National Fundraising Campaign was launched today for reconstruction and adaptation of the premises as Pediatric Emergency Room within the Children's Hospital, which will provide better and timely health protection for children, namely patients up to 18 years. As part of the ongoing campaign under the motto "Help on Time", it is needed to collect 55.000 EUR. The Emergency Room will be located on the ground floor in the hospital, at an area of 130 m².

Patron of the National Campaign is the wife of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Ms. Maja Ivanova, who stated that there is nothing more valuable and precious than the life of a child.

"There is nothing more valuable and precious than the life of a child. I believe and expect that the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia will recognize this great and noble mission and action and will give huge support, regardless of their religious, ethnic or national origin, because children are our future, they always unite us. What personally may seem like a small contribution to us is surely a priceless contribution to those it is intended for. Seconds are very important in saving a child's life in the Emergency Room", Ms. Maja Ivanova said.

"Being responsible for the future generations and driven by the maternal instinct and the need to care for our children, and, above all, for their health, I have accepted, with great pleasure, the invitation to be the patron of this great and noble mission and action. I support this initiative, with sincere thought and with great enthusiasm, faith and hope that all of us present here today will do the best for our children, for our loved ones", Ms. Ivanova said at the press conference, and also expressed gratitude for the media support.

Campaign partners are the U.S. Ambassador's wife, Ms. Mary J. Wohlers, the Dutch Ambassador, Ms. Marriet Shuurman and Clay Buttemere, representing the NGO "LinkAcross".

The Hospital Director, Ms. Aspazija Sofijanova said that the funds are intended for renovation and adaptation of the hospital premises, electrical installation, ventilation, water supply, sewage and medical gasses systems. She said it would become a small, mini, hospital where children would immediately be treated.

"The funds are to be collected at the fundraising cocktail for VIPs under the auspices of the President's wife, Ms. Maja Ivanova, which will be held on April 2nd, 2013, at the Macedonian Cultural Center, as well as with personal donations at the phone number for this campaign – 14321", Ms. Sofijanova said.

The wife of the U.S. Ambassador, Ms. Mary J. Wohlers, said that she believes it is a very valuable investment because we are all investing in the lives of all future generations in Macedonia.

"As a nurse, I am aware that a child's life can be lost very quickly and that medical help is needed on time. This Emergency Room will allow grouping and diagnosis, treatment, and sending the child home after proper care is given or his admission in the hospital. The Campaign is an opportunity for the community members to demonstrate their civic responsibility with donations", Ms. Wohlers said.

Ambassador Shuurman stressed that the society can not prosper without civic activism and that everyone is obliged to be an active citizen. The slogan of the Dutch Embassy is "You Can if You Want". She urged all citizens, companies and institutions to donate funds and get involved in the implementation of the project for reconstruction and adaptation of the premises of the first Pediatric Emergency Room in Macedonia.