
Happy man: your gifts were just what Shaban needed
Your gifts made him as happy as a child
As happy as a child – that is how 67-year-old Shaban was described by Roumen Ivanov who presented him with a Blythswood shoebox.
Since having a stroke five years ago, Shaban has difficulty in walking, in speaking and in looking after himself. With no family to help him he lives alone in a single-roomed dwelling in a small town an hour’s drive southeast of Sofia, Bulgaria.
“Shaban was so happy to find winter socks and gloves and a scarf which he needed right away,” Roumen says. “He hasn’t bought himself clothes for years. For these gifts and especially for the slippers he was as happy as a child.”
Shaban receives regular help from the social ministry of Mission Possible Bulgaria, a partner organisation of Blythswood Care. Twice a week, volunteers from the Roma church in Ihtiman bring him a hot meal and bread.