His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America, at the gala in the National Theater in Belgrade on May 18, 2017, received the prestigious award of the Anna and Vlade Divac Foundation for the furtherance of philanthropy in Serbia.
This award is presented for exceptional endeavors and contributions to the improvement of living conditions for the most imperiled of our fellow citizens, as well as those who are refugees and displaced, those victimized by flooding, as well as for all who are destitute in any way.
“All of his education, knowledge and love, he has dedicated to the service of his people, sacrificially and tirelessly laboring for the gathering of our people in Australia and New Zealand, as well as in America. Our endeavors over many years with Bishop Irinej, and individuals across the Diaspora, has enabled assistance for the many destitute individuals throughout Serbia, and awakened hope in collective and personal benevolence. Thanks to Bishop Irinej, and the prominence and influence that he enjoys, thousands of individuals in the Diaspora have congregated around the timeless values of love and generosity“, read the announcement from the Anna and Vlade Divac Foundation.
In the National Theater in Belgrade, the Anna and Vlade Divac Foundation festally celebrated the 10th anniversary of Its activity in Serbia. In the presence of numerous invited guests, associates and partners, the ambassadors of the United States of America, Azerbaijan, Japan and India, a presentation was made of the impressive results achieved over the past decade, including the collection of 13.5 million dollars from over 700,000 individuals.
The founder of the Foundation, the legendary Serbian basketball star Vlade Divac, said that he is very proud of all persons who assisted in the realization of such brilliant results, and of the associates who work in the Foundation. “I am proud not only of the projects, but of the fact that 700,000 individuals have participated in the Foundation in various ways, and that is a vitality that, I hope, will be with us in the future”, said Divac.
The Anna and Vlade Divac Foundation was created in 2007 as a continuation of the twenty years of humanitarian endeavors that Vlade and Anna Divac began in the United States of America. During the past ten days the Foundation, thanks to numerous donators, individuals, campaigns and organizations, collected 13.5 million dollars and assisted over 600,000 individuals. Residences have been provided for over 700 families and over 800 family businesses and agricultural holdings. Besides this, in the past period the Foundation has renovated and outfitted more than 90 public objects (daycare centers, schools, sports facilities, hospitals, reception and residential centers for those seeking asylum) and supported 450 initiatives for youths in Serbia.
Translation by the V. Rev. Protopresbyter Milorad Orlic