Moldovans urged to donate to orphanages and boarding schools

The “Emalona” charity will soon launch a SMS-based fundraising campaign for orphanages, child placement centers and institutions providing care to disabled children in Moldova, Info-Prim Neo reports. The fundraisers have told a news conference on Tuesday the campaign will start on May 10 and will run for one year. Those willing to get involved will be able to do so by sending short mobile messages charged at $1 each. The motto of the drive called “Solecito” is “Your Message Can Save Lives”. The collected money will be mainly used to buy construction material to repair the establishments in question, said Cezara Cornienco, chair of the organization's administration board. Another part of the money will go to purchase teaching stuff and medical equipment. The president of the association, Vitalie Botnari, added that the official website of the organization - www.emalona.narod.ru - will feature a tracker of the sent messages. The number to which the messages should be sent will be specified in several days. The first beneficiaries of the Solecito Project will be the boarding school for disabled children “Humanitas” in Chisinau and the Milestii Mici-based association of invalids “Viitorul Milestenilor”. The Emalona charity has been working to help children from underprivileged families, children with disabilities and other persons in need since August 2002. The organization also provides free psychological counseling, medical and legal assistance.