Tsvetan Simeonov: The time has come to show more compassion

 
BCCI as a permanent partner of the Bulgarian Red Cross (BRC) supports the fundraising campaign for the victims of the earthquake in Pernik. Tsvetan Simeonov participated in a joint press conference during which the start of the new campaign was announced. According to the Bulgarian Red Cross, BGN 170 000 have been raised so far. 8 507 requests for assistance were submitted to Municipality Pernik, and almost 12 000 applications for one-time aid of BGN 325 were lodged in the Agency for Social Assistance (with the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy). The Agency granted one-time aid of BGN 325 in response to 6 078 application, amounting to a total of BGN 1 950 000. 

Tsvetan Simeonov said that BCCI believe that the time has come, after many years of opposition since the beginning of our country’s transition to market economy, to show more compassion because this is the only way for a society to be united in times of trial. Bulgaria has provided many examples in the past - people were united and were looking after each other and helping one another. The earthquake which left many people homeless is a suitable moment to unite. We hope that when the winter comes no people will be left on the street. That is why we are here and turn to our members. We will address our members using our communication channels, but we also want to use the opportunity which today’s press conference provides. First of all, we ask our colleagues from the other NGOs to encourage their members to sacrifice something in the name of the victims. Undoubtedly, the Red Cross, the Regional Governor and Municipal administration will create the suitable organization for the proper allocation of the funds. It will not be difficult to provide wider support. 

More than 5000 companies with good profit are included in this year’s classification of BCCI. There are also many companies not included in the list that work and earn well. Assuming that 10 000 companies in Bulgaria donate BGN 200 each (a purely symbolic sum for them) we will raise BGN 2 million, which according to the estimates by the local and state authorities will help those that are most in need to receive a roof over their head and any other aid. 

I would like to once again remind people that the help doesn’t necessarily need to be financial – this is only the easiest way for the citizens to show their compassion. But companies which have construction materials or produce and trade in such materials may also help. We hope that the local authorities will organize the collection of the materials when someone decides to donate those. There won’t be any organizational obstacles even for the smallest companies trading in household electrical appliances for example, that wish to donate simple stoves which people can use to cook in the winter, or in short – even the cheapest of things can help secure the necessary existential minimum of people. 

I must point out that the period of the campaign is very, short therefore we all rely that decision is immediately taken as to who will participate, with what and how. It is difficult to give advice on the matter, but I think it is best for the local authorities to come up with an organization could operate on a voluntary basis – for people who would like to volunteer for cleaning up and repairing the damages, as well as during the construction works. 

I would like once again to invite anyone who could participate to do what’s needed – we know that when many companies and many people decide, this helps reduce the burden on society. As far as BCCI is concerned – we like to and try to look a little further into the future and would like to propose the Consultative Council for Disasters and Crises with the Council of Ministers to come up with and adopt the respective measures in order to introduce better procedures for the insurance of real property, because, naturally no one would like for earthquakes to happen, but unfortunately they happen every day and probably there will be more of these coming. We suggest that a standard scheme for low-interest or interest-free loans is developed to assist companies and individuals who work and therefore have regular income and can afford to make regular payments. Therefore, we should not only have empathy, but also show the people that they can be calm because the state and society have a clear scheme. 

This is also necessary, because we have been informed that a lot of people are seriously stressed out by the disaster and need psychological help. This is quire normal and is a result of the insecurity and uncertainty of their future. Those are people who worry and expect to be exposed to the elements – cold, hunger, etc., which can be prevented as long as society shows the necessary compassion. 

12.09.2012