DONATIONS TO CLINICAL CENTRE IN NIS

EXHIBITION IN AID OF THE HOME FOR MENTALLY CHALLENGED “KULINE” OPENS

Belgrade, 5 September 2003 – TRH Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Prince Katherine visited Nis today, where they delivered two mobile incubators and surgical gloves to the Clinical Centre, and Crown Princess Katherine opened charity exhibition of paintings in aid of the Home for Mentally Challenged, which Their Royal Highnesses later visited and donated clothes and shoes.

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess accompanied by Dr. Elaine Laycock, the medical director of the “Lifeline” humanitarian organization from London, under patronage of HRH Crown Princess Katherine, were warmly welcomed by the Mayor of Nis Mr. Goran Ciric.

Upon delivery of the two mobile incubators and surgical gloves at the Clinical Centre, Princess Katherine said: “I hope this donation will help you, together with your knowledge and expertise, in better treatment of your patients”, and added: “Children are my life and I wish them to live in a country that will be a part of Europe”.

“Nis proclaimed 2003 the year of children, and in joint activities we should all help them, even if it is to one child only, and Their Royal Highnesses show with this donation they care for children Our children will remember that”, said the Mayor of Nis Mr. Ciric.

The fact that Their Royal Highnesses have always come to Nis with up-to-date medical equipment, and helped those who depend on humanitarian aid, was once again confirmed by His Grace Irinej, Bishop of Nis.

Then Their Royal Highnesses went to the Home of the Army of Serbia and Montenegro where Crown Princess Katherine opened the exhibition of paintings by 11 artists, in aid of the Home for Mentally Challenged in Kuline, whose general manager Mrs. Malina Miletic thanked to the Crown Princess for her generous help.

Opening the exhibition, Crown Princess Katherine said: “It is my great pleasure to see that one big activity is finalized so successfully, particularly since Kuline were a tragic example that had appalled the world, but also brought together many people of good heart who were willing to help. Among them is by all means the medical director of “Lifeline” humanitarian organization Dr. Laycock who is with us today”. Dr. Laycock has been coming to Nis for the last six years and supports humanitarian activities in Nis.

Continuing the visit Their Royal Highnesses went to the Home for Mentally Challenged in Kuline where they donated toys, clothes and shoes, rallied through cooperation of the Foundation of HRH Crown Princess Katherine and “YUTEF” to the protégés.

The Home in Kuline is one of the largest of the kind in our country, with 560 protégés, age from six months to 60. Princess Katherine visited this institution four years ago when the conditions were very bad. Through mediation of “Lifeline”, under patronage of HRH Crown Princess Katherine, a playground was built, and in the meantime a lot has been renovated and improved. Their Royal Highnesses finished their visit to Nis by playing with the protégés of this Home, and they were also the guests of honor at the birthday party of young Spasoje Nikic.

During the day Their Royal Highnesses will visit Prokuplje where they will deliver a “Yugo Florida” ambulance to the local Health Centre.