Photo: belta.by

Dmitry Lukashenko, the Head of the Presidential Sports Club of Belarus, visited the Divin orphanage in Kobrin District as part of the Our Children national charity campaign.

The students of the orphanage watched a theatrical New Year performance. The kids sang and danced with Father Frost and Snow Maiden and played outdoor games. Dmitry Lukashenko with his wife and daughters took part in the children's entertainment program. “I would like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I am wishing you peace, kindness and optimism and all the best in the upcoming year,” Dmitry Lukashenko said.

The celebration traditionally wrapped up with the delivery of gifts. Apart from sweet treats, the guests gave the kids some educational toys. The orphanage also received a lawn mower. The children thanked the guests and gave them some New Year souvenirs. Today the Divin orphanage houses 29 children aged between 3 to 18. The environment is as close as possible to home. The parents of the majority of these children are either deprived of the parental rights or for some reason cannot take care of their children. “We host many guests, especially around New Year's time.

The kids are always looking forward to this holiday, writing letters to Father Frost and dreaming their wishes would come true. For them the most precious gift is seeing their dreams come true," said Natalia Porhacheva, the orphanage's director. “For the first time this year we have introduced a preschool group and specifically asked for gifts for pre-schoolers. We want to provide the young kids with as many toys and educational facilities as possible.” “The Our Children campaign is a very good tradition. Every child is entitled to happiness and magic, especially in the run-up to the New Year,” said Darya, Dmitry Lukashenko's middle daughter. Her elder sister Anastasia fully shares her opinion. The girl admitted to receiving lots of positive emotions at the Divin celebration and sending them in return.

“Such holidays are important to the kids. The atmosphere was very cozy and positive,” she added. The sisters revealed that New Year is one of the most anticipated holidays in their family. “Usually we all gather around a big table, cook our favorite dishes, watch interesting TV programs and concerts and put on mini-shows ourselves,” they said. "We also love the New Year's fortune-telling traditions," his youngest daughter Aleksandra added.

Belarus' Our Children New Year charity campaign will continue until 10 January.