As part of the ninth “Christmas campaign” organized by the Delija Foundation, the play “Like a Stone – Velenka Brstinova and her daughter Dragana” will be performed tonight at the City Theatre Jazavac in Banja Luka, starting at 6 p.m., by actress Ljiljana Čekić.
The performance is humanitarian in nature, and the funds raised will be directed toward assisting war military invalids of the Army of Republika Srpska and Serb families in Kosovo and Metohija. Appearing on the Morning Program, Jelena Živković Kostić of the Delija Foundation spoke about the upcoming performance and the importance of the foundation’s humanitarian activities.
“This is a historical drama that is very important for our people because, through the role of women in wartime circumstances, it depicts the suffering of women—not only men—during the Defensive-Patriotic War. Veterans of elite units will also be presented to the audience, and the funds raised will be directed as assistance to war military invalids and families in Kosovo and Metohija,” Živković Kostić said.
She emphasized that proceeds from ticket sales will be allocated to helping war military invalids, noting that many of them live in extremely difficult conditions.
“They urgently need help, and on this occasion I appeal to the citizens of Banja Luka and across Republika Srpska to remember more often those who suffered for us. Many gave their lives, youth, and health for the Serb people, and we should all engage to help them as much as possible,” Živković Kostić stressed.
She invited everyone who is able to attend the performance and support the humanitarian campaign. This is the ninth Christmas campaign, organized continuously since 2018.
“Over the past eight years, around 340,000 KM has been raised, and all of those funds were directed where they were most needed. Assistance was provided to about 340 families of war military invalids, Serb holy sites and families in Kosovo and Metohija, as well as families from the Knin region living in difficult conditions,” Živković Kostić said.
She added that, unfortunately, the number of vulnerable families is increasing and that many are in urgent need of assistance.
“Since its founding, the Delija Foundation has been committed to humanitarian work and has organized various campaigns, concerts, and performances throughout Republika Srpska. This requires great effort and demonstrates the importance of all humanitarian organizations. In addition to the Delija Foundation, there are other foundations that are urgently needed, and our shared goal is to help the most vulnerable families among our people,” Živković Kostić emphasized.
She noted that there is strong solidarity and a large number of young people participating in these actions.
“Many members of the Delija Foundation are actively involved in the organization, and I am glad that people approach this work with their hearts. Often even the smallest help means a great deal to them—what is little to us is big to them. When a person has love within, they always strive to help others,” Živković Kostić said.
The foundation was established in 2013 in Belgrade with the aim of humanitarian work and providing assistance. It has a large membership and has so far helped many families, renovated numerous homes, and provided basic living conditions.
“Many beneficiaries have neither electricity nor water, and among them are numerous elderly and ill people without any support. There were also families with children whose parents have no income at all. In Kosovo and Metohija, the situation is extremely difficult, with a large number of poor families. Children rejoice at even the smallest gift, such as sweets, let alone more substantial assistance. The smiles on their faces say it all—everyone who comes brings them joy. At the same time, there are many families here who also need help, which is why such humanitarian actions should be organized more often,” Živković Kostić concluded.
Source: RTRS
