Social Welfare Home Donations’ Collection at the National Assembly of ESN Poland

Gathered for the December National Assembly in Cracow, ESN Poland not only discussed key topics for the Network but also addressed an important cause—helping others. Participants of the NA in Cracow had the opportunity to contribute to a donation collection for the Social Welfare Home in Nowa Huta, which cares for 45 elderly residents, 4 cats and numerous plants. Through the “Święty Mikołaj dla Seniora” Foundation, we learned about their need for material support ahead of Christmas. Organised by the Social Impact Coordinator with the help of the Organising Committee and the National Board, we managed to collect over 160 gifts for the elderly residents.

The residents’ needs were simple objects such as arts & crafts materials (mainly crayons, paints, colourful paper for making decorations for their home), toys and food for their cats, as well as new pots for the plants. We managed to cover items from all the categories they asked for and deliver them to their house to witness bright smiles and a ton of gratitude. Our volunteers could experience how it feels to do some good during our national meetings, as well as spread the spirit of the holidays with those in need.

We believe that this initiative shone bright at our meeting and helped the residents of the social welfare home feel truly special. Once volunteers from the local section hosting the NA brought the items to the elderly residents, they were even invited to their nativity play! We believe that these gifts were not only a source of true joy for the residents but also a generational bridge between our Erasmus Generation and those around us.