Charity campaign "It Still Exists"

"It Still Exists" - It is a New Year's tradition for Me, You, and the Whole City!

The idea for the “It Still Exists” campaign came from Eliso Gegenava, a member of the organization at the time. She was helping socially vulnerable single-parent families with many children on her own. 

After Eliso spread this idea throughout the organization, the organization's members quickly embraced it and gave it a larger scale. Over time, many traditions were formed around the "It Still Exists" campaign, and it became a traditional charity event for the whole city, with traditional participants.

  
Preparations for the campaign begin in November, with members, volunteers, and elves taking part to help as many families as possible.
 

The organization's volunteers make handmade items, bake muffins, make hot chocolates, and start collecting donations by selling them around the city.

Members of the organization work towards sponsors, looking for companies that will support the event with products or money.

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Gift box at Kutaisi shopping center "Karvasla"
Starting in 2021, elves are placing an "It Still Exists" gift box on the third floor of the "Karvasla," where anyone can donate any item for children.

In parallel with the search for sponsors, the main event is being planned, which will take place at the end of December.

The event consists of several important elements:

Flea market

A space at the event is dedicated to a flea market, where various items are displayed for sale and guests can purchase New Year's items.

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Lottery

Starting in 2022, RICDOG has launched a new initiative. Every guest who comes receives a lottery ticket for a certain amount of money, through which they can receive a gift from the organizers during the event.

Auction

One of the main elements of the event is the auction, which is worked on throughout the year by members of the organization, friends and loved ones.

Items collected during travels to different countries are being sold at auction.

The auction is the most favorite part of the event for guests.  

Caravan of carts

Members and volunteers of the organization visit various markets with carts. This is a costumed procession, where Santa Claus and his elves accompany them. At this time, anyone can send a gift to socially vulnerable children.

 
New Year's Eve - Visiting Selected Families

On the morning of December 31, preparations begin at the RICDOG office. Members of the organization, volunteers, elves, and friends of the organization gather early and begin sorting products.

On New Year's Eve, at 10:00, a decorated caravan visits families. Products and gifts are distributed to families. Santa Claus and other fairy tale characters grant children's wishes and give gifts. Anyone who wishes can participate in the New Year's visit. The process lasts from 10:00 pm to 06:00 am.

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Hence, the tradition of celebrating the New Year outdoors was formed.

At 24:00, the caravan stops, and the participants wish each other a Happy New Year and share their wishes.

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The organization sends a campaign report to all major and interested donors, with all necessary justifications. However, RICDOG does not disseminate or publish information about children, nor does it publish any photographic material. Only donors have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the detailed report and view the photographic materials.