Charitable Bucharest
Like in any country, there are many worthy charities in Romania and in Bucharest.  In this feature we aim to profile a few of the charities that work here and offer opportunities for you to give your time or resources to help others.
Most charities would welcome any monetary donations or fundraising event that you are willing to organise and many would also welcome donations of clothing, toys or larger household items such as washing machines and furniture.
Light into Europe
Light into Europe works to support blind and partially sighted children and young people in Romania to be active and accepted members of society. As well as raising awareness of the issues people face and providing equipment and training to young people, they run the only Guide Dog school in Romania.
You can support Light into Europes work through volunteering to support a family, or their Guide Dogs scheme. Puppy walkers are often needed and businesses can help by committing to employ or train a young person with a visual impairment. Light into Europe hold a number of major charity events throughout the year, including the very popular Bonfire Night in early November.
Second Chance
Second Chance aims to improve the everyday life of the community of Bercini. They have a network of volunteers in Romania and abroad and their activities include fundraising and running community projects. Their current project is to build a community sports facility, other projects include supporting the schools in the district, integration of seniors, donations of toys and household items. One ongoing scheme is creating mosaic items for the home; this is a skill that is given to the people of Bercini in the project and the items they made are then sold.
You can support Second Chance through donations or volunteering in the community, or through making purchases from one of their stalls selling mosaic items (there is one located in Jolie Ville). It is possible to organise mosaic making workshops if you would like to participate and make your own items.
Casa Ioana
Casa Ioana is dedicated to working with women and children experiencing domestic violence and family homelessness. They run two shelters in the city and an extensive support programme for the women, and families, that they are working with.
You can support Casa Ioana through financial donations and they are always seeking material donations for the families that they support, such as clothing, toys, household items (including bedding and washing machines).