Earthquake Donations in Action: Croatian Entrepreneurs (UGP) Fund Report, January 8

The donations are pouring in from all over the world to help the victims of the earthquakes in Petrinja, Glina and Sisak, donations which have been gratefully received and which are making a difference.

As I wrote previously, many people have contacted us at TCN asking for advice on the best place to send money. We published a list a few days ago, but I was really happy to see one more fund set up 7 days ago, from Udruga Glas Poduzetnika, or Voice of Entrepreneurs, which is a growing force for reform and change in Croatia. Run by people who want to see an end to corruption and needless red tape, I was sure that their efforts to help their fellow citizens in crisis would be transparent, dynamic, focused and effective, with all money donated going to the people who needed it most. And so it proved, which is why I am now directing anyone looking for a place to donate to UGP, as I explained a couple of days ago.

UGP co-founder Drazen Orescanin was kind enough to give me an in-depth interview yesterday on the focus, plans and activities of the UGP fund, and it was great to hear that 100% of the money donated will go to help those who need it most.

In order to provide more transparent donation information, we agreed to publish a daily report of the fund’s activities, finances and purchases. This was due to be published yesterday, but the crazy events of January 6, 2021 meant a slight delay. As resources and time allow, this will be a daily feature, and you can track progress here.

Report from January 8

Daily activities

Today, we have managed to deliver 6 housing containers to the families in need. Many of them had children who still slept in houses that were dangerous and in cars.

The four-member family Đelalija will unfortunately lose their house, which is too badly damaged. But, because of the help of our members and donors, the family will no longer have to sleep in the car.

The Augustinović family has two children, and the third is on the way. They are grateful that they will no longer have to sleep in an unsafe house.

The Bunčić family house also received a red sticker, which means that they can’t live there anymore. Donation of a housing container means a lot to them and guarantees at least a little security in these difficult times.

The Lovrinčić family of four says: “Thanks to the wonderful people who sent us this housing container so that we don’t have to be in a house that has collapsed inside and is not safe to live in, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”

Families Božić and Jurković have also received housing containers later this day. For them, this means calmer nights in safety.

Plans for today

This weekend we will coordinate with our volunteers in the field, so next week we can deliver more housing containers. We expect the delivery of at least two more containers for families in Sisak-Moslavina county on Monday.