EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
First Vice President of the Belarusian National Olympic Committee Viktor Lukashenko and his family took part in the Our Children nationwide charity campaign and visited a foster home in the village of Zaslonovka, Orsha District on 29 December, BelTA has learned.
Svetlana Dashkevich's foster home takes care of eight children aged 5-17. "We were preparing for the visit since morning, the children were looking forward to it. This is the time to exchange congratulations and visits and to expect presents and magic," Svetlana Dashkevich noted.
The children were happy to receive gifts: a printer, bicycles, a self-balancing scooter, a lot of sweets, and other presents from their wish-lists. In return, Viktor Lukashenko's family received hand-made presents from the children. The guests and children had fun together, sang and danced by the Christmas tree.
According to Viktor Lukashenko's wife Lilia, their family traditionally celebrates New Year and Christmas together. "Our children grow up and want to celebrate with their friends. We should accept this, but it is important to hand this tradition down, so that our children uphold it when they have their own families. This is why we always try to spend winter holidays together with our family and friends. This is one of few occasions that bring everyone together," she said.
Viktor and Lilia Lukashenko also believe that it is essential to share joy with those who need it. This is why participation in the Our Children campaign has become another family tradition. "This is important to us. Such visits help reflect on our lives and understand how insignificant our daily problems are in comparison with the hardships that these children faced," Lilia Lukashenko noted. "We are happy to see smiles on the faces of the children and their foster parents and to realize that we can help them with something," Viktor Lukashenko added.
They also shared their opinion about giving and getting presents. "To my mind, giving presents is as joyful as receiving them. Young children like to get presents more so they look forward to winter holidays. As one grows older, it becomes more and more enjoyable to see someone else's reaction to gifts," Lilia Lukashenko believes.
The New Year charity campaign Our Children will be running in Belarus till 10 January.