33 Years of RAA: A story of people and lives saved
Thirty-three years ago, the Romania we know today seemed unattainable. The fall of the communist regime revealed the dire situation of abandoned children in orphanages, living in inhumane conditions that seemed straight out of a horror movie.
The story began to change when a handful of brave and determined individuals set out to bring light and hope into the lives of these children, laying the foundation for what we now call the Romanian Angel Appeal Foundation.
Since then, the organization has grown, adapted, and remained devoted to a single purpose: to help.
Our day is not just about the activities and projects we’ve implemented; it is equally about all the people of RAA, about the bricks each of them has laid in the construction we see today.
It all began with Olivia Harrison and the pain of children in Romanian orphanages
RAA was born as a humanitarian organization in a difficult social and economic context: thousands of forgotten children in orphanages, living in precarious conditions, deprived of kindness and love.
Upon learning about their suffering, Olivia Harrison, the wife of one of the four legendary Beatles, could not remain indifferent. In April 1990, she took a flight to Romania and made her first visit to the orphanages, the first of many to come.
What began with a donation gradually transformed into ongoing humanitarian aid.
Because problems are never simple, and their solutions are never confined to a single action, there was a need for a complex and continuous approach. Thus, a team was created in Bucharest that, for over 30 years, has been bringing change to the lives of the most vulnerable.
The foundation’s activities became more varied, including the renovation of orphanages and hospital wards, as well as financial support for other initiatives aimed at abandoned children, and HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns.
Growth and development: strengthening the RAA team and activities
As the years passed, the foundation developed, both in terms of its team and its capacity to respond to the increasingly complex needs of vulnerable communities.
Silvia Asandi, who has been with RAA from the beginning and is now the General Director of the organization, had to decide whether to carry on what Olivia had started or to end the foundation’s activities eight years after its inception.
“I took a risk, and I admit that I was afraid I wouldn’t succeed. But we did succeed, obviously not alone, but together with a handful of special people with whom we continued to build,” Silvia recalls.
Year after year, we became more involved, initially by addressing the HIV epidemic, which brought the model of daycare centers for HIV/AIDS patients to Romania, along with a multidisciplinary approach. We continued with actions and programs to combat tuberculosis, integrate children with special needs, provide non-formal education for young people, and support the mental health of adolescents.
Each success was made possible by the involvement and dedication of the team members, who believed in the organization’s mission and worked to carry it forward.
Over 33 years, we have faced multiple challenges, from economic crises to legislative or social changes. Despite this, we are still here, more motivated than ever to fulfill our mission.
We have learned to be flexible, to adapt, and to always find solutions to the obstacles we encounter.
Romanian Angel Appeal today
After 33 years of activity, although mature, we are in a constant state of change, always seeking to be flexible to current contexts.
We can only take pride in our achievements so far and look forward with confidence. We continue to be involved in impactful projects, to support communities, and to build a better future, brick by brick, together with all those who believe in us.
All these years of doing good would not have been possible without the dedication, passion, and hard work of everyone who has been and continues to be part of RAA. This day is about all of you, who have contributed to this story.
“Romanian Angel Appeal means more to me than just a workplace; it is a journey of the heart and soul. Over more than 30 years, I have had the privilege of being part of an extraordinary team that has not only changed lives but also built a community based on hope, solidarity, and respect for every person. Every project, every challenge, and every success has been a testament to the power of our collective work to transform the world into a better place. For me, RAA is synonymous with hope, courage, and dedication—a place where I have been able to grow and evolve alongside people who share the same vision of doing good.” – Silvia Asandi, General Director, RAA
Thank you for every moment of involvement and for every smile brought to the faces of those we have helped. We look forward with hope and determination, committed to continuing our good work.
Happy Anniversary!
