For the fifteenth time, the Trag Foundation presented the VIRTUS Award for Philanthropy to companies, enterprises, and individuals who supported philanthropic initiatives in long-term and the most effective way over the previous year.
The award is given to ensure that the good deeds are recognized and visible in communities, and to inspire citizens to the new philanthropic gestures. The VIRTUS Award for 2021 was presented with the financial support of the European Union and the Balkan Trust for Democracy.
The winner of the Award for corporate philanthropy is the company Schneider Electric for developing and implementing the programs supporting health, education, and child protection. In 2021, Schneider Electric contributed to the renovation and provided technical equipment of the health institutions in Vojvodina and donated digital library, computers, didactical instruments, and recreational equipment to numerous kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, and faculties.
Mastercard Europe SA Belgrade is the winner of the Award for long-term partnership between the business and civil sector, while the Award for small and medium enterprises was given to Fast food Smerdov from Vršac.
The Award for individual philanthropy was presented to Vanja Petković, the president of the Association Čepom do osmeha from Novi Sad. Due to her engagement and successful coordination, the Association gathered more than 10 tons of plastic bottle caps in 2021 and gifted six learning aids to children with disabilities. The Award for young philanthropists was given to Miloš Pešić, a student of master studies from Belgrade, who established the One Percent Foundation in order to support young talents. Foundation has already supported 180 young scientists, researchers, and artists.
The special awards winners are Hemofarm a.d. Vršac for the most innovative project for the campaign Unbreakable and Sanja Dejanović from Belgradefor the personal contribution to poverty reduction.
The VIRTUS Award for Philanthropy was established in 2007 and has since supported good deeds and promoted positive values in society. It is recognized as a prestigious acknowledgment and is a great honour to its winners.