July 10, 2014 Afghanistan

Caritas CR launched a fundraising campaign for the families of the fallen paratroopers from Afghanis

In connection with the death of five paratroopers, Caritas CR launched a fundraising campaign to help the relatives of these brave individuals. Comrades in arms gave rise to this act. The collection is intended as an expression of appreciation for their work and for the principles of freedom and democracy this foreign mission defended.

Four Czech paratroopers died in the attack on Tuesday, July 8 at the mission in Afghanistan, the fifth was seriously wounded and died on Monday, July 14 in Prague. The fundraising campaign was launched at the initiative of the soldiers of the 41st mechanized battalion from Žatec and 43_rd Parachute Battalion from Chrudim (both formations are part of the 4^th Rapid Deployment Brigade).

Collection account:

Donations can be sent to the account of Caritas, number 44665522/0800 for Česká spořitelna, with variable number 916 (assistance to families in difficult situations). As of Wednesday, July 16, the collected funds amount to 1 363 839,61 CZK.

Captain Petr Fiala, a military chaplain of the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade Žatec speaks on camaraderie: “Immediately after the tragic news of the death and injury of our fellow, paratroopers decided to organize a collection for the families of these paratroopers as an expression of solidarity and respect for the sacrifices of their friends in the military service.”

He also spoke on the fundraising initiative: “By announced a collection as public, they also wanted to give the opportunity to others to express that we appreciate the service of paratroopers from the Czech Republic. Since it was not possible to organize a fundraising campaign in a short time on their own, without violating the law on public collections, we asked for help Caritas CR and thanks to its willingness and patronage, the entire project could start.” The collection is thus intended as recognition of the work of the paratroopers and the principles of freedom and democracy, they defended.

Lukáš Curylo, director of Caritas CR, shares the following about the tragedy in Afghanistan: “On behalf of Caritas, I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. At the same time, it is a great honour for us that the paratroopers chose our organization to open the collection. Within solidarity we disclaim statutory 5% overhead in favour of the bereaved families.”