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On the way to social help centre

21 Apr, 2018, No comments
In 2016 society “Tuvu” received Lauku atbalsta dienests (Rural Support Service) confirmation fro realization fo the project No. 16-06-AL03-A019.2203-000007 “Developing a Project for Establishing a Multi-functional Social Help Centre for Society “Tuvu””, which was submitted within the framework of  the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), Latvian Rural Development Plan for 2014-2020, event “Executing Activities in Accordance with Local Development Strategy Proposed by Company Society”. Currently 1 of the 3 project stages has been finished, and after opening the doors to help distribution premises to poor and disadvantaged families living in Zemgale they will have the opportunity to regularly receive clothing, shoes, food, household items and furniture. We are very glad to see that we have helped not only with short term tangible needs of food and clothing, but also in long-term when we see that changes have impacted the families in a larger scale by changing their thinking - changing from a receiver to a giver, supporting themselves and creating something by themselves. After the remaining 2 stages are finished by October 2018, several charity projects will take place in premises of Tuvu. Here it’s expected to receive cargo from supporters in Germany and Latvia, sort the items and distribute to cooperation partners and socially disadvantaged people, establish a room for creative and practical classes that will also serve as a room for seminars, trainings and events, as well as holding creative workshops and educational events for poor families, thus giving an opportunity to learn new skills, develop working skills and in improve family’s situation in long-term. Also the Teenager workshop will again be in operation in the premises, where teens can gather with their dads and learn good life lessons. In future it is planned to crate a green zone in the belonging territory for summer events held by “Tuvu”.

Thank you for the support of Rural Support Service (RSS) and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)!
Thank you also to municipality of Ozolnieki region for the co-financing!

 


 

Orthodontic treatment for a girl

21 Apr, 2018, No comments
Because of our supporters we had the opportunity to provide orthodontic treatment for a girl with congenital jaw and teeth development anomaly. The girl and her three sister are raised by their grandmother and dad, the living conditions of the family are poor, so the only option to change the situation for this girl was only through us. In the beginning 3 teeth were fixed, because without that the treatment couldn’t be started. Next important step - visiting a hygienist for the very first time. The 15th of March was the big day because the dentist and hygienist visits were over and the orthodontist could start his work, so the beautiful smile could be even more beautiful! Happiness!

Thank you for being with us in 2017!

21 Feb, 2018, No comments

The last day of the year is one for reviewing what we have managed to do and setting new goals for the new year. If we would review 2017 as accountants do, this would definitely be the most intense year since “Tuvu” was established. At some points it seemed like we are on a roller coaster that takes us along without the option to hop out or brake. It has made us to think about our priorities, review them and try to differentiate between the important and the insignificant things. And we also learned to use the word “no” more often. Otherwise, it can be too late. Because sometimes less is more. Less, but more special relationships... Less, but more special things... Less, but more unforgettable travels... Less... But this awareness confuses us, because “Tuvu” is everything but less - we now have twice the amount of employees we had last year. The amount of received cargoes from Germany has grown three times, there are now 2 charity shops, thus twice the work to do. Also the work with warehouse premises and social help centre will start very soon, in 2018, so the amount of work contributed here has been great. The amount of projects has also increased - in summer 2017 we had 2 construction projects for renewing homes for families in need. There’s also doing the daily work in warehouses, distributing items in the centre and office... A lot of the jobs couldn’t be shown in the social media, although we understand how important that is. But we still need some helping hands, so our resolution for new year is to find balance in what we do and to gratefully receive help from others, which wasn’t as easy until now, since we always had that little shy Latvian voice in the back of our heads to not burden someone and just say “OhWe’llFigureSomethingOut”. 
It would be impossible to mention each and every one, because there’s so many of you, who were trustingly with us during 2017... We just want to say that without you - the volunteers, employees, friends, supporters, donors and contributors - we wouldn’t exist, or we would go back to a time 15 years ago, when we distributed clothes and food from a garage of a private house, which, now looking back, is a good start for establishing organization “Tuvu” the way it is today.


