In the week before Easter, 83 Neterra employees donated their food vouchers, each worth BGN 60, to people in need. Beneficiaries include families left out of work because of the COVID-19 epidemic and mothers who raise their children alone. Neterra doubled the amount of the aid and thus the total donation reached BGN 10,000.
It all happened this way: as part of its corporate social responsibility policy, Neterra traditionally donates food vouchers for various holidays to its employees. Before Easter, all employees received an email saying the company would again contribute to their holiday with such a voucher. In response, one of Neterra's software developers, Martin Haylezov, wrote:
"Hello colleagues, I am writing to you regarding an idea that came to my mind today. I am grateful that I have a job and I will spend the holidays calm, but for many others, this will not be the case.
I will do the following: The voucher I received today as a gift from Neterra will be donated to people in need. Right now, because holidays are coming during difficult times. People have lost their jobs and have no income. I would be very pleased if there were other colleagues who would share my initiative, vote in confidence and decide to support me by donating their vouchers as well. Not much action is required for such a cause. I want it as fast and transparent as possible. "
Martin is a Facebook member of support groups for people who have difficulties because of the COVID-19 epidemic and has set out a clear plan for how the donations will be implemented.
Immediately after his e-mail, Neterra's owner and manager Neven Dilkov strongly supported the initiative, saying that for each donated voucher, Neterra will donate one more (or the amount thereof).
In just two hours more than 60% of the employees became involved and the value for products with the additional support of Neterra increased to nearly BGN 10,000.
The very next day, various people from Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Rakovski, Targovishte and other parts of the country received food vouchers from Neterra and its employees. Due to the large number of vouchers, sending is still ongoing.