MK Group has donated more than 650,000 euros so far to the operations of the SOS Children’s Village Foundation in Serbia. On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, celebrated at the Miodrag Kostić Endowment – Palace of Science, MK Group and its President, Aleksandar Kostić, received special acknowledgments for their continuous support, partnership, and collaboration.
“Throughout the years, our work has developed in line with community needs and adapted to social changes and challenges. Through our programs, more than 116,000 children, youth, and adults have received some form of aid, support, or education. MK Group recognizes the genuine commitment of the SOS Children’s Village Foundation in providing every child with a safe childhood and an opportunity for a better future. The Kostić family has supported the care of children without parental care for decades, those who grew up in our families, the Youth Community, and the Independent Living Support Program. Now, we also support children and youth in biological families at risk and young mothers in the ‘Mothers and Babies Program.’ Our collaboration is more than just a partnership; it is a shared expression of solidarity, empathy, and social responsibility,” stated National Director Vesna Mraković.
“It is especially satisfying when you recognize and have the opportunity to support the work of a foundation focused on the well-being and improvement of the quality of life of the most vulnerable. The satisfaction is even greater when you know that this will be directed toward children, youth, and families. MK Group and its founder Miodrag Kostić have recognized the importance of the SOS Children’s Village Foundation from the very beginning, and it is our pleasure to be their partners in their humanitarian mission. I believe they will continue their activities with great success in the coming years, and we are here to help, support, and do everything we can to enable a better, more beautiful, and humane life,” said Aleksandra Stojanović, Director of Corporate Affairs at MK Group.
The international organization SOS Children’s Villages awarded Miodrag Kostić, the founder of MK Group, the Honor Badge in 2015, which represents one of the highest recognitions for humanitarian contribution. MK Group, along with its member companies, has donated more than 650,000 euros to this foundation for numerous projects and programs focusing on children and youth without parental care, emphasizing their employment and empowerment, as well as supporting families in improving their living conditions.
Among the most significant donations is a contribution of 200,000 euros for building a youth home in the SOS Children’s Village in Kraljevo. The 340-square-meter house has been home to a community of teenagers for years, providing them with the possibility for a more humane life. The house is now used for the “Support Program for Mothers and Babies,” for which the company donated an additional 300,000 euros for adaptation, equipping, and operation. The house in Kraljevo can accommodate seven mothers with their children, providing necessary health and material support, psychological support, and assistance for mothers in seeking employment and achieving independence, allowing them to care for themselves and their children sustainably after completing the program. Traditional support has also been provided to family strengthening centers, resulting in numerous activities aimed at improving living conditions, parenting competencies, ensuring better care and conditions for children’s upbringing, and preventing their separation from biological families. Over 130,000 euros have been donated to the Family Support Center in Raška, thanks to the Grand Kopaonik Hotel, which operates under MK Group. For years, the company has supported the work and activities of the SOS Children’s Village Foundation, within which numerous educational programs, inclusive workshops, winter outings in Kopaonik, and New Year’s packages for the youngest have been implemented.
In the next five years, MK Group will donate an additional 5 million euros for socially responsible activities, affirming that social responsibility is not just part of the business strategy, but the foundation of corporate culture. Through investments in the community, support for families, and care for the youngest, the company demonstrates that success is most valuable when shared with others.