Christmas is the time of miracles

21 Feb, 2018, No comments

This year we also managed to surprise most of the families in our care that we visited shortly before Christmas. This is a tradition that gives the holiday spirit not only to the families, bus us as well, because we see the joy of those receiving gifts and those that made the gifts - donors, supporters, friends...
We wish to say thank you to everyone who prepared this surprise and were involved in this Christmas miracle.

Thank you to GAiN Germany for the delicious goods, food and gifts, thank you Signija Fiļimonova for the beautiful toys and games, thank you Ziedot.lv for games, thank you also to Līga Bandeniece-Silgaile and Pastry Shop Tarte for the cakes and other sweets, thank you Ilona Osīte for food and fruits, thank you Palidzesim.lv for goodies and gifts, thank you Miss Vaira for the war socks and mittens! Also thank you to the volunteers that helped to prepare and give everything to families!


Distribution of items in the warehouse and other surprises

21 Feb, 2018, No comments

Every week the families in need and lonely people continue to receive help in our warehouse that is currently being made into a multi-functional centre of social help. We also surprise the families with some delicious goods prepared by our friends and supporters.


House makeover for family in Tērvete

21 Feb, 2018, No comments

The tiredness after the second summer construction project begins to fade, but the satisfaction about it only grows. So - everything is as it should be! Initial plans - to create a bathroom, kitchen and children’s room - became more extensive and we managed to surprise not only the family, but ourselves as well, because the house now has all the mentioned parts, plus a bedroom for parents and 2 entrance halls, as well as the room of oldest daughter now has new furniture.
As always, we couldn’t do it without all the great people in this process - thank you to all volunteers, your contribution is very important and significant! Changes start within! A big thank you to UPPE and Aldis Cimermanis for managing the work! Thank you for taking 12 questions at once, replying to them in an order and still keeping to your senses.
Thank you to customers of Tuvu charity shop for purchasing items and thus financing these projects!
Thank you to GAiN Germany and Klaus Dewald for partial supply of materials and coordinating the German team! 
Thank you to SIA Dreamway and Andris Ozoliņš for installing sewerage system!
Thank you Signija Fiļimonova for the beautiful toys! When during the review of new home the shildren got to their rooms and the toys, they weren’t interested in the rest - the wish to play was much greater! Thank you to municipality of Tērvete District and Dace Reinika for the support, and Secondary School of Augstkalne for the opportunity to spend the night! Thank you to all the young people of Ozolnieku district and Santa Tuherma for their help - no job was too difficult for them, we didn’t see or hear a sign of tiredness! You were amazing! Thank you to BN Kurši in Dobele for the great service and cafeteria “Mammadaba” for the delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner! Thank you Ralfs Cimermanis for the video!

More photos here.

Virtuve pirms...






Camp “Tuvu” 2017

21 Feb, 2018, No comments

       For us - the managers - these 5 days are the ones that create the best memories and events, because the positive aftertaste is the one that makes us organize the camps year after year. So we are grateful that e can organize them with the help of our supporters.

  During these 5 days we experienced one great gift - beautiful and sunny weather! Taking into account what happened during this week in Latvia weather-wise, this can only be considered a miracle! The beautiful weather allowed to have the camp program in full volume - we swam in the nice sea by Užava where we were the only people there. We went on a hike where we also had interesting challenges and difficult tasks to complete on the way. We played different games, challenged and tested ourselves and our abilities in unusual situations. We learned a little bit about the world of music through piano and guitar, we targeted and got our target, got an insight about the world of business, did some hair fashion, learned to cook delicious, healthy snacks, did sports a lot, played water games and were soaking wet, we received guests and asked them many questions every evening, listened to inspiring stories and gained one of the true values - new friends. The goal of camp “Tuvu” was not only to create resting and entertainment platform for 5 days, but also teach the teenagers about values and conclusions that will be useful for the rest of their lives. 

         Which is the phenomenon that make these camps of those of many other organizers so unique? We didn’t do anything that special, each person that was in it all completely and with their heart can assure that we just fulfilled what the camp manager and entrepreneur Aldis Cimermanis said - “just love those kids”! Nothing more is required from us - neither in camp, nor when it has long ended.

