CROWN PRINCESS KATHERINE’S CHRISTMAS RECEPTION REJOICES MORE THAN 1,000 CHILDREN

HRH Crown Princess Katherine continues to bring joy to more than 1,000 children in need from Serbia and the Republic of Srpska for Christmas at the home of the Royal family of Serbia, the White Palace in Belgrade, which was once again site of joyful children's laughter and play. Although not being able to personally be with the children this year, Her Royal Highness is very happy that the tradition continues and is firmly determined to next year once again, with her husband HRH Crown Prince Alexander, greet and welcome the youngest in their home.

Children without parental care, children with difficulties in intellectual development, and socially vulnerable children, age one to fourteen, from institutions and associations throughout Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, had the opportunity to rejoice Christmas together with the friends of the Royal family of Serbia, including Ms. Donna M. Sekulich, Esq, the President of Lifeline Humanitarian Organization of Chicago, who was the main host of this year’s gatherings, and share the spirit of this beautiful Christian holiday on two separate receptions held today. Prof. Dr. Ida Jovanovic, member of the Royal Medical Board, read Her Royal Highness’ letter, and as every year, the events were supported and held in the presence of His Grace the Vicar of His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia, Bishop Peter of Toplica.

Christmas gatherings for children in need is a tradition that Their Royal Highnesses started immediately after their return to Serbia in 2001, but it has its roots way back in the Karadjordjevic tradition, and in the similar gatherings at the Palace that were done during the time of the Kingdom.

The receptions were made possible thanks to the great efforts of the Lifeline Humanitarian Organization of Chicago and its benefactors who made it possible again this year for children in need in Serbia and the Republic of Srpska to feel the joy and love of Christmas. Thousands of gifts that were provided by generous donors of Lifeline Chicago, including clothing, shoes, toys, hygiene bags, and school supplies, were delivered today. In addition to the packages, Lifeline Chicago and the Crown Princess Katherine Foundation in Belgrade this year as well organized the delivery of food for Christmas dinner for children in Homes, so that the youngest could enjoy a nice holiday meal.

Significant contribution was also made by children from Belgrade international schools who, together with their teachers, have joined the charity campaign “Children helping children” and brought gifts to the Palace, to be given to their peers in need on these receptions.

“My husband and I are very sorry that we are unable to be in the White Palace today, as we do every year, to personally greet our dear children, but we are delighted that our tradition does not stop. As suffering knows no boundaries, so does not the will of those who are determined to provide help and comfort to those in need. There might be a few tears in my eyes today, but these are tears of joy because I am so happy we have again made a huge difference in the lives of our orphans.

The opportunity to give these beautiful children our love, to make them feel at home, and for them to know they are not forgotten, is a special blessing. It is a gift of its own, the biggest gift in the whole world. The White Palace and the Royal Palace are not just our home, they are the home for all children in need. My husband and I are very happy for the Joy of Giving that this day brought to the children, and all of us”, stated HRH Crown Princess Katherine on this occasion.

During the day, two receptions were held where children enjoyed wonderful gifts and spent time with Santa Claus, the animators from the ensemble “Cigra”, as well as a music program by the Choir of the Children's Cultural Center Belgrade. His Grace Bishop Peter explained the meaning of Christmas and its significance to the children and delivered them the blessing of His Holiness the Patriarch.

This wonderful Christmas gathering was greatly helped by Humanitarian Organizations Lifeline, whose patron is HRH Crown Princess Katherine, from Chicago, which is the main power that enables these receptions, as well as offices in New York, Toronto, and London, but also by numerous donors, among which are: Embassy of Greece, Embassy of Finland, Embassy of the Sovereign and Military Order of Malta, Coca-Cola HBC - Serbia A.D, Veropoulos Company within which the Super Vero and Jumbo brands operate, Atlantic Štark d.o.o, Hyatt Regency Belgrade, Aria Conference and Events, Stevic family from Belgrade, Mrs. Tsakiroglou from Greece, Mr. Robert and Mrs. Courtney Crawford, as well as International schools in Belgrade: Brook Hill International School, the German School in Belgrade, the International School of Belgrade, the French School in Belgrade, the Russian School, Rudjer Boskovic International School, The British International School of Belgrade, PRIMA International School of Belgrade, and Creative Feather School.

Their Royal Highnesses would like to thank all the donors who generously helped with this year’s receptions for children and together made this holiday more meaningful for the young ones.