We bring you the story of Luka Lovre, Kolajna's volunteer who has been volunteering with children without adequate parental care in the Caritas House of St. Francis in Vugruvac for 4 years. His contribution to the happiness of that home is priceless, and he went through all kinds of adventures with the children of that Zagreb home, from summer vacations, dressing up in costumes to sad situations where he was a support. Therefore, we are not surprised that he was declared the best Caritas volunteer in 2022. Read what he says about his volunteer journey:

After I felt at the age of 18 how much it meant to me to have someone who was there for me when I was in need, I decided to become a volunteer. The desire to be there for someone grew stronger and stronger, as did the need to develop myself. And what better way to start developing yourself than by helping someone who needs help, and we have the ability to help. I also wanted to experience Africa and volunteer at our orphanage in Songea. In 2018/2019, I started collecting the 80 hours needed to go to Tanzania, and from the first time I arrived at the House of St. Francis in Vugrovac, I stopped collecting hours and going to a home for children without adequate parental care on Sundays simply became part of my weekly life... Charging the battery for the next week. And so the children of Vugrovec quieted my desire for beautiful Africa at the time...for now!

After I felt at the age of 18 how much it meant to me to have someone who was there for me when I was in need, I decided to become a volunteer. The desire to be there for someone grew stronger and stronger, as did the need to develop myself. And what better way to start developing yourself than by helping someone who needs help, and we have the ability to help. I also wanted to experience Africa and volunteer at our orphanage in Songea. In 2018/2019, I started collecting the 80 hours needed to go to Tanzania, and from the first time I arrived at the House of St. Francis in Vugrovac, I stopped collecting hours and going to a home for children without adequate parental care on Sundays simply became part of my weekly life... Charging the battery for the next week. And so the children of Vugrovec quieted my desire for beautiful Africa at the time...for now!

As far as anecdotes are concerned, I have to point out one that actually happened during my first arrival, with the first child I met. It can also be a lesson for someone who comes to volunteer for the first time, it really was for me. True children are sweet and dear and sensitive and everything that children are, but don't trust them completely, otherwise you might end up believing that the girl's name is Dinamo and not Petra for a good half hour until another child tells you that you have been sold a piece of crap hahaha... In translation, if you have the time and desire, surrender to the power of volunteering... If only you could feel 5% of what I feel while I'm there and generally traveling through life knowing that I'm a part of them, everything would be clear to you! Therefore, if you are at all inclined towards volunteering, you should decide for it. Let yourself go and enjoy the ride!