​For Liana Alexandru, a journalist and writer, her birthday was an opportunity to call on friends and fans to collect donations with her so that victims of domestic violence feel safer. For Alexandru Petre, a photographer from Bucharest, running became better because he set himself a noble goal – to raise funds for terminally ill patients. We both understand the power of personal stories that unite us and believe that hand in hand we can make life a little easier for those less fortunate around us. They both remembered this through their campaigns Galantom platformthat care and generosity are within the power of each of us.

You probably know Liana Alexandra from television, where she hosted the news. A journalist and mother, in 2019 she published her first children’s book, The Boy Who Didn’t Believe in Santa Claus.

Liana doesn’t know what deficits mean. My grandparents had many children, and what little they had had to be shared with everyone in the house. A childhood lived under communism, when wishes were not granted as soon as you clapped hands and sweets were given once a year, at Christmas, makes her now appreciate the fact that she can bring joy or support where it is needed. “If we’re talking about issues related to children, women or vulnerable families,” he says, “I get involved whenever I feel that my small contribution can make a difference.”

In 2020, for example, Liana presented her birthday on the Galant platform. Then he collected 5,120 lei for the project of the Association Zi de Bine, which fought against domestic violence. “Not only because attacks on mothers and children seem to me to be the worst forms of abuse,” says Liana, “but also because there are so many cases in Romania and women are not encouraged to file complaints, or if they do, they have few specific means of protection. Any encouragement for women to report it and any support for their protection are important steps in the fight against domestic violence.”

The project helped 1,000 women victims of domestic violence gain access to a MINERVA device, disguised as a piece of jewellery, which allows them to quickly call 112 if the abuser breaks a protection order.

Liana reminds those who have never organized a fundraiser that it’s easy to create a page on Galantom and support a cause that matters to you. “Galantom is an easy-to-use fundraising platform that’s secure and essential in a world of fakes, where the risk of receiving fake funds is high in the online environment.”

When asked why she thinks it’s important to be generous, Liana said that generosity helps us to be ourselves and that “everyone is good deep down, and generosity is a sign that you’ve come to your senses.”

Alexandru Petre also turns to Galantom for his fundraising missions, this time through sports competitions.

Passionate about sports as a child, Alex now tries to instill this passion in his two children. For him, running is not only a way to relax and be himself, but also a way to help those who are not as fortunate as him. Sometimes alone, sometimes with his family, Alex runs to HOSPICE Casa Speranței, an NGO that provides palliative care for people with terminal illnesses, offering medical care to patients, social support and psycho-emotional and spiritual counseling for patients and relatives.

“For me, the greatest joy is knowing that my efforts bring a smile, a therapy session, an addition to someone’s life,” says Alex. “And when you meet these kids or adults and actually see who you’re fighting for or see the results of your work, you know it’s worth it every time.”

Taking part in charity events, Oleksiy feels that physical efforts are balanced by extraordinary energy, as if he has wings. His mother, he says, although she is no longer alive, inspired him to become the man he is today. Remembering her, he runs every time he supports the cause.

Alex encourages new fundraisers to start their mission without emotion or fear, wanting to embrace the stories of those in need as widely as possible: “You’ll be surprised to see how dedication and passion pay off. A donation, promotion or maybe another fundraiser just like you. You’re going to get rejected, that’s for sure, but you’re not doing it to get a YES or NO, you’re doing it because you believe in the cause and because people are counting on you to tell your story. “

“I think all people are good, but sometimes they need to be reminded to get involved,” says Alex. “Everything around us happens at an extraordinary speed, we face difficulties, we are stressed, we run after happiness, after success, but sometimes we really need a break. Breath and inner peace. And then we will see that we will have time to do well.”

Helping is so easy! If you want to donate your day or take part in a sporting event for a social cause, you can find more information on how to do it at Galantom.ro.

Article supported by One Kind Association. Read full interviews with Liana and Alex here.