Today, on 9 January 2025, Lidl Bulgaria announced the projects that will receive funding within the seventh edition of the largest socially responsible initiative “You and Lidl for Our Tomorrow”. They are 40 in number and will be supported with a total fund of 370 000 BGN.
The approved projects will be implemented by the end of 2025 and aim to reach nearly 2 million people in 20 locations across the country. In 10 of these locations, projects have been funded by the programme for the first time, so the scope of impact continues to grow. Among them are Sandanski, Tryavna, Belashchitsa (Plovdiv Province), Sunny Beach (Burgas Province), Benkovski (Kardzhali Province), Dulgach (Targovishte Province), Ilindentsi (Blagoevgrad Province), Oryakhovitsa, Negushevo (Sofia Province) and Yavorovo (Stara Zagora Province).
(from left to right) Maria Cheresheva, Chairman of the Board of the Association of European Journalists – Bulgaria; Teodora Bakardzhieva, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Donors Forum; Milena Dragiyska, CEO of Lidl
“At the beginning of the year, through this event, we wish the spirit of goodness to conquer more minds and hearts.
We are glad that the example that “You and Lidl for our tomorrow” has been setting for seven years has proved to be contagious for other companies. There is nothing better than multiplying the desire to unite efforts for the realisation of good causes that support and develop communities in Bulgaria”, said Milena Dragiyska, CEO of Lidl Bulgaria.
The projects are divided into five thematic categories:
- #BeLocal – eight projects focus on the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage and local traditions. Among them is a project that will teach children how to preserve the traditions of fruit growing. Another will promote reading at a young age, and a third will tell stories from the old houses of Stara Zagora to reveal the rich history of the town.
- #BeFair – six civic ideas promote social inclusion and support vulnerable groups. These include a project related to providing vocational skills to young people with disabilities through training in culinary arts; a project aiming to provide an opportunity for the integration of one of the most vulnerable groups – unaccompanied refugee children, through the use of photography, etc.
- #BeActive – nine initiatives will promote active lifestyles and civic activism. Among them is an idea to stimulate physical activity of people over 65; a project that will inform middle-aged women about the health risks associated with menopause and improve their lifestyle; an initiative that will provoke civic activism of students in villages in Haskovo municipality.
- #BeGreen – ten projects will promote sustainable environmental practices, recycling and biodiversity conservation. Among them is a project related to the introduction of sustainable reforestation and restoration of eroded hills around villages. Another will focus public attention on issues related to the ecology and biodiversity of the Black Sea.
- #BeVocal – seven media and journalism ideas will develop critical thinking and raise awareness on important public issues. Among them is a project related to the preparation of journalistic materials on the protection of the Black Sea and the environment. Another idea will inform about the need to introduce an independent system of health education among children and adolescents in our country.
In the different categories this year, youth projects that promote volunteering, environmental education and social engagement stand out. These include a project related to the production of towels out of wax as an alternative to plastic packaging; the creation of a platform to provide easy access to information on theatre productions and cultural events, as well as the opportunity to exchange opinions and reviews, among others.
This year, the initiative will also involve a so-called “Detective of Good” who will follow the projects during their implementation and meet the people who make them happen. The role of the “Detective of Good” is entrusted to Georgi Nenov, creator of the podcast “The Superman”.
You can find out more about Lidl Bulgaria’s largest socially responsible programme and see which projects have been approved here.
About “You and Lidl for Our Tomorrow”
Lidl Bulgaria’s largest socially responsible initiative “You and Lidl for a Better Life” has been running since 2017 in partnership with the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation and the Bulgarian Donors Forum. In 2023, the initiative was transformed into “You and Lidl for Our Tomorrow”. The aim is to synchronise it with Lidl Bulgaria’s efforts in the field of sustainable development, as well as to adapt it to the contemporary needs of our society. The Association of European Journalists – Bulgaria joins the initiative as a partner. With the new, seventh edition, the total number of funded civil society ideas will be 195 with a total fund of nearly BGN 1 650 000. These projects have a positive impact in the lives of nearly 3 million Bulgarians. Their impact in local communities continues to grow over time and the number of beneficiaries continues to increase.