A Van for a Dignified Life: Surya Foundation Donates Transport to the Protected Home in Strazhitsa

In 2025, Surya Foundation accomplished one of its most significant social missions to date — the donation of a van to the Protected Home for people with intellectual disabilities in the town of Strazhitsa. This is not just a vehicle, but a real solution to a long-standing problem that has limited the freedom, access, and dignity of the people living there.

For the eight residents of the protected home, access to a doctor, therapist, or even a short trip outside the facility had been extremely difficult for a long time. In a town without a hospital and with limited public transportation, every journey depended on external assistance, availability, and chance. The lack of dedicated transport meant missed opportunities, isolation, and additional strain on the staff who care for them every day.

This reality motivated us to launch a campaign to purchase a van. The goal was clear — to provide a safe, comfortable, and dignified way of traveling, adapted to the real needs of people with intellectual disabilities and mobility challenges. The road to making this possible was not short, but the support we received proved how strong a community can be when united behind a meaningful cause.

Today, the van is a fact.

The donated vehicle is a Volkswagen Crafter Maxi with three doors, equipped with eight removable seats and one permanent wheelchair space. By rearranging the seats, the interior can accommodate up to three wheelchair spaces, while the electric ramp ensures safe and easy access. This means the van is fully adapted to the needs of the home and can be used daily, without compromising comfort or safety.

The van will enable regular access to healthcare and therapy, participation in social activities, and greater freedom in everyday life. This is a change measured not only in kilometers, but in quality of life, peace of mind, and human dignity.

We extend special thanks to Zlatko Bonev, who supported us throughout the import and preparation process. Thanks to his help, the vehicle was upgraded and adjusted to truly meet the needs of the residents. His contribution was crucial in ensuring the van could serve its purpose fully from day one.

We also thank from the bottom of our hearts all donors — small and large — who believed in this cause and helped make this campaign possible. Special thanks go to Charity Saga for organizing the charity party, which played a key role in raising a substantial portion of the necessary funds.

The donation of this van to the Protected Home in Strazhitsa is further proof that sustainable social campaigns require time, consistency, and great effort — but they lead to real and long-term change. For us, it is a reminder of why we continue to do what we do.

What Have We Achieved?

Surya Foundation successfully carried out one of its largest and most responsible campaigns so far — the purchase and donation of a van for the Protected Home for people with intellectual disabilities in Strazhitsa. With this van, we provided a long-awaited solution to a real everyday problem: the lack of accessible and safe transport for eight individuals for whom mobility is not a given.

The campaign required time, persistence, and significant effort, but today the result is here — a change that will be felt every single day.

How Did the Campaign Unfold?

The campaign began with a clear understanding of the need and an open conversation about the reality faced by the residents of the protected home. In a region without a hospital and with limited transportation options, every trip had been a serious challenge.

Thanks to donors, partners, and people who stood behind the cause, we were able to raise the necessary funds and go through the full process of selecting, purchasing, and preparing the van. The Surya Foundation team was involved in every step — from the first appeal to the actual donation.