Big thank you to the supporters of camp:
Municipality of Ozolnieku district
GAiN Germany
Amber Distribution Latvia 
partyshop.lv
LIAA Jelgava Businees Incubator
Ganības - Nometņu vieta - Camp site 
UPPE
Palidzesim.lv
Society “Baltā dūja”
Cannelle Bakery
GPU “Nākotne”
Cannelle Bakery
GPU “Nākotne”
Pieci-O.

From the bottom of our heart we are thankful to all the managers of camp, your pay will be a great one, you already know that...


Renewing a family home - the cargo container project

21 Feb, 2018, No comments

Unbelievable... The construction project process itself still seems unbelievable and the result is even more so! A wonderful house was build on an empty lot in just two days. A big thank you to the best team of UPPE for their cooperation and the work done! You were great by not only doing what you know and being professionals of highest rank, but also in your attitude and compassion. We are a rich country if we have companies like these! Among these companies are also those that trusted this project and supported us. It wouldn’t be possible without you! 

A big THANK YOU

GAiN Germany, 

SIA “TENAX” in Dobele and personally to Uldis Liepa Liepiņš,

Krāsu serviss SIA and personally to Baiba Upīte,

SIA JUMP and personally to Mārtiņš Prīsis,

Soudal Latvija and personally to Jolanta,

Vika Wood and personally to Andis Smelte,

Cafeteria in Jelgava - Lauķene,

School of Lielvircava and personally to school manager Lauris,

To Jānis Veldre and Marita Veldre,

SIA “Alejas projekti” and personally to Andris Drēska,

To Inese Drēska and her friends,

To Līga Pētersone.

This is the annual charity construction project of society “Tuvu”, its cooperation partners and supporters, when we renew a home of one family.

Photos: Lāsma Cimermane and Matīss Kellerts. Definitely watch the project video as well. More photos here.

The project seen in the viewpoint of DELFI and FENIKSSFUN.COM

In December 2017 the story about his house was included among the highest rated stories in site Delfi.lv - read about it here.




Surprises for the families in need

21 Feb, 2018, No comments

Thanks to Pastry Shop Tarte, for several of our families Sundays can now become surprise cake Sundays! The joy in their eyes.. it’s worth a lot! Thank you ladies for the great joy you give!

Image may contain: food


DART in Latvia

21 Feb, 2018, No comments

The big annual project with #DART (Disaster Assistance and Response Team) and our friends and cooperation partners from GAiN Germany this year happened in Latvia. Difficult tasks, challenging situations and creative solutions - it was really intense! A big thank you for bringing the night challenge to life to Ltd. Rīgas apsardzes sabiedrība - team of Ozolnieki, to Jānis Vītols, Aldis Cimermanis and Viktors Rautmanis. The team leaders think that the members of this event won’t forget it so soon and we hope that this experience will help them when the danger comes to real life. Difficult while learning - easier in the battle later on! Thank you, men! 


Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

24 Jan, 2017, 1 comment

      2016 has ended and it’s the time when we want to be grateful for everything that has made us stronger, smarter, more understanding, given us experience and more, and more… we’ve become richer by another year. When looking back at this year and what it’s been like, we can only sigh in thankfulness, because we were truly blessed! This year has brought great changes in our team. For many years there were only the two of us, but this year several wonderful people have joined us, and their hearts beat in the same rhythm as Tuvu’s. These people have been trustworthy, persistent and strong in what they do. We’re very grateful that you are with us!

     GAiN Germany, Klaus, Claudia, all of the great, dear "GAiN" team – where would we be without you! Without you we could only do as much as possible with our own resources, but with you we can be in whole Latvia, because now every region has a “Tuvu” partner who provides help to those who need it the most. And the construction projects! After those we feel like we’re floating above the ground for a couple of weeks. Starting from 2018 we’ll be able to manage 2 projects every year and that’s wonderful! We’ll do our best to keep up with your speed of managing projects in Latvia. We’re glad that you love Latvia with all your heart, it’s visible every time you visit us! 

