Author: Irena

Easter Clown Therapy

We participated with our clown act in a special Easter event for the clients of a large home for the elderly in Rijeka, Dom Kantrida. A local association delivered a shipment of traditional Easter bread to them, called “pogača”, and to make it more meaningful, they organized a morning program for everyone. A local singer came to sing some songs, and we came to add some cheer and joy with our skit and some interactive songs. At the end we gave everyone Easter olive branches. People were very thankful for this time. It made us reflect on how little it takes to make someone’s day brighter!

Happy Easter!

“I Will Remember Your Visit Even in the Next Life!”

— That’s how “baka Ruža” (or grandma Rose), moved to tears, commented on our visit. Before the covid era we used to see this 97 year old grandma quite often in her house, but since she was moved to an elderly home, and with all the covid restrictions in place, we could’t visit her for several years. Needless to say, she was extremely happy for our time together! And while there, we were also able to connect and put a smile on the face of several of the other elderly people as well.

Meeting Ruža was a wonderful and an inspiring start of this trip to the inland areas of Karlovac and Vojnić. After Ruža, we visited 5 other families, bringing them food packages as well as a listening ear along with some cheer and encouragement. This day we heard a lot of life stories, we laughed together, we cried together. Hearing all these stories was once again a confirmation that life is made up of various events – some good and some not so good – and while the events themselves are important, the key to living a happy life is our reaction to these events.

“Grain by grain for a better world”…. a sugar holder in a coffee bar near Karlovac


Fifteenth Trip to the Earthquake Hit Areas

We took one more trip to Glina and surrounding areas which had been hit by an earthquake, to distribute food and visit some families. The warm weather of these sunny autumn days helps to keep their morale high for now, in spite of the fact that many situations (in regards to the reconstruction of houses) remain unresolved…

On our way back we witnessed a spectacular sunset

Colours, Songs and Laughter in Fortica, Kraljevica

On Tuesday, 14.06.2022 we put on some lively costumes and went to Kraljevica, to a Center for the Disabled called Fortica. The clients of this Center along with about 30 children from a nearby kindergarten joined us in a time full of joyful singing, happy laughter, games, and magic tricks. We had a lot of fun, and so did everyone else, including the staff. We couldn’t take photos of the children, but here are a few photos just to give you an idea of how things went.

Our dear friends who were visiting us, Marco and Amy, “just married”, came along before returning to their mission in Zambia.

Towards the End of May…

The end of May was quite busy here at our volunteer centre. Nicola, who had stayed with us for a month and a half 8 years ago, later on returned with his girlfriend, and now visited us with his 2 children. Here they are:

Also Fabio, Serena, Claudio and Roberta came for a visit from Trento, Italy:

Christiane and their eight months old Gabriel:

A typical dinner dish from the area of Trento – canederli:

Trip inland – children love children:

Near Glina, at the house of Jane and Branko in their make shift dining room:

And with Anka:

A beautiful gift from Serena:

The balconies after everyone’s departure (and after several washing machine loads):

Thank You, Jennie!

With broken hearts we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the skills, talents and time that Jennie Paloma Brown spent in volunteer service with us at Per Un Mondo Migliore. Her unique contribution to helping others continues to live on in the hearts of those she touched through her singing, dancing, performing, laughing, sewing, cooking, just to name a few of her many talents. She always had an encouraging word to say, and a winning smile on her lips, which never failed to cheer up those around her, and which will be imprinted in our memories forever.

During the last years of her life she fought hard through illness, always trying to cheer up others in spite of her own challenges, and live her life to the full. She passed on to her heavenly reward on May 13, 2022, at 44 years of age.

We extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.

Thank you, Jennie, for the big part you played in making this world a better place! We are eternally thankful for you!

Distribution of Christmas Packages

Our distribution of Christmas packages with food to the needy families around Rijeka was bathed in beautiful autumn sunshine. (see photo below)

Irena talking with Jelka.

“Don’t look back, you are not going in that direction.” A message on a cup in the house of Nataša and her kids.

Irena with Buba and Vanesa.

Paolo with Vanesa playing with Cindy the dog.

In front of the house of Marija.

At our volunteer center: Joseph and Mary (made by Irena) waiting for the arrival of baby Jesus.

A surprise visit at Home – our dear Clown Karmelino! Coffee is always ready…

During December we visited many more families and friends, but for various reasons we weren’t able to take more photos in people’s homes.

A special thank you to our dear friend Svetlana and her family for her Christmas shopping for two families.