May was one of those months when we found ourselves wondering more than once whether everything could still fit into our calendar. Between children, animals, seniors, trips, therapy sessions, and preparations for Children’s Day, every week brought its own challenges and its own reasons to smile.
👧👦 Getting Ready for Children’s Day
The month ended with our Children’s Day event, held on May 31st. We spent weeks looking for sponsors, volunteers, prizes, and activities, trying to make sure that every child who came to Dumbrava would have a special day to remember.
The result? Nearly 100 children attended the event, even though we had originally planned for around 50.
🎲 Children and Seniors Around the Same Table
Our monthly seniors’ gathering and the children’s games afternoon once again brought together different generations from the community. It was a few hours filled with conversations, stories, laughter, and games that reminded us that age differences matter far less than we often imagine.
🐕 Dog Walks
The dogs in our care enjoyed walks and quality time with our young volunteers. For them, these outings mean much more than exercise—they provide socialization, build trust, and increase their chances of finding a loving family.
🚴 Bicycle Rides
We are slowly restarting our bicycle rides with the children, giving them an opportunity to stay active, explore the area, and spend time outdoors in a healthy and enjoyable way.
🧠 Therapy Sessions
We continued to provide therapy sessions for children who need emotional support. For some of them, these meetings are the first place where they truly feel heard and understood.
✂️ Spay and Neuter Program
Our spay and neuter program continued throughout May. Every sterilization means fewer abandoned animals in the future and another step toward a more responsible community.
🐾 New Arrivals at Dumbrava
This month, on the very same day and from the very same village, we welcomed:
* 9 kittens found abandoned in a field, without their mother;
* 6 puppies in need of help.
Each of them arrived with their own needs, veterinary visits, treatments, and plenty of meals ahead of them. And, of course, they also brought a lot of work—and a lot of joy—for our volunteers and the children involved.
🚌 Trip to Săpânța, Sighet and Baia Mare
One of the highlights of the month was a day trip organized for the children. We visited Săpânța, Sighetu Marmației, and Baia Mare, discovered new places, learned new things, and spent a wonderful day together that we hope will stay with them for a long time.
🤝 Volunteers from Betfair Development Romania
This month, a team of volunteers from Betfair Development Romania spent a day at Dumbrava helping us take down an old shed, clean the children's playground, and care for the animals.
Their help made a real difference, allowing us to complete a task that has been on our mind for years. Thank you for your time, energy, and willingness to get involved. 💚🐾
❤️ Thank You
None of these activities would have been possible without our volunteers, donors, sponsors, and everyone who chooses to stand alongside Dumbrava lui Patrocle.
Whether you donated, drove children on the trip, walked a dog, provided food for the animals, or simply followed and shared our posts, you helped make everything we achieved in May possible.
We look forward to seeing you in June, with even more stories to tell. 🌳🐾