18 December 2006
by Florin Turcanu

Chinisau, Moldova: This year, organizations in Moldova decided to adapt this slogan for this year's IVD celebrations: "Down the hat in front of volunteers!”

The event started with an NGO market where volunteers from different regions of the country had the opportunity to get to better know each other and discuss with managers of different NGOs such as representatives from Amnesty International, Winrock International, Educational Center „Adept”, Red Cross, CSPT „Vitamin”, „Hyde Park”, CONTACT Center Cahul, Voice of Youth, and many others.

The following awards were also given:

• Most active volunteer – Maria Veverita (Association “Motivation”)
• Most active NGO – NGO “Casiopea” from Ungheni district.
• Most experienced volunteer – Maria Tonu (Association of afflicted with myotonia)
• Best essay on the theme “The role of volunteerism movement in the process of European integration of the Republic of Moldova” – Rodica Macaria.

The jury decided to confer two special awards for the youngest volunteer (Vitalie Chirvas, 12 years, NGO “Inteco”) and the oldest volunteer (Tudor Tomsa, 76 years, Association of Veterans from Ialoveni district).

The prizes were sponsored by UNDP, World Bank Office in Moldova, Peace Corps in Moldova, Informational Bureau of European Council in Moldova, TACIS and CREDO.