The birthday celebration featured a beautiful concert by the virtuoso pianist Andrejs Osokins and an inspiring lecture by Kārlis Bardelis, a world traveler and multiple Guinness World Record holder. The most active volunteers, who regularly participate in HospissLV projects, received a special pin that they can wear with pride every day, symbolizing their belonging to the “HospissLV” family. The most diligent volunteer this year was Gunita Mežniece, who almost every week visits two hospitals in Riga—the Bikernieki Palliative Care Unit and Riga’s 1st Hospital—and often even goes to style bedridden ladies' hair. Gunita and five other active “Festive Table” organizers were gifted the opportunity to enjoy a celebratory dinner at a restaurant. Many thanks for this opportunity to “Pavāru Māja” in Līgatne, the Italian restaurant “Italissimo,” as well as “Buržujs,” “Neiburgs,” and “Fabrikas restorāns.”
What would a birthday be without cakes? And not just one, but five! Just like Karlsson’s dream—one cake for every year! And these were special cakes, prepared by our loyal partners: “Vinetas un Allas kārumlāde” from Cēsis, supporting Vidzeme Hospital; Ventspils pastry shop “Al Rē” supporting the North Kurzeme Regional Hospital; “Lido” (providing cakes for the “Last Birthday” project celebrants); and “Lapsas māja”—a city restaurant that always responds to our requests to treat patients during special occasions. Every month, our volunteer Inese lovingly bakes delicious fruit tarts and healthy bread, and for the special occasion, she prepared a honey cake with cranberries!
But we didn't stop at 5, just like we don’t stop at what we’ve achieved! To ensure a successful and tasty year ahead, the sixth treat was a celebratory “kliņģeris” from “Liepkalni”—supporters of Vidzeme Hospital, whose treats are regularly enjoyed by Riga hospitals as well.
A big thank you to our major supporter “H2O Banketi” for their welcoming venue, warm hospitality, and delicious snacks.
