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, President of BCCI, 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 in response to 6 078 application, amounting to a total of BGN 1 950 000.
Tsvetan Simeonov stressed the Chamber’s position 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 to show compassion for the victims”, Simeonov said and added: „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.”
The Chamber urged that not only money is donated, but construction materials and household appliances as well.
The three mobile operators activated short number 1255 for donations with text messages. During the presentation of the new campaign, it was reminded that recently the Ministry of Finance has agreed to exempt from VAT donations made with text message.
The bank account to raise funds for the victims of the earthquake in Pernik Region is as follows:
UNICREDIT BULBANK AD
BG49UNCR70001519722244 UNCRBGSF