     This year has also brought changes in our shop location. At the beginning these changes seemed like the biggest mountain to climb, but now we enjoy it as a gift. Although the work has now doubled, so has the load of positive emotions and space for the shop, so the initial struggles have been long forgotten.

      This year had another significant characteristic and we can only express it through Bible verse - Matthew 6:3 - "But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it" We can’t otherwise explain the amount of people who silently brought the necessary things for the elderly and those in trouble. How could we otherwise explain the man who volunteers to clean our shop windows and now has become an important part of our team; how can we explain the man from America who wanted to secretly give a present to a mother, who has lost her husband in a motorcycle accident and now raises her children alone; the man who responded to our invite to donate a washing machine for a family with 5 children – he not only delivered it to them himself, but brought a new, unused washing machine still in packaging and completely  surprised the family, because the mom of the family still remembers it as a miracle. Another woman secretly with our help gave money to a single mom so she could buy firewood, because she knew the tough situation the family was in and wanted us to keep it a secret, so the family’s mom would feel like she owes something to her supporter. Another heartwarming example is a company whose employees wanted to put in windows for a poor family’s house, and when their employer paid them for it, they decided to donate this money to the family so they could renovate their well. And so on, and so on… So many wonderful and touching stories that we see every day and want to loudly tell, but it’s impossible to tell them all. And once again we conclude – it’s all worth it! It’s worth to get up every morning in gratefulness and do what we do, although sometimes hands heavy from tiredness, but it only means that we can’t see the big picture, because it shows that every little thing is important and it can play a big role in even bigger picture.

Thank you for 2016, we are grateful for your trust and being with us! May the next year be filled with joy of giving and receiving!

Construction Project 2016 has Finished!

5 Oct, 2016, No comments

      Construction project 2016 has ended and as each year we have observed - it didn’t go easy. As everyone knows - each construction/renovation project takes a lot of energy, especially those that are completed in 3 days with a group of 30 people in small rooms. The sight of people working in three levels of a room became usual. One colored the ceiling, another one worked on walls, someone else put in floor or windows, but everyone was very understanding in this process. But we are very pleased with the result and the gratification for this work is priceless. We were also very glad for the 17 children who play in the house yard, because for the first time we also made a playground + a terrace. 
Great thank you to GAiN Germany and their wonderful team - you all were extremely strong! Special thank you to Klaus Dēvalds and Arthur Rawding for patience in managing the construction project! Also thank you to lovely Aiga Alenčika for helping and her cooperation, we rarely meet such great social workers as you! Also thank you to meat processing company Nākotne for the delicious sandwiches for children’s picnic on Saturday! Thank you to Aldis Cimermanis and Viktors Rautmanis for annual participation, you both are our super-team! :) Thank you to Agita Kubile for being such a wonderful helper when we went to the Zoo with the family, you are an excellent nanny! 
See you all next year around the same time!

And we would really, really like to see YOU in our construction project next year! Keep your eyes open - maybe in the apartment next door, in your child’s class or kindergarten you can find a family for whom we can create a new and warm home. Why are we already searching? So that this gift would be received by a family who needs it the most! Main criteria for participating in evaluation: 
difficult living conditions from which the family can’t escape on its own,
family without alcohol problems,
family with its own private property.
Write or call us: org.tuvu@gmail.com, 26319985 - Zane, or 29186682 - Lāsma.

Se photos in gallery


Camp “Tuvu” 2016

5 Oct, 2016, No comments

      Society “Tuvu” camp took place from June 26 to 30 and 46 teenagers participated, aged 11-17. The camp was held in camp center “Ganības” in Užava, near the sea. Since the weather was very nice, a lot of the activities included games in water, swimming in sea and river, riding boats and many other activities. Through the entire camp the participants earned the local currency - Užiņi, so they could purchase valuable items from our sponsor Adidas. They earned money in sports games and fun activities, and they even asked if they can help the cooks in kitchen, with some cleaning jobs and preparing the firewood for evening bonfire - the willingness to achieve the goal was amazing! They also had the opportunity to participate in different workshops and Olympic tournament, teens spent a whole day hiking in the woods and by the sea, fulfilling challenges and tasks prepared by JSC “UPPE”. Baltic champion in moto trial Andris Grīnfelds had prepared a special surprise that made everyone’s heart beat faster by showing how complex tricks can be done with a motorbike.

