The work of the charity Chard Project Romania, has been taken over by The Smiles Foundation.
24th January 1991 – The ‘Fraternity of Chard Churches (now Chard Churches Together) decided that the state of the orphanage we had found in Boarta, Seica Mare, was such that Chard must send a team to help them. No water in summer & 60 small children to look after.
Thirty-five years later the ‘orphanage crises’ are history but, sadly, the more remote rural areas of Transilvania still need help, & Project Romania has worked there ever since. But time caught up with us, & members grew OLD!
We needed a plan of succession & found a Christian charity, The Smiles Foundation. who took us under their wing and formalised an amalgamation on June 1st 2026.
In Spring 2026, Kevin Hoy (CEO) visited the people we serve in Seica Mare, & in June our wonderful manager, Florin, returned the visit.
But he didn’t go home empty-handed.
In Spring Kevin had met Maria Pascu in Buia, (supported by Health Seica, our medical needs programme). Kevin wrote in his next report, “My heart was truly tugged as I met Maria. Her husband had just been taken to hospital & she depends on him. Moving about is difficult, as is sorting a basket of daily meds. As I sat with her, a very distressed lady, her tears flowed. In Romania life still gets very hard for many people who’ve struggled all their life. I’m sure Smiles can help.”
When Florin returned from his visit, Kevin sent a wheelchair & walking frame back for Maria, from ‘Smiles’.
This year has been hard in many ways, but we know the Lord found Smiles Foundation for us, and that the people there will continue to be served by “PROJECT ROMANIA, SMILES”.
Kevin also wrote, “A busy but blessed time. We had an hour with the mayor, discussing a formal Partnership between Smiles & the Community. He was delighted & sent the Partnership Agreement to us within a week! I believe God has special plans for the future development of Outreach in Sibiu County.’
Project Romania, still using that name, is now in the ‘Outreach Pillar’ of Smiles Foundation. So, what about YOU ? You … are still vital & needed.
Visit The Smiles Foundation website. Read the news report at the start of each month; keep up your interest.Elena, and others, still need YOU.
