With a donation of nearly €185,929 or BGN 363,645, Fantastico clients supported a programme for a safer school and online environment for students in Bulgaria

January 2, 2026, Sofia: Nearly €185,929 or BGN 363,645 were donated by Fantastico customers in support of UNICEF Bulgaria's "Steps Together" programme, which works with teachers, students, and parents to prepare them for a safer and more positive school and digital environment.  For the fourth consecutive year, the fundraising campaign in support of this initiative was held in all supermarkets of the Bulgarian family retail chain.   
 
The funds raised with the support of customers and employees of the retail chain will be used to implement the "Steps Together programme of UNICEF and the Ministry of Education and Science, which helps schools build a safe, positive and supportive environment in which students, teachers and parents act together against any form of violence – offline and online. 

"I became a Peacemaker under UNICEF's Steps Together programme because I have been bullied and I want to help children and people around me not to be bullied. When they have a problem being listened to, they feel understood, loved and accepted. I believe that we should not be haters and no child should be subject to violence and online bullying." - Amalia Pancheva, 16 years old, Profiled High School "Dr. Ivan Panov" Berkovitsa

For six years in a row, FANTASTICO clients and employees have been helping to implement important UNICEF educational initiatives in Bulgaria – from supporting children with special needs to creating a safer and more positive learning and online environment. This year, again, cashiers in the chain's stores were among the most active advocates for UNICEF's cause for children.

"We thank FANTASTICO's customers and employees for once again supporting UNICEF's mission for a safer and more positive school and online environment. In today's digital world, education for online safety and digital skills is key, and together with our partners, we continue to take steps together towards a supportive and safe environment for every child," said Christina de Bruin, Representative of the United Nations Children's Fund in Bulgaria. 

"We would like to thank UNICEF Bulgaria for its sustained work on this very important issue – child safety and the prevention of all forms of aggression. We are aware that only comprehensive and long-term efforts can bring about major changes, which is why we continue to support projects that have a long-term vision and a plan for consistent action. I would like to thank all my colleagues and our customers who once again stood behind the "Steps Together" cause", said Vladimir Nikolov, Operational President and General Manager, FANTASTICO Group
 

In 2025, with the support of FANTASTICO's customers and employees, UNICEF's "Step Together" programme and the Ministry of Education and Science managed to reach 8,434 children in 42 schools and 4 kindergartens, who participated in emotion workshops, classroom workshops, self-help groups and initiatives for the prevention of online bullying and the development of digital literacy. Over 1,170 teachers, pedagogical counselors and school psychologists were trained to apply the whole-school approach, and nearly 500 parents actively participated in parent meetings, focus groups and workshops, thus contributing to more cohesive communities at school and in kindergarten.

In the next school year, the "Steps Together" programme continues to grow and aims to reach over 10,000 students and 2,000 specialists and to directly engage 2,000 and reach with messages more than 5 000 parents on the topics of developing a positive school environment, better digital literacy and children's skills to recognize and protect themselves from risks in the online space. 

*UNICEF does not commit to or recommend specific brands, products or services. 

About FANTASTICO GROUP

FANTASTICO GROUP is a Bulgarian family company founded in 1991 and owns 45 supermarkets, a shopping center, restaurants, bowling alleys and an event center.

The largest socially responsible initiative of FANTASTICO GROUP – "FANTASTICO NEXT TO YOU" supports causes in 6 key areas: education and culture; healthcare; supporting vulnerable groups; social entrepreneurship; sports; environment.