HUMANITARNI BAZAR ZA GALINU (27.02.2025.)

This was the 1st charity bazaar I had ever participated in. It was organized for
Galina, a girl who was facing severe health challenges, like microcephaly and
epilepsy, who needed therapy and support for a better future.

It took place at the "Svetozar Miletić" High School of Economics in Novi Sad on
February 27th, 2025. We organized it during the period of class dismissal, with
a help of some of our professors. Looking back, this event was the beginning of
my fundraising journey and career. Today, exactly one year later, it as basically a
truly meaningful and unforgettable experience.

On January 28th, 2025, we began a boycott following attacks on students carried
out by government loyalists. The incident happened while students were putting
up stickers to promote an upcoming protest in the city, which was scheduled on
February 1st, to mark exactly 3 months since the Novi Sad tragedy. One student
suffered a dislocated jaw during the attack.

When the news spread, we left our classrooms and walked through the entire
school, blowing whistles, chanting, and disrupting the class. We demanded to
speak with the principal, who was not present at the time but was reportedly
on his way. We gathered in the ballroom and waited. When he finally arrived,
he announced that classes were dismissed and that we could go home.

The following day, January 29th, we had a meeting where the class dismissal
was officially declared. Our Sociology professor was also at the meeting. With
her help, we discussed future activities we could organize during this period.
Some of them were charity tournaments, reading clubs, and a charity bazaar.

When the charity bazaar was mentioned, she suggested that I also participate
by selling my artwork. At first, I wasn't sure if my drawings had any economic
value, since after all, they were just drawings on a piece of paper. In the end, I
still decided to take part and see what would happen.

At the event, the atmosphere was vibrant and full of energy. My classmates
greeted me and showed me the table for my the artwork. I had brought too
many drawings that additional tables had to be arranged, but still, I couldn’t
display everything. I chose to present what was more visually appealing, like
cityscapes and portraits of well-known regional figures.

There were many visitors, students from other high schools and faculties,
professors, and local citizens. Many professors only knew us only through
our academic performance, so this was the first time they saw our talents
beyond the classroom. Some ther stands included books, jewelry, clothes,
and homemade food, while the band was performing on the stage.

As for the prices, I didn’t set fixed amounts. Since it was a fundraising event, I
allowed people to donate as much as they felt was appropriate. The goal was
not profit, but contribution. I remember many people approached my stand,
looking at the drawings, offering kind words and admiration. It became one
of the main attractions of the bazaar.

There was particular interest in the local cityscapes and portraits of well-known
figures from the region. These pieces resonated the most with visitors, perhaps
because they felt personally connected to them.

By the end of the event, we had raised over 75,000 RSD (around 665 euros),
making it one of the first successful charity initiatives during that period. As
I was counting how many drawings I sold, I counted 31 drawings, which truly
surprised me. What truly amazed me was realizing that my art could actually
be sold, I previously had expected not to sell anything at all.

Overall, I felt proud, grateful, and deeply impressed. This bazaar wasn't just a
fundraising action, it was also proof that solidarity, creativity, and courage can
come together to create something meaningful.

I hope you enjoy this.