‘Even before being posted to London, I had heard about this meaningful initiative of the Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce in the UK. Continuing this tradition not only brings the business communities of both countries closer but also strengthens the relationship between Lithuanians living in Lithuania and the ones living here, in the UK, and I wholeheartedly support this connection with a noble tradition of giving to charity.’ H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania in the United Kingdom Renatas Norkus said.
The Foundation, which supports the Children’s Branch of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, helps children that are ill to receive the best treatment medicine today can offer. The aim of the Foundation is for doctors to be able to apply the latest and most advanced technologies and for the procedures used in the treatment of seriously ill children to be as least painful as possible. According to the representatives of the Foundation, it is also very important for the sick children in the hospital not only to receive the very best treatment but also to feel safe and comfortable to achieve this aim the state’s involvement is often insufficient and for this reason the financial support of sponsors is crucial.
The hope is that during the auction at the Christmas Charity Ball money will be raised for this foundation to help it ensure the best possible and most up-to-date treatment for seriously ill children. At the auction, donations from various sponsors will be presented, including work by Lithuanian artists. Every year more and more money is raised. ‘Lithuanians living in the United Kingdom and British people that have a connection with Lithuania show that they are not indifferent to the troubles and pain of others and that they want to help even though they are far away from Lithuania,’ says Egonas Jakimavičius, the LCCUK President.
The Charity Ball is being held under the patronage of H.E. the Lithuanian Ambassador Renatas Norkus with the support of President Valdas Adamkus. This black-tie event will be attended by various guests of honour, among them, the Sheriff of London Alderman Peter Estlin and the Vygaudas Ušackas, the European Union’s Ambassador to Russia and a former Lithuanian Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Politicians, business people and others that have a connection with Lithuania attend the Charity Ball every year. Those who wish to take part and help raise money for seriously ill children can register online HERE
The evening’s programme, hosted by writer and journalist Andrius Tapinas, will include speeches by our esteemed guests of honour. Attendees will be able to enjoy not only listening to the sophisticated and glamorous three-part close harmony jazz band The Canaries, performing songs inspired by music from the 20s, 30s and 40s, but also the singing of the internationally acclaimed tenor Merūnas Vitulskis.
Last year’s LCCUK Charity Ball raised and donated more than £60,000 to the charitable foundation Mamų unija which cares for children suffering from cancer. In 2015 the money collected was donated to Jaunimo linija, a not-for-profit organisation providing free emotional support to vulnerable young people.