President of the Management Board of the Lottery of Slovenia Romana Girandon on successes in 2024

Romana Girandon is most pleased that people have become aware of the social impact of lottery games: "For the first time, research shows very clearly that more and more people participate in lottery games also because they want to do something for a better society – to contribute to the functioning of Slovenian disability, humanitarian and sports organizations." He sees this as a potentially dominant starting point in the future, which will pose a major challenge in the coming years.

The CEO of Loterija Slovenije wants us as a society to ensure equal opportunities for everyone and to take it for granted that debates about it would no longer be necessary. "We will only be truly happy when we know that in our society there are no people without happiness, on the margins, left to themselves. In this sense, lottery games are one way to redistribute happiness in society – to those who do not have it. The more of us participate in them, the more happiness there will be for everyone," she is convinced. 

The organizations we work with have told us over the holiday season what work they are most proud of and what they hope for in the coming year. We rejoice with them and wish them much success in fulfilling their challenges!

They answered our questions:

Ivan Mrevlje was happy to answer our questions at the end of the year. He says that the ILCO Nova Gorica Association brings together people who are aware of their health condition and accept it. They organize various seminars and lectures, at which doctors, psychologists, social workers and an enterostomal therapist speak. Members also participate in family therapies, which is very important for people with a stoma, as they can talk about their problems without hesitation. Joint vacations are also very important for them, where true understanding, solidarity and belonging are shown. On such trips, they talk a lot, encourage each other and socialize. Therefore, the president of the association emphasizes that positive relationships are their greatest achievement, which they want to continue in the future.

He also says that their volunteers are an important part of the operation, as they are happy to answer their members' questions. They also advise them, give practical advice and help solve problems related to their stoma.

In the future, they hope that even more people will join the association: "We especially recommend and encourage younger people. Many are ashamed to talk about their problems, some even to their families. And the family is the most important link for people with a stoma, because it can help them accept being different and manage the psychological consequences of disability," says Mr. Mrevlje, who also emphasizes: "We must be aware that the decision is always in our hands, that we must face the problem and not shy away from it because we are uncomfortable."

During the holiday season, the president of the ILCO Slovenia Association wants to say that we should not forget the emotional side: "The money we collect during this period only satisfies physical needs. People with a stoma also need warmth, kindness, kind words, a handshake and a hug all year round - just like everyone else!" The association strives to provide help to the most vulnerable and is therefore trying to name a World Ostomy Day, which they have not been successful in so far. They believe that this would mean greater solidarity on an international scale, which would bring greater moral and material support, and people with a stoma could more easily integrate into society.

Which victory in 2024 inspires you the most and what is your biggest goal for 2025?

I am most pleased that people have begun to realize the social impact of lottery games. Research now shows very clearly for the first time that more and more people are participating in lottery games also because they want to do something for a better society – to contribute to the activities of Slovenian disability, humanitarian and sports organizations. I see this awareness primarily as a starting point for it to become dominant over the years, which is the challenge for 2025 and beyond.

One of our biggest wins in 2024 was the successful live membership meeting, which brought together over a thousand participants. This event demonstrated the strength of our community and the importance of working together. In addition, we prove every day that together we are pushing the boundaries and expanding free physical activity programs for health – not only across generations, but also among vulnerable groups. We are setting two key goals for 2025: -          introducing additional muscle-strengthening exercises into groups, which will further support the health and physical resilience of our members; -          obtaining a financially sustainable public tender, which will enable long-term stability and further development of our programs.

If you had one holiday wish to improve the lives of those you help, what would it be?

So that as a society we would provide equal opportunities to all people. And so that these would be so self-evident that debates about them would no longer be necessary.

Our holiday wish is that anyone facing loneliness or health issues would find a supportive community where they can actively and joyfully take care of their health. We want everyone to have access to free programs that allow them to improve their physical and mental well-being. You are invited to join the orange groups of the School of Health Association, where we create an outdoor environment that supports your psychophysical well-being and encourages you to live a healthier and more active life.

How can the holiday season inspire society to show greater solidarity and support for your work in the coming year?

We will only be truly happy when we know that there are no people in our society who are without happiness, on the edge, left to their own devices. In this sense, lottery games are one way to redistribute happiness in society – to those who do not have it. The more of us who participate in them, the more happiness there will be for everyone.

The holiday season reminds us of the importance of community, solidarity, and mutual support. The volunteers who, with their dedicated work, represent the pillar of the School of Health Association, are an inspiration to us all. May this spirit of togetherness inspire us to support their invaluable contributions and build a healthier, more connected society in the coming year. Together we can achieve more!

The Vita Traumatic Brain Injury Society says the holiday season is a time to encourage awareness, solidarity, and sharing. It is a time to inspire people to help others and become active creators of a more inclusive and just society, where all individuals are respected, regardless of their challenges.

"The holidays remind us of the importance of family and social support, which is also crucial for people with head injuries. This is a period when we are especially attentive to the needs of others and remember the importance of community, compassion and solidarity. It reminds us that we are all part of a greater whole, that our relationships with each other are important and that together we can overcome the challenges we face," says Tina Perko , president of the Vita Society.

She is grateful that with our help and support, they can continue to build a better future for all who need support and enable people with head injuries to fully participate in society.

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