On Tuesday, December 17, our community, represented by the Lions Clubs “Sf. Gheorghe,” Lions “Artemis,” Leo “Nidas,” and Leo “Phoenix,” came together to celebrate a special Christmas dedicated to children with special needs from the care system of DGASPC Bacău. It was an event filled with magic, smiles, and emotion, held in a warm and welcoming atmosphere at EMD, where every detail was thoughtfully designed to bring happiness to the little ones.
The celebration began with a warm welcome, surrounded by families, friends, and volunteers who worked hard to turn the children’s dreams into reality. Cheerful music and sparkling decorations created an enchanting setting where joy was ever-present. The children had the opportunity to participate in various activities, including art workshops, interactive games, and special meetings with Santa Claus, who gave them surprise-filled gifts. Their bright smiles and sincere laughter were the perfect embodiment of the Christmas spirit.
This day was not only about fun but also an important moment to show these children just how valuable they are. Their courageous spirits and enthusiastic smiles reminded us of the love and purity they bring into the world. Each child carried with them a unique story, and sharing these moments strengthened our community bonds. Over 200 people, including children and their companions, attended the event.
„I sincerely want to thank everyone who contributed to making this event possible. Every donation, every hour of hard work, and every act of kindness had a profound impact on these children, showing them that they are not alone and that the community supports them. We encourage and will continue to support them ‘to never give up on their dreams.’ In a world that can sometimes seem cold and distant, Tuesday’s event brought the warmth and love that we all need. It was a reminder that the magic of Christmas isn’t found only in gifts, but in the moments spent together, in the support we offer, and in the love we share. We end this day with the hope that these unforgettable moments and the joy of the celebration will extend beyond this day, inspiring us to continue standing by those in need of help and love,” said Bogdan Marin, President of the Lions “Sf. Gheorghe” Club Bacău.
„The idea of organizing this event came from the fact that my husband and I are particularly sensitive to the situation of children in the care system, especially those with special needs. As presidents of Lions volunteer clubs, we decided to bring as much joy and as many surprises as possible to the children during the holiday season, especially at Christmas. In addition to the artistic moments we provided, groups of children from DGASPC also wanted to join in with games, traditions, and customs specific to the season, under the guidance of their foster parents and caregivers. They sang carols, performed ‘Capra,’ and danced dressed as bears. The bears ranged in age from 5 to 50, including girls, boys, and foster parents. A volunteer from the Lions Phoenix youth club perfectly played the role of Santa Claus, surprising both children and adults. Santa was assisted by around 30 elves—other young volunteers who carried sacks full of sweets, gifts, and surprises. We also set up a photo corner where all guests could take printed photos, creating memories to cherish for years to come.
It was a day full of emotion. We saw tearful eyes on the faces of adults and cheerful smiles on the children’s faces. The joy radiating from the children is hard to describe in words. When their names were called by Santa Claus to receive their gifts, their wide eyes and ear-to-ear smiles captured the true magic of Christmas,” emphasized Irina Marin, President of the Lions “Artemis” Club Bacău.
The organizers expressed their gratitude:
- We thank Mr. Sergiu Sechelariu for providing a generous location for this event.
- We thank the company Barleta and Mr. Cornel Enache for providing Christmas-themed gift bags.
- We thank Mrs. Alina Pușcuță from the “Pusculița cu Dulciuri” confectionery, who sent the children delicious and colorful sweets.
- We thank Kinder Fest, a professional children’s party company, which sent two entertainers to delight the children with dances and games.
Special thanks also went to:
- DGASPC Bacău General Director Alexandra Albuț, who enthusiastically supported our initiative to offer an unforgettable experience to children in the care system.
- The staff of DGASPC Bacău, who organized and mobilized 80 children for the event.
- Students and teachers from “Vasile Alecsandri” National College Bacău, under the direct supervision of General Director Adriana Măcincă, also a Lions member, who actively participated in preparing surprises and gifts for all the children.
- Members of the Leo “Phoenix” and Leo “Nidas” youth clubs, where approximately 130 volunteers were involved in face painting, balloon modeling, and helping Santa Claus distribute gifts.
Additionally, close friends of the organizers contributed to the event, including soprano and vocal teacher Andreea Simon, who performed alongside five young carolers from the Sing&Joy group, and Claudia Tamaș, a folk and traditional music singer and graduate of the “George Apostu” National College of Arts Bacău, who sang traditional Christmas carols with the children.
The Lions “Artemis” Bacău and Lions “Sf. Gheorghe” Bacău clubs are also supporting the Adamas Dance School Christmas Show in Buhuși, which will take place on Friday, December 20, featuring approximately 100 children and teenagers.