The goal of camp “Tuvu” was not only to create resting and entertainment platform for 5 days, but also teach the teenagers about values and conclusions that will be useful for the rest of their lives. 

A big thank you to all teenagers for being there and participating! We hope to see you soon in other events. A big thank you to our wonderful team of volunteers without whom this camp wouldn’t be possible! Also thank you to camp supporters: Ozolnieki region local municipality, company Uppe, Gain Germany, Palīdzēsim.lv, Party Shop, Meat processing company Nākotne, Latvian Christian Student Association, Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Minneapolis, and Camp Center Ganības. Also thank you to customers of charity shop “Tuvu” for being with us, because it gives us the opportunity to organize such camps and other important charity projects.  After reading the participant’s thoughts and evaluation of our camp there is no doubt whether to organize it next year! See you in camp “Tuvu 2017”!

All camp photos can be downloaded here, or partially see them in facebook “Tuvu” profile and also here 




Family Day in Brankas

5 Oct, 2016, No comments

      18. june was a great challenge not only for us in organizing Family Day in Brankas, but also for you - our event participants. But you were the most tough and brave ones for not fearing the rain and wind, and coming even from farther places. Thank you for being with us, because although the weather was windy, it was very beautiful. 
Society “Tuvu” organizes this event every year to bring joy to poor families in our reach and also other families living in Ozolnieki region. On Family Day you could participate in creative workshops, receive prizes and treats in activity games, jump in bouncers for kids and achieve records in velocart rally - all free of charge. Special event guests - Kurzeme Christian Clowns gave valuable lessons not only for children, but also adults by playing out stories on friendship, love and other important topics. 
We’re saying a big thank you to all volunteers without whom this event wouldn’t be possible. A huge thank you to our supporters -
 
Ozolnieki region local municipality
UPPE 
GAiN Germany
Palidzesim.lv
partyshop.lv
Meat processing company Nākotne 
Baltā dūja
Ozolnieki region teens
Celebration in your city
Kurzeme Christian clowns
Also thank you to charity shop “Tuvu” customers for being with us, because it lets us organize such events and keep on going!








The Family from Ozolnieki has a New Room!

5 Oct, 2016, No comments

      In the end of 2015 we began collecting funds for renovating home for one of the families in Ozolnieki. Many people responded, since they didn’t want to stand on the side and participated with pleasure. And together we did it! We want to say a huge THANK YOU! Thank you to LLKC and their cool staff who not only initiated collecting money in the fair, but also encouraged colleagues and other fair visitors to donate. Also thank you to those benefactors who supported individually! Thank you to Dāvids Sīlis and his team - Dairis, Edgars, and Jāzeps - they did all the practical stuff from purchasing the materials to painting and more. Also thank you to helpful Daiva for positive vibes and doing much more than it’s required for a social worker. Also a thank you to all charity shop “Tuvu” customers, because without your financial support we can’t go on! Thank you Reinis Šelders for never turning us down when we ask for help - this time too, by bringing and setting up the furniture! Also thank you Dāvis Jansons for the help! Thank you to Palidzesim.lv for the continuous cooperation and support in this and other projects! Also thank you to our big supporters in Germany - GAiN Germany for the furniture, crockery, and other valuable goods for this and other projects to come true!!! 
So, about what we did - in the beginning we cleaned the chimney that hadn’t been cleaned for 18 years and which was the reason why the house wouldn’t warm up more than 14 degrees in winter time. A brick stove was built in the kitchen and the family now has a new living room that is also the mom’s bedroom.
And here is the best part - let’s see the “before” and “after” photos!







Thank You for 2015!

