The Tvrďák race in Košice. (source: Courtesy of Dobrakrajina.sk)
The latter is one of goals of the website Dobrá krajina or Great Country, which launched its new English version in May, fittingly made possible by volunteers.
“If you do care about Slovakia and want to help change our country to the better, language should not be an obstacle,” said Lenka Surotchak, director of the Pontis Foundation. “That is why we work with a team of volunteer translators, who help us connect people who want to help with verified non-profit organisations also in English.”
The Pontis Foundation launched Dobrakrajina.sk website back in 2009 to help donators to select trustworthy projects, avoid being tricked in charitable collections and check usage of donated money. As it sees development of individual donorship as its aim, its mission is to connect generous donors with trusted projects changing this country to a better one. Each year, they select and verify about 50 non-profit projects that use donations in a fair manner and are helping to change Slovakia.
“At Dobrakrajina.sk we select projects aimed at strategic solutions of specific social issues, or which help the environment they live in,” said Surotchak.
In case of extraordinary events, Dobrakrajina.sk also supports collections outside Slovakia. it A good example is the current neighbourly help to Ukraine.
“There are many refugee families and our aim is to help at least those, who seek shelter and aid in the western region of Zakarpattia Oblast,” said Surotchak.
Other projects include the recent Restaurant Day, during which organisations from Dobrá Krajina who work with people in need and disabled children, or renovations of public places that help bring neighbours together. At the Tvrďák race in Košice, in which its participants decide to overcome natural and artificial obstacles in order to help their disabled friends, socially disadvantaged families and abandoned animals.
