Prominent Bulgarians’ philanthropic activities have been crucial in the building of modern Bulgaria. One such Bulgarian is Bonka Staynova from Kazanlak. She transformed her hometown by supporting initiatives to improve the health and wellbeing of local children and their mothers.
In 1937, Staynova donated 300,000 Bulgarian levs (around 5.25 million levs today) for the construction of a medical center and a children’s health care facility in Kazanlak. She also gave to the local orphanage, student cafeterias, and summer camps every year. In 1940, she donated funds to create a daycare center for children of working mothers. Her next donation, of 50,000 levs (875,000 modern levs), was used to purchase furniture for and maintain the center.
Staynova’s entire family gave to charitable causes. The initiatives and establishments generously supported by them included Kazanlak’s free school cafeterias, summer schools, the city’s churches, the local community center, and a fund to support talented students.
Find out more about Bonka Staynova and her family HERE.
Photo: Bonka Staynova Medical Center