5 Oct, 2016, No comments

      This holiday made us think together about gifts, Christmas events, and cooking issues. This time also allowed us to slowly become calm, see what we did this year and understand how valuable and unique it has been. For us this year was special with the opening of our Charity Shop, which gave us completely different speed in our work. Thank God people love our shop and we hope that we can bring you all joy in 2016 as well, so that our charity work would only grow and bring changes in people’s lives. In previous year we have met many wonderful people - new cooperation partners and supporters, as well as volunteers and friends. We have also received our local municipality and state recognition, so now we just have to continue in the same level, but there’s no doubt - with such great people around and the help of God everything is possible! Thank you for your trust, support and friendship! See you soon, and let’s have hope for new wondrous events in 2016!

We would like to look back at the last days of the previous year for a moment, when we prepared a surprise for the celebration tables of poor families in Jelgava region. We visited them, enjoyed this time and were glad that we have such wonderful job! :)

Thank you to the active volunteers for shopping, weighing, and packing, thank you to Palidzesim.lv for the gifts that we could add to food and treats!





Campaign “Star in the East” has Ended!

5 Oct, 2016, No comments

The cargo with presents has already traveled its way from Jelgava to Riga and we just can’t wait for the little sweethearts to receive them in far away countries! Star in the East 

This year people from Jelgava and its region will bring joy to 64 children! That’s wonderful! 

Aunt Skaidrīte Finally has Firewood !

5 Oct, 2016, No comments
      Yesterday we all had a great evening at aunt Skaidrīte’s house! We brought and put the firewood in her barn, so now she can wait for the winter without worries and in warmth. Skaidrīte also sends a big thank you to those good people who had arrived and brought food and other things that are very useful to her. In these times she feels very important to someone. Thank you, we all did it together! Let’s continue to talk with aunt Skaidrīte and other elderly people who live beside us, let’s call and ask how are they doing, ho can we help, ok? :) 


Continuing the Construction Project!

22 Sep, 2016, No comments

       On the 4th of September we were visited by 1st year students from Baltic Pastoral Institute and they did a great, serving job.  Not all schools make their students do such a heavy physical test, but these guys completed it with honor!  Both us and the family, for which we did the construction project, are very, very thankful to you all! The big changes continue on - after the renovation the family tried hard to make their living conditions even better, and now the house is slowly changing and becoming unrecognizable. This BPI student work has made great changes ,since now the house has running water and utilities. Thank you for being a blessing to this family, for giving new hope and fulfilling it!
Also thank you to Aldis Cimermanis for managing the work! 
(Financing: “Tuvu” charity shop)





Construction project 2015 Finished!

22 Sep, 2016, No comments

      Last week we celebrated the ending of the big summer construction project. Looking at the photos we return to a place which not long ago was in a catastrophic condition, and it seemed unbelievable that someone could live there. Unfortunately, for a family of 5 children, 3 of whom have mental disabilities, that was the reality. But now those are only memories because the house has completely changed. After the family was away for three days, on the day of their return many of us had tears in our eyes after seeing the family’s reaction when entering the house. At that moment we understood that it was hard, but totally worth it. And it’s not only because the family now has a beautifully renovated and safe house, it was wonderful to see that it changed the family’s relationships, it has given them a great willpower to continue working on their house. But the biggest joy was seeing the mom’s smile. We know her for several years but we never ha seen this family’s mommy smiling so much. We couldn't wait to make her happy, because her life at home with three sick children is unbelievably hard. At one moment she believed that she had lost hope for any positive changes. 
A huge THANK YOU to GAiN Germany and our 25 German friends for making this project a reality, we are very thankful! 
Thank you to Arthur Rawding and Klaus Dewald for patience while managing the project! 
Thank you to all charity shop “Tuvu” customers for involving in our work financially! 
Also thank you to Aldis Cimermanis and Viktors Rautmanis for the enthusiastic work even at night! 

The room of parents and their 6th-grader before... 


And after...


The room of parents and their 6th-grader (behind the closet is a bed and table for him too)...


The room of 3 children with disabilities before...  


And after...


The kitchen before... 



And after...


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