One of the programs NAWA is committed to (and is proud of) is charity, aimed at helping some of the less fortunate in Budapest as well as other worthwhile causes.
If you’re interested in supporting NAWA charities and would like to make a donation, contact nawacharitybp@gmail.com
NAWA’s Signature Charities
Bingo
Our Senior Bingo Program brings joy, connection, and a spark of friendly competition to two state-run senior homes where we regularly spend time playing bingo with the residents. What began as a simple game has grown into one of the most anticipated activities in both homes. The seniors light up the moment we arrive — greeting us with the kind of warmth that reminds us why these visits matter.
It’s only a game, but it’s also when the seniors feel engaged, energized, and fully part of something fun.
Winners receive small but meaningful prizes — toiletries, treats, and other comforts that make daily life just a little easier and a lot more enjoyable. These gifts are always received with gratitude and are funded from NAWA membership fees.
More than anything, our presence reminds the seniors that they are valued, remembered, and connected to a community that cares. Every visit strengthens relationships, lifts spirits, and brings a sense of joy that lasts long after the final number is called.
Adopt-A-Granny
Several times each year, NAWA brings together children (ages 9 to 16) from a local orphanage and seniors from a local retirement home. This program was created to offer “adoptive” grandparents and their grandchildren something that simple donations would not – love and attention. The events are planned in a setting where seniors and orphans can interact and form bonds – the aquarium, the zoo, the circus, a meal at McDonald’s (a very special treat for them), a visit to the Parliament, Christmas arts and crafts, Easter egg painting, Grandparents/Grandchildren Day celebrations, painting ceramics, and our most popular event, BINGO!
Since the program started more than twenty-five years ago, the most wonderful thing to see has been the long-lasting relationships that have developed between the seniors and the children – special bonds that make them feel that someone really cares.
These events can be fun for everybody, but for our group of orphans accompanied by their “adoptive grandparents” (residents from an old age home), these are rare moments of excitement, fun, joy, attention and affection.
All members are invited to attend one or all events with their children. It is a wonderful opportunity to share not just some time with NAWA friends but also to feel the heartwarming satisfaction of having made this possible.
If you interested in being involved in our Adopt-a-Granny program or would like more information, contact nawacharitybp@gmail.com
Mikulas “St. Nick” Gift Giving (our Christmas gift equivalent)
At NAWA’s November general meeting, members prepare gift bags which, with the help of NAWA volunteers, will be distributed in early December for approximately 200 residents of two senior homes and about 100 children from one orphanage. These volunteers, dressed festively, carol through the hallways of the senior’s and children’s homes. The smiles and sparkle in the eyes of the seniors and the children is all you need to know how much this means to them.
All are welcome and we would appreciate as many helpers as possible to make it a fun experience for both the children and the elderly. This is one occasion that everyone looks forward to.
If you interested in being involved in our Mikulas Gift Giving program or would like more information, contact nawacharitybp@gmail.com
NAWA’s Special Causes
Monies from fundraising events are allocated towards special charities that are decided by NAWA. The choice of charity from the proceeds of fundraisers are decided by the NAWA board with the support of the membership.
NAWA’s On-Going Activities and New Horizons
There are many worthy causes here in Hungary and one group that works to bridge the gap between the needs of the community and those of the local governments is the Salvation Army. While providing support to the needy they also teach and encourage members of the local community to continue this work.
Through participating in our volunteering activities and through donations of goods and/or money, we invite you to help us support not only the Salvation Army but those in our wider community who may not appear to be in urgent need, yet still benefit deeply from acts of kindness, connection, and compassion — according to your own personal preference and capacity.
On designated dates twice/year, we will collect donations at our general meetings, to be picked up by the Salvation Army. Please watch for information on the NAWA Announcements or contact nawacharitybp@gmail.com
Ways To Contribute
Join us! Share! Bring smiles of joy to seniors, orphans and all who need it, and share the good times with NAWA friends.
NAWA’s Surviving & Thriving: A Guide to Living in Budapest (S&T) is a perfect gift and proceeds go towards funding NAWA’s charities right here in Budapest.
The NAWA Charity programs greatly depend on the generosity and support of members of both the local and ex-pat communities. If you or your company is interested in supporting any of these financially, please contact: nawacharitybp@gmail.com
More information on NAWA’s charity events can be found in Facebook, in the NAWA Announcements and at our General Meetings, or contact our Charity Chair at nawacharitybp@gmail.com