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The gift of kindness - holiday spirit brought to those who need it the most
Published: 24 December, 2009, 20:19
Edited: 25 February, 2010, 01:03
TAGS: Russia, Holiday, Prime Time Russia
Christmas and New Year come to every home, and whether you’re a billionaire or an orphan, gifts should be under everyone’s Xmas tree and make them smile.
Some people in Moscow make the festive cheer free for thousands of refugees, homeless and orphans and try to make them believe in miracles.
This year the Ethiopian Embassy in the Russian capital became a place where a little winter wonderland was set up.
Dr. Gezahgn Wordofa, general director of the Opora aid organization for refugees, believes that the event will not only be a celebration of Christmas for the distressed, but also a possibility for them to get clothes and shoes for free.
Opora works together with embassies, churches and hospitals. Every donation goes directly to those who need it.
“I came from Afghanistan with my family of seven children and life is hard,” said one man. “We received gifts from this organization and it really helps.”
Venera Bensen, who volunteers for Opora, came to Russia 10 years ago from West Africa.
“My parents sent me here to study but then our homes were destroyed,” she said. “I’ve been waiting years for government help and I became a mother. I can’t go back – this is my home now.”
After the crisis crunch, even the United Nations cut back its support programs. Projects like Opora do everything for these people without government help. They rely only on individual charity.
“We find jobs, houses for them,” Wordofa. “Now we need more helpful people.”
24.12.2009, 20:07
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I not only enjoyed this article but appreciated learning more about the good work of Dr. Wordofa and the Opora project. Kindness and generosity is being extended to those in need to help ease their burden. Moscow will bear the fruit of these charitable acts.
Thank you Dr. Wordofa and OPORA for your amazing work. These type of activities are needed everywhere in the world and Moscow/Russia is lucky to have a person like Dr. Wordofa working there. Your actions have made a huge impact in the lives of many people. Articles like this are appreciated as they show the good in people, inspire people and remind us what is truly important. Thank you Russia Today.
I would like to congratulate Dr. Wordofa for his tremendous work in Russia with refugees, kids and people in need. I know him personaly and I consider his work essential.