site.btaTheodora von Auersperg Foundation to Fund Animal Welfare, Child Protection, and Cultural Projects

The Theodora von Auersperg International Foundation (TvA) will support projects for animal protection, child assistance, and cultural initiatives, TvA founders announced at BTA’s National Press Club on Wednesday.

TvA is a non-governmental organization focused on animal care, child support, education, and cultural projects. Founded by Theodora von Auersperg in Vienna, it moved its headquarters to Sofia at the start of 2024.

"Our foundation is dedicated to supporting animals, helping children, and promoting cultural initiatives to create a more compassionate, just, and connected world. We are committed to these causes and aim to foster creativity and encourage cooperation between different cultures," said von Auersperg.

The foundation backs programmes that protect endangered species, rescue and rehabilitate animals, and educate people on humane treatment and environmental responsibility.

Conductor Vanya Moneva expressed that the foundation's launch was meaningful to her, as it made her feel part of a community dedicated to caring for children, nature, and animals. "The key is to teach children to love nature," Moneva said.

One of the foundation's goals is to improve the lives of disadvantaged children. The organization provides resources for education, healthcare, and emotional well-being through scholarships and health programmes.

Von Auersperg said that TvA's goal is to include art, culture, and humanitarian efforts in its events and programmes. It aims to foster creativity and promote cultural exchange through diverse and inclusive initiatives. She mentioned that the foundation is dedicated to supporting emerging artists, writers, and cultural leaders, and to encouraging intercultural understanding.

In its first year, TvA introduced an animal protection programme, offering financial aid to animal shelters and related charitable activities. It also launched a health and education project for children, which includes scholarships and support for kids in underprivileged areas. It also launched a global compassion initiative, uniting artists, cultural leaders, and organizations.

Von Auersperg mentioned that the initiative to organize various events comes from a desire to bring people together for a common cause. She hopes these events will connect with individuals on a deeper level. "I feel that we've all grown distant, each of us focusing only on ourselves. This self-centeredness is making us more isolated," she added.