The customers of the FANTASTICO supermarket chain donated 279 718 BGN for school without violence and bullying

January 5, 2023, Sofia – 279 718 BGN were donated by the customers of all 45 supermarkets FANTASTICO in the period December 1, 2022 - January 4, 2023 in support of the campaign "Support the team of the future - Children of Bulgaria. Steps Together to a school without violence". A very important role in the great success of the campaign have more than 700 cashiers in supermarkets, who devotedly joined the common cause of UNICEF and FANTASTICO for a safe school environment and prevention of bullying and violence at school.

The collected funds will support the qualitative growth of UNICEF's long-term program "Steps Together to a school without violence", which is implemented jointly with the Ministry of Education and Science, with the active participation of the entire school community, building on good practices and existing experience in the country. The goal is to cover another 200 schools with 1,000 teachers and reach 20,000 children in the next 2 years.

So far, within the "Steps Together” program, nearly 3,000 students from grades 1-12 have taken part in trainings to develop social-emotional skills (managing emotions, solving interpersonal problems, etc.), and some of the students have passed special training for "peacemakers" to help their peers. In addition, over 160 pedagogical specialists were trained to implement restorative approaches in school and were also supported with sessions for the prevention of professional burnout. Additional trainings were aimed at systematic work approach to improve interaction with all parents or work with a parent/s in a crisis situation, with more than 500 parents participating in thematic parent meetings and community events.

"A sincere thank you to FANTASTICO’s customers and employees who have embraced and supported our cause for a safe school environment and prevention of bullying and violence at school. Violence in school reduces school attendance and lowers academic performance. We believe that step by step and together we can achieve positive change for children, which will have a long-lasting effect on communities and society as a whole." said Christina de Bruin, UNICEF representative in Bulgaria.

"Effective prevention of violence among children requires long term sustained efforts. I would like to extend my gratitude to FANTASTICO’s customers and team for their support, and to UNICEF for their commitment to this very important topic." said Svetoslav Gavrilov, CEO of the company, on behalf of FANTASTICO.

About FANTASTICO supermarket chain

The supermarket chain FANTASTICO is a Bulgarian family company founded in 1991. The company operates 45 supermarkets and has over 3,000 employees. Thanks to its modern vision, the quality of goods and services offered, the rich assortment and the impeccable customer service, the chain is among the leading companies for trade of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).The company is strongly involved in various social causes in the field of education, healthcare, culture, vulnerable children and adults.