Rustam Minnikhanov: “We should get to a new level of charity development”

At the awarding ceremony of the Republican contest “Philanthropist of the year 2012” President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said: “Tatarstan society should get to a new level of charity development taking into account special features of national culture and history.”

The ceremony took place at M.Dhzalil Tatar State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre on March 25.

“The contest was held for the first time in 2007 by initiative of Mintimer Shaimiev. Since then it has become a traditional and popular event. Tatarstan charity has turned into a mass public phenomenon. In recent years we have put more than a little effort into increasing social prestige of charity,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

Tatarstan President continued that due to joint actions of republican authorities and society Tatarstan organisations strive for having the image of socially responsible companies. In this regard non-profit organisations are forming active civil position. A developed system of charity support simplifies solution of many urgent problems, such as support of large families, rendering of medical services to disabled and orphan children.

Rustam Minnikhanov mentioned that traditional and new charity campaigns were implemented in 2012. In particular, 29814 children from low-income families received charity support within the framework of campaign “Help to prepare for school”.

New charity project “Kind telephone” was launched in 2012. 2,5 thousand of lonely pensioners were provided with special mobile devices with an “alarm button”.

Rustam Minnikhanov also mentioned fund raising campaign that was organised to build a free family hotel for parents and patients of Children’s Republican Clinical Hospital.

Moreover, the institute of foster families is being developed in Tatarstan. 11 thousand children currently live in foster families.

Tatarstan President expressed gratitude to all philanthropists. He presented awards in nomination “For long-term partnership” to OAO “Tatneft”, OOO “Gasprom-transgas-Kazan”, OAO “Grid company”, OAO “Nizhnekamskheftekhim”, OAO “TAIF”, OOO “Bahetle”.