RECEPTION FOR PARTICIPANTS OF HUMANITARIAN PROGRAM “GOOD DEEDS ARE ALWAYS IN FASHION” AT THE WHITE PALACE

Belgrade, 12 February 2003 – TRH Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine organized a reception for the donors, participants in the humanitarian program “Good deeds are always in fashion”, that was conducted in cooperation of the Foundation of HRH Crown Princess Katherine and “YUTEF”, at The White Palace tonight.

This program aims at rallying all interested textile, clothes, and shoes manufacturers in our country to aid homes for children without parental care in donations. The idea is to provide clothes for children from one home each month, and it will last throughout the year.

The first donations in the humanitarian program “Good deeds are always in fashion” were delivered to the special children’s ward at the Institute for orthopedics and surgery in Belgrade; the Center for protection of newborns and children in Zvecanska street; Homes for children without parental care: “Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj”, “Drinka Pavlovic” and “Mosa Pijade”; the Arambasic family with fourteen children. Part of the donations was delivered at the Christmas reception at The White Palace, for 1,200 refugee children and children without parental care from all over Serbia.

Seventy three textile and food companies are included in this program.

Welcoming his guests tonight, Crown Prince Alexander II said:

“My wife and I are very happy and pleased to see the program “Good deeds are always in fashion” having such great interest of the public, and for being able to give new clothes to the Homes for children without parental care throughout Serbia each month”.

Crown Prince Alexander II particularly thanked the donors who by taking part in this humanitarian program made it possible for the children form the Homes remember this Christmas as one of the most beautiful in their lives.

The present guests were also addressed by Princess Katherine who, showing her emotions, said: “My husband Crown Prince Alexander and I have been working for over ten years to bring the needed aid to our people, regardless of where they are : throughout Serbia, in Kosovo or Republika Srpska.

Today is the great day for me, because for the first time I can say to people abroad – here is where our people are! The international donors have been sending help asking themselves why aren’t there local people among the donors. I can see your aid today, the aid you directed to my Foundation and our people and I thank you very much for that”.

These sincere words of Their Royal Highnesses were greeted with a warm applause by the guests and reporters, and then followed a cocktail party.