SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

It is a case of enthusiasm, trust and solidarity of individuals coming together to create something truly beautiful.

»By a strange coincidence, I once met a mum with a baby boy who was going through a very difficult time in her life. She was living with her abusive father, and she was also caring for a young child of about five or six years old. The difficult situation at home left her looking for a way out and hope for a better life. Among other things, she posted on social media that she was looking for an apartment in Celje because she wanted to get away from the dangerous environment and create a safer home for her son.

Her story and publication spoke to me, and I contacted her after we met. She shared her story and told me about the difficulties she was facing. When I asked her what she needed most, she told me that she and her son lacked almost everything; from basic necessities to clothes. Her little son really wanted a bicycle, but she had no money for one. They also needed a television and other everyday things.

That's when I decided to take action. I posted a plea for help in one of the Facebook groups and started collecting clothes, supplies and other items for her and her son. I also made several trips out of my town to collect as many things as I could that they needed. I was pleasantly surprised that so many people responded to my request.

Particularly touching was the willingness to help shown by the tattoo studio. The latter is run by a husband and wife team. They organised a charity day and donated all the proceeds to this mother and her child. The response from people who knew what their money would be used for was very touching, and everyone took part in supporting this noble cause. Without their heart and enthusiasm, the story itself would not have had such weight. They are remarkable people with their hearts and souls in the right place. They trusted me completely that the money would get into the right hands and they raised a really nice sum.

In addition to money, people collected a lot of clothes, supplies and other items during this time. When everything was ready, we went together to Celje and personally handed over the collected items to the mother and her son. We met them in their new flat. The husband and wife from the thief studio met mum and son then. The fact that they started collecting money and supplies before they even knew who they were for makes their act all the more precious. They helped two complete strangers, guided only by the goodness of their hearts. 

I don't know how their story continued or what their current life path is, but this experience will always be etched in my heart. It reminded me that there are still many good people out there and that together, if we stand side by side, we can change someone's life or at least make a difficult time a little easier...« 

Senta, who initiated the campaign, concluded by telling the story.

Andreja Bakšič Grozdina, 4. 1. 2026