HUMANITARNI BAZAR ZA TEODORU I VUKAŠINA (08.03.2025.)

This was the second charity bazaar I had ever participated in. It was organized for
Teodora Martinko and Vukašin Crnčević, two of the last survivors of the Novi Sad
train station tragedy, who needed money for treatment. The event took place at
the campus of the University of Novi Sad on March 8th, 2025. Today, exactly one
year later, I can say that it was truly an unforgettable experience.

After the incredible experience at the previous charity event, which took place at
our High school, I asked in our group if there would be another charity event. Our
Sociology professor, who was also in the group, shared an Instagram Post. It was
about the charity organized for the survivors and told me that I could participate.

I applied to take part in the charity event, and the application was approved. On
the day of the event, I invited my friends to come and keep me company if they
wanted. Two of my friends from medical school couldn’t attend, since they had
to study, but my friend from engineering school and who had a lot of free time,
decided to join me at this charity event.

It was my first time visiting the university campus, so I didn’t really know where
the event was being held. We decided to walk in the direction of some tractors,
since they were a symbol of the protests, and eventually we found the location.

There was a long row of tables for exhibitors, and also a stage where a band was
performing. The organization team told me that my table number was 23. Since
there was a lot of my artwork to display, I was an extra table had to be arranged.
There were many visitors, mostly students, but also local citizens.

Just like before, people approached my stand, looked at the drawings, offering
kind words and admiration. During the event, I also met my statistics professor.
She was surprised to see me. As for the prices, I didn’t set fixed amounts. Since
it was a charity, I allowed people to donate as much as they felt was appropriate.

The goal wasn't the profit, but contribution. It was also the first time I meet one
of my biggest enemies of these events, the wind. This made an extra challenge,
because my drawings were simply sheets of paper without any support.

Even a light breeze was enough to send some of them flying. The event lasted
until midnight, however, my friend and I decided to leave a bit earlier because
it was getting cold, his headphones were running out of battery, and the wind
was becoming stronger and stronger.

Before leaving, I gave the organization team the envelope with the money I had
raised. In return, they gave me a thank-you note for participation. In total, about
15 drawings were sold during the event.

On March 21st, 2025, just a week later, Vukašin died from his injuries after fighting
for his life for more than 4 months. With his death, he became the 16th victim of
the Novi Sad tragedy. On March 23rd, a day of mourning was declared in the city.
Since he was also from our high school, we came together to pay respects.

Although we couldn’t save everyone, this charity was still one of the last efforts to
at least help someone survive. After his death, the protests grew even stronger, as
people demanded justice not only for him, but for the 15 other victims as well.

I hope you enjoy this.