.cikaskisrbi.com - $ 25 8. Dan Kovacevic (IL) - $ 25 9. Sanja Terzic (AZ) - $ 25 10. Eurodex Components INC (IL) - $ 500 (Sponsor of "Trojka iz bloka Cikago" ) 11. Dani's Deli (IL) - $ 100 (Sponsor of "Trojka iz bloka Cikago" ) 12. Ladybug Book Caffe (IL) - $ 203 (Sponsor of "Trojka iz bloka Cikago" ) 13. Slavko Gajic (AZ) - $ 100 (Participants of Trojka iz bloka Cikago) 14. TROJKA IZ BLOKA CIKAGO - $ 2,280 15. Tihomir Bajic (CAN) - $ 100 16. Milan Dobras (AZ) - $ 15 17. Slav Karach (GA) - $ 25 18. Ivan Aksentijevic (MD) - $ 25 19. Milan Dakic AT&T - $ 4.20 20. Zoran Golubovic AT&T - $ 26.80 21. Marko Popovic AT&T - $ 12 22. Aleksandra Knezevic AT&T - $ 2.08 23. Anonymous AT&T - $ 40 24. Ivan Radulovic (NY) - $ 25 25. Bojan Alexia Stupar (IL) - $ 30 26. Nikolina Burilo - $ 15 27. Dragana W. - $ 40 28. Aleksandar Micic (MO) - $ 15 29. Irena Gumbert (CA) - $ 25 30. Serbian Network Toronto (CAN) - $ 3.600 CAD 31. Делије Њујорк (РА) - $ 19 32. Radmila Avlijas (CAN) - $ 15 33. Bosko Djurisic - $ 10 (facebook) 34. Aleksandar Zivanovic (NV) - $ 25 35. Aleksandar Jaksic (IL) - $ 504 (Microsoft) 36. Danko Panic - $ 12.48 (Microsoft) 37. Ricky Hernandez (IL) - $ 30 38. B. Bojanic (CA) - $ 15 39. Maja Kisa (Valley of the sun United Way) - $ 50 40. Predrag Kisa (Valley of the sun United Way) - $ 50
41. D. i N. (CAN) - $ 10 42. Jovica Vukadin (CAN) - $ 25 43. Dragisa Djordjevic (MD) - $ 15 44. Marta Stojanovic (CAN) - $ 25 45. Nina and Maksim Krsmanovic (NY) - $ 50 46. Tanja Josipovic - $ 25 47. Srdjan Markovic (CA) - $ 25 48. Ankica D. (NJ) - $ 25 49. Serbosi (CAN) - $ 330 50. Sinisa Peric (MD) - $ 25 51. The Firm 1989 International- $21 CAD 52. Dalibor Karabatak (CAN) - $ 50 ______________________ TOTAL IN JUNE: $ 8.713
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013
Donations in 2013. 10000 $ 9000 $ 8000 $ 7000 $ 6000 $ 5000 $ 4000 $ 3000 $ 2000 $ 1000 $ $
Number of donors in 2013. 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report for June
www.serbsforserbs.org 2013
www.serbsforserbs.org szsamerika@gmail.com
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.serbsforserbